Michael Simenstad

1942-2025

Michael died February 16, 2025, at his home in Maui with his wife at his side.

Michael was born in San Francisco on July 21, 1942. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Sedger Simenstad and Archibald Mann Simenstad. He is survived by his wife, Renée Guerra Simenstad, his sister, Geraldine Conners, his six children; Alexander, Eric (Jordan), Elizabeth (Jacob), Hillary, Christopher and Michael; two stepchildren, Chelsea and Ashley (Daniel); four step grandchildren, Johnny, Cole, Declan and Nora; and a new grandchild, Natalie.

Michael grew up in San Francisco, the Far East and San Rafael. After graduating from San Rafael High School, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. After the Marines he went on to graduate from the California Maritime Academy and followed in his father’s footsteps as a merchant seaman. Mike started his career sailing around the world, became Captain, then went on to a long career as a Maritime Pilot in the San Francisco Bay. A love of history and politics was balanced by being a lifetime athlete enjoying running, biking, hiking, and swimming. As a 55 year member of the Olympic Club in San Francisco, Mike was an avid handball player playing in many tournaments through the years.

A professed beach lover, Mike spent the last 15 years living the winters in Maui and the summers in Lake Tahoe, sunning, swimming and playing handball. Mike was very close to his children and had many close friends from all the different parts of his life who loved him very much.

A funeral will be forthcoming at his beloved outdoor church, Trinity-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, in Kihei, Hawaii where his remains will be interred. The family requests that any donations go to the American Heart Association.

Aloha Mike, we love you!