Mike Kaiser

Mike Kaiser 1940 – 2017. A brilliant mind, a passion for the legal system and all it stands for, a thoughtful protector of his family, a quiet, humorous, and successful attorney and judge all describe Mike Kaiser. Born in 1940 in Monroe, Michigan, Mike passed away in his hometown of Redlands, California on January 24, 2017 following a battle with Alzheimer’s.

Mike’s true legacy is defined by his love of his family and his love of the law. Mike lived his life treating everyone fairly and impartially with the highest standard of care and compassion.  After earning his undergraduate degree from San Francisco State College (now University) in 1966 and a Juris Doctorate from Golden Gate College School of Law, San Francisco California in 1968, Mike built a career as a trial lawyer in the law firm of Chase, Rotchford, Drukker & Bogust. After 18 years with the same law firm, Mike joined Redwine and Sherrill for a couple of years before Governor Deukmejian appointed him Judge of the Superior Court in Riverside in 1989. Mike was reelected until he served the court for 18 years before retiring in 2007. Mike was the 2002 recipient of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court Award for excellence as a trial lawyer and outstanding service to the justice system.

Mike was an Eagle Scout and took to heart the Boy Scouts of America slogan “Do a Good Turn Daily.”  He gave freely of his time to help others, and over the years a range of charitable and not-for-profit organizations benefitted from his passion and insight including Redlands Legal Assistance, Board of Directors San Andreas Council of Camp Fire Girls, Redlands Junior Tennis Development, Board of Directors Riverside County Bar, Board of Directors Youth Service Center, Board of Directors Redlands Community Hospital as well as Adjunct Professor, University of La Verne College of Law.

Mike will be best remembered for the love, devotion, and wisdom given quietly and unconditionally to his family and friends.  Mike was a quiet romantic who loved and cherished his wife of 55 years, Pat Lydon Kaiser, to whom he was steadfastly devoted. Their love for each other shined brightest the last couple of years as they took care of each other.  Mike delighted in nothing more than time spent in the company of close friends and family.  He spent his spare time snow or water skiing, playing tennis, golfing and sometimes talking to his golf ball when he thought it was not being fair or impartial.  With a hearty laugh, he loved a good joke, and was an exuberant and strong leader on the dance floor.  A dedicated family man, Mike took pride in the achievements of his daughter, Cheryl Kaiser, and his son, Tim Kaiser.   He took great care in personally selecting cards and drafting notes for birthdays and special occasions for his children and their spouses.  Ever the Eagle Scout, Mike was unflinchingly honest, courageous, loyal and sincere.  His characteristic unwavering integrity served as an inspiration to the many who sought his counsel and friendship, but particularly to his grandchildren.  Even as young babies, they were whispered pearls of wisdom by their Papa Mike.  He passed along to all of them his voracious love of reading, and impressed upon them insights needed to always make good choices in life regardless of circumstances faced.

Mike was predeceased by his father, Wesley Kaiser and his mother, Vivienne Kaiser. He is survived by his wife Pat Kaiser, his daughter Cheryl Kaiser and her husband Matt Keowen of San Ramon; his son Tim Kaiser and his wife Keri Kaiser of Dallas; his four grandchildren Connor and McKenna Keowen and Max and Emma Kaiser.  He is also survived by his brothers: Evan Kaiser and wife Patricia of Marysville, WA, Gary Kaiser and wife Sammie of Manhattan Beach, and his sister Janet Kaski of Pinole.  He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Francis Anderson of Pleasanton, Donna Westphalen of Dublin, and Sheila Kelly and her husband Mike of Mission Viejo, and his brother-in-law Michael Lydon and his wife Elizabeth of Pensacola, FL.   He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as scores of friends and colleagues who love him dearly, will miss him forever, and are blessed to have had Mike in their lives.  The family wishes to thank Everett Walls who was a caring companion and driver for Mike, Marcy Gonzalez for keeping Mike’s body strong, and the many caregivers with ComForCare, Blosssom Grove, and VITAS Hospice who cared for Mike with compassion and generosity.

The family will announce a service date soon please check the Emerson Bartlett website for updated information.  In lieu of flowers Mike’s family requests donations be made in his name to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (www.curealz.org).

Memorial Services will be held Thursday February 2nd at 11:30 am at Emmerson Bartlett Memorial Chapel. 703 Brookside Ave, Redlands, Ca 92373.