There was nobody like Michael. This IS truly a loss for everyone who knew him. He is everything positive, kind, and good hearted that is being said about him.

I met hm two years ago when he was the coach for my son Benji's U6 AYSO soccer team, the Red Ninjas. He was always positive, calm, and encouraging to the boys and to the rest of us dad's as we helped him during practices and Saturday games.

Michael was the type of guy that if he was not your best friend, you wanted him to be. Always a good listener, he was the epitome of a loving giver. I feel incredibly blessed to have participated in coaching our boys together two years ago.

He never mentioned anything about his career as a lawyer to us, or his multiple other volunteer positions, or anything about his standing in the larger Camarillo community. When my wife and I happened to see him moderating a debate amongst candidates one night on the local TV channel we were amazed but not surprised. "Is that OUR coach Michael?" we asked. "It is."

We just knew him as Christian's dad, the great guy who volunteered to coach our boys' soccer team. Never ONCE did he talk about his professional career. or all of his service positions throughout the community. He was an incredibly humble. The best ones always are.

My wife Hani, and I will always remember Michael Lavenant. I sincerely mean this when I say that his example will always be a living part of me. Thank you, Michael, for all you gave to me and the boys and everyone. Thank you.

I can see why there were hundreds of people at his memorial service today. He had a profound effect on all of us. I will always remember Michael's loving example for as long as I live. I really cannot believe he has moved on now. I think I am still in shock, because I only l learned of it today at about noon, when reading an article about it in the community paper.

There are certain men that I have known of in my life that transcend reality in there greatness. For me that always was Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. But Michael is the first and only contemporary of mine, someone I actually knew, that to me, is in that same rarified class. That supreme giver class.

Dana, please know that our hearts are with you and the children, as well as with Michael. God blessed us all with your Michael. A truly amazing, unforgettable "mensch" of a man. There is no one who will ever replace this loving, patient, gifted man.