Michael Padilla

Michael Richard Padilla - June 11, 1976 – April 6, 2023

Our loving brother and son, Michael Richard Padilla, born on June 11, 1976, left this earth on April 6, 2023. Since the day mom brought him home from St. Vincent’s hospital in Santa Fe, Michael shared his gifts of love, light, and optimism with everyone.  Michael always marched to the beat of his own drum and lived life on his terms.  Our brother Michael was  kind, gentle and always had a smile on his face and in his heart. 

The Bible tells us that God knows the time of our birth and the time of our death, and He has even appointed it. Job 14:5 says “Man’s days are determined; you (God) have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed”. There is no understanding of God’s timing, except that for Michael’s family and friends, Michael’s time on this earth was truly not enough.  There is a hole in our hearts and in our lives. 

Michael was a born leader and had such a magnetism that people were immediately drawn to him.  As a senior in high school, Michael was the St. Michael’s High School Student Body First Vice-President, and he was elected President of the New Mexico State Student Council 1993-94, and was elected Governor of the NM Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session sponsored by the National Hispanic Institute. 

Michael moved to Los Angeles in 1994.  He lived his life with abandon, he was honest and unapologetic about loving life and living it to the fullest.  He followed his dream and even had a small part in the third Austin Powers film. At a young age, Michael found his way to management positions in retail and secured a management position with the Apple store in Santa Monica.  Living with his brothers, Chris and Jerry, the Padilla brothers lived on the edge, and somehow created their own clocks, often referred to as “Padilla time”.

In 1995, Michael was blessed with a son, Dayton.  As a young father, Michael fought to maintain shared custody of Dayton and made sure that little “Day” had the Padilla name.  Dayton was the apple of his eye.  And ours.

Throughout his life, Michael fought other battles.  In 2010 Michael had a life-changing accident that left him with a permanent disability ultimately costing him the lower part of his left leg. Michael never gave up, he never complained, and he always kept a smile on his face... And even when life got really tough, he was an inspiration, made us smile, and always thought about others. Michael always “saw” people, especially those who often feel invisible - the man/woman on the street holding a sign, the incarcerated, or children who live with disabilities.  He was kind and generous, always finding a way to give, even if it was the last dollar in his pocket.

Michael was raised in a family that was built on the foundation of family and faith. In the family room of his mother’s home, Michael - in constant pain and discomfort - gave his life to the Lord.  Asking God to guide him and use the rest of his life to help others, Michael had daily prayers of gratitude.  Michael truly saw the sun, the trees, the wind, and all living things as reminders of God’s great love for us.  Our lives are truly richer because of him, and are now darker without his shining light.

Michael loved unconditionally. He loved his family; his dear Pam; his son, Dayton; his truest friends, and life itself.  And all loved him. Life with Michael had its joys, and its challenges.  There is a bond that will never be broken .   There is an emptiness now, a hole in our hearts that only Michael could fill. We will all cherish him and the way he made each of us feel special and completely loved.  He witnessed our lives, celebrated who we are, and cheered us on. 

Michael’s life on this earth ended too soon, but his love will endure all things.  Michael was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Padilla, who passed away only three weeks and four days prior.  They are together always. Michael knew Dad didn’t want to be lonely, so he said “I’m here Dad”.

Michael is survived by his loving mother, Patricia; his son, Dayton; his five siblings Dennis Ray, Cindy (Mark), Randy, Chris, and Jerry (Christy); nephews and nieces Melissa (Supo), Scott, Matthew (Marielle); great nieces and nephews, Izaura, Jai, Jaxson, Zeke, Nyah, Isaiah, Xander and Xavier. 

The Padilla family is truly grateful for all who loved Michael along his journey and we know, that he too, loved you. 

“My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:15). Jesus came to give us life—life right now, and life in the world to come. 

Memorial and internment will be on June 30, 2023 at 10:30 am at the Kiva Chapel at Rivera's Family Funeral Home/Memorial Gardens.  Michael and his father Dennis will be interned together following the memorial.  A reception will follow at Santa Maria de la Paz Parish Center, 11 College Dr. Santa Fe, NM.