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Since the news of the death of Michael Edward Rose, many people have recalled his good work in helping troubled young people through his private counseling practice he operated in Pleasanton.

Born in 1962, Mr. Rose was the son of Betty S. Rose and the late Jack W. Rose of Pleasanton. He attended schools in Pleasanton and graduated from Valley High School in 1980. After graduation, he joined in the U. S. Coast Guard and served four years mainly on the USS Taney as an electronic technician.

After attending Las Positas College, he attended San Francisco State University, where he earned the degree of Bachelor of Arts in clinical psychology in 1994, graduating Cum Laude. In 1997 he was awarded the degree of Master of Social Work by San Jose State University.

For five years he was a counselor at Santa Clara County Juvenile Center, where it became clear to him that helping troubles juveniles and their families was his life’s work. He then pursued that goal in private practice in Pleasanton. That was what he was doing until his death.

He is survived by his mother of Pleasanton, and brother Kenneth, sister-in-law Mishell, niece Coral, and nephews Nicholas and Nathaniel, all of Fallbrook, Calif.

Private services will be held to honor and to celebrate his life.

–Emily West

–Emily West

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12 Comments

  1. I supppose this means that the family is chosing to have a private ceramony to celebrate Michael’s life???? I so was hoping that the public would be able to go and pay their respects and celebrate in Michael’s life too. He did so much for so many families and it’s tough to think of him as GONE!! There’s no closure for so many of us.
    Oh well…. God bless Michael Rest in peace and thank you for all your wonderful work while on this earth.

  2. Cheryl I too would have liked to have been able to have gone to a celebration of Mike’s life. I too am having a tough time believing he is gone. Closure, good bye and thanks for your help would have been great.

  3. Cheryl, If you go to the previous article and comments He had a friend Jeff would would like to set up a memorial for one of the parks in honour of Michael.

    Here is Jeff’s comment: Posted by Jeff Schneider, a resident of the Pleasanton Meadows neighborhood, 4 hours ago

    My name is Jeff Schneider. Michael and I were best friends. We’ve had an ongoing friendship for 32 years. He was like a brother to me. Whenever we had troubles we would call each other. I would like to set up a memorial for him and put it in one of Pleasanton’s parks. This is a really hard time for me now. I will miss him so dearly. I am so proud of him for the things he could do to save others life. So goodbye brother. I’ll see you later. If anyone has any ideas, please give us a call, Jeff or Julie. (916) 543-4339

  4. R.I.P Michael Edward Rose Peace be with You, Friend
    I shall surely Miss You and your Smile. I met Michael almost thirty years ago from the old Neighborhood and Friends that lived in the Jensen / Kolln st tract. Peace be with All of You, His Friends, old P-town Friends. Vaya con Dios. S.A

  5. Michael, you were real & told it like it is! You were a big help to me as well as my family. I can’t believe you are not with us anymore, however, your words of wisdom will always remain with us. Rest-in-peace: you will be sorely missed! I think we all can say we have learned really good things from you!!!

  6. Hi Jeff! Please keep me posted on the memorial for Michael. I know you must be having a tough time with all this and missing him!
    Do you have any idea why his family chose to have a private celebration of his life?
    I agree with Steve in that Michael’s words of wisdom will stick with me forever as well as my teenagers who use to see him too. I still can’t believe he’s gone!!!

    Cheryl

  7. Cheryl,
    I understand how allot of you must feel , but please think of the fact he was someone’s Son and no Mother wants to see her children go before her . This has been so hard on her, it was all she could handel . Michael and I have been best friends for over 15 years we had the best time at the fair the weekend before this happened , I will never be the same my heart is truly broken and so is Jeff’s.
    Jeff and I will let all of you know what we will be doing, right now our focus is on helping his Mom .
    We will need help when a plan is in place and would love the help of those of you that want and need to be apart of it.
    I would also like to say that everyones thoughts have been a great comfort for his family and us ….Keep his good works going !
    Cindy

  8. I would love to be a part of his celebration of life my e-mail is mamabyrd1966@yahoo. I have so many wonderful memories of michael. He guided me through so many difficult times in my life. My heart breaks for his family and all those who knew him. Please e-mail me. This as been so difficult.

  10. Cindy and Jeff,

    I am so glad Michael had you in his life. I too was a client of Michael’s who was taken in by his zest for life. I would also like to be notified of a memorial. my number is 925-719-9409

  11. I thank all of you for sharing your warm feelings toward Mike. They mean a lot to me. He was devoted to helping kids and their families.

  12. We found Mike to be so insightful refreshing and fun, it was so hard to find the right person for my son, we knew he was a special soul when we met him. He wanted me to share with another parent how I have worked with my son on a more Holistic natural model which does include space clearing. If this parent knows who they are than feel free to contact me at nlc9@comcast.net and I will be more than happy to share, also the book the Magnificent Mind at any age by Daniel Amen would be great reading. We would like to be there for the park sharing so please let us know…Much Love to his family and friends***

  16. I too would also like to be apart of the memorial for Michael, my email address is spdukleth@sbcglobal.net. If there is anything my family can do, please let us know. Also I would like to volunteer my service’s in making a memorial video if the family is interested. My prayers are with all of you.

  17. I too would like to be notified of a public service for Michael. lmanjarrezmfti@yahoo.com. I cannot believe he is gone. He had such a warm and caring spirit. He stood up for my children when no one else would, and they are safe today because of it. I owe him so much and I will not forget him. My thoughts are with all of you.

  18. So, many are waiting for this public show of affection for Micheal but maybe not as much as he himself….. Why the delay? He deserves to be acknowledge for the work that he did that he loved!Call us at 925-577-4777 Thank-You~

  19. This has been such a tragedy, please respect our decision for a private ceremony. Michael was in the Coast Guard, they are providing a place for Mike’s ashes. When we know the information on that we will let all who are interested know. I appreciate the input and support for Michael’s memorial. First I need to find out what the city will allow. As Cindy said, right now we are focusing on helping his mom get through this. As soon as we have any info on the memorial, we will get the information to you all. Thank you. Jeff

  20. If any of you still feel strongly about the private service for Michael, please give me a call and we’ll talk about it. (916)543-4339. Thanks Jeff

  21. I miss you so much…I’m glad I told you how much I love you.We had a great day at the fair it was the last time I saw you. I miss your laugh ,your smile and those eyes.You can’t read this, I don’t know why I’m on here. I’m having a bad day knowing you’ll never call me again.
    Peace and Love Baby .
    See you when I come home

    Tell the people in your life how you feel about them every chance you get.

  23. One of our songs we used to love by Steely Dan ” Home at last ”

    I know this super highway
    This bright familiar sun
    I guess that Im the lucky one
    Who wrote that tired sea song
    Set on this peaceful shore
    You think youve heard this one before

    Well the danger on the rocks is surely past
    Still I remain tied to the mast
    Could it be that I have found my home at last
    Home at last

    She serves the smooth retsina
    She keeps me safe and warm
    Its just the calm before the storm
    Call in my reservation
    So long hey thanks my friend
    I guess Ill try my luck again

    Well the danger on the rocks is surely past
    Still I remain tied to the mast
    Could it be that I have found my home at last
    Home at last

  24. Michael Rose was a very kind and talented counselor. He was a friend to our family and went above and beyond his job to take our calls and fit us in his busy schedule. We are very saddened by his death. We will miss him very much. Our deepest condolences to Michael’s mom, and friends Cindy and Jeff. Please know that Michael made a difference in our lives. His time on this earth was too short, but it was more meaningful than most. “To live this world a bit better…that is to have succeeded.” We wish you much strength during this time. You are in our thoughts and we are sending you positive energy as Michael taught us to do.

    Goodbye, Michael. Thanks for all you have done for us. We are in a better place in our lives because of you. We will never forget you. We hope you are in a peaceful place and wish you well on your continued journey.

  25. Today I learned of Michael’s all to soon passing and with great sorrow I send my condolences to his mother and good friends. Michael gave me hope, support and guidance when faced with some unexpected challenges of life with raising children. He always took my calls or was quick to get back to me and made room in his hectic schedule because he knew it was important to my family. He gave us ideas and guidance on how to cope with the bumps in the road which we continue to draw from everyday. Michael was someone that I felt would always be there for us whether we saw him every week or every few months. It’s been about awhile since we last saw him and just last week I had wanted to give him a call just so I could give him an update. Learning of his death today definitely both saddens and reminds me how quickly life changes unexpectedly. I’m thankful and grateful to him for how he helped us and will not ever forget his impact in my family.

  26. I am an Alameda County Probation Officer who met Mike Rose five years ago. He was providing counseling for the Juvenile Caseload I took over. For five years, Mike and I went to countless home visits and school visits. He helped many families and their children. In my ten years as a Probation Officer, I found that Mike Rose, unlike anyone else, was able to make an impact and a difference in the lives of troubled youth. He loved the work and was very motivated. When a kid would miss an appointment, or when a parent didn’t know where their kid was at the time, he would ride around on his motorcycle and find them. He got kids back in school, off drugs, and helped them get jobs. He got them to finish their community service and helped them successfully complete probation. No matter how difficult the family or their situation, no matter what difficulties would come within the program, or problems in the school, Mike kept working and fought for the kids and kept after them to improve. All of the juveniles, no matter how tough or how sophisticated would talk to Mike and listen to his advice. He made an impact, he made a difference, he helped many people, and he served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard. It was an honor to know him. ebraun@acgov.org

  28. We met Michael two years ago and I concur with everything written about him. He was a wonderful person and very good with my sons. He was passioante about his work and wanted to make a difference to people’s lives. I learned of his death yesterday and I am still in shock as are my sons.
    Michael thanks for everything you did for us. We will always remember your advise and how you wnet above the course of duty to help us.
    Pray God grant you eternal peace.

  33. It’s almost a year since I saw you last, it feels like a week sometimes. I miss you Mike .
    Does time really heal anything ?

  34. I can truely say Michael saved my life! Its been a year and I’m 18 now and I still wonder what would have happened to me if he hadn’t helped me stop my crazy living. I had been to over 10 counselors since i was 8 untill age 16 and Michael was the only one who could get through to me and save me from repededly going back to jail and the rapid drug use…. So thank you. Its because of you I’m still alive…

  35. Mike and I were in the Coast Guard together in New York City on Governor’s Island for Electronics Technician School in 1980/81.
    We were young and NYC was fantastic –
    Had the time of our lives.
    Rest in peace Mike. –
    – Larry
    facebook.com/Linn.Larry
    (I had to select one of the neighborhoods listed in order to post this. I actually live in Seattle.)

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