Michael John Severin

Michael John Severin passed away very peacefully on December 9, 2020.

Michael was born in Watsonville, CA on November 25, 1959 to Doug and Diane Severin. Michael attended local schools and graduated from Watsonville High School in 1977. Most of his life was spent on Bronson Street. Michael led a very full and active life. A talented athlete, builder, and woodworker, Michael could play, create, or fix just about anything.

Michael was an outstanding runner, lettering in Track & Field at Watsonville High. His true talent, and his heart however, will always belong to Rugby. Throughout the late 70's and 80's, Michael helped lead the Santa Cruz Rebels to many victories. His skill on the rugby pitch is legendary. Michael and his family loved skiing. The Severins all participated in nearly every SnowCats trip to Yosemite, and Michael followed in his Dad's footsteps as a National Ski Patrol volunteer patroller at Badger Pass and China Peak ski areas. An accomplished builder, Michael was known in the trades as "The Angle Man." There wasn't a corner, a roof pitch, or a curved doorway that he couldn't translate from blueprint to building. He often created a scale model birdhouse from leftover lumber for the new homeowners. Michael worked with Teen Challenge Monterey Bay for many years, cooking for and feeding staff and residents, repairing and remodeling program houses, coaching residents in their recovery and teaching construction skills so they could move forward in their lives. Michael was fortunate to find the love of his life right in his own neighborhood. He and Terry shared a love of dogs and road trips, finding joy in home cooked meals and snuggling in with their pups for a movie in the evening.

Michael was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Severin. He leaves behind his wife of 16 years, Teresa "Terry" Severin, his parents Doug & Diane Severin, Aunta Rosa Leva, and cousins Ruthie, Steven and Gary Leva.

Smart and helpful and very funny, with a firm handshake and a heart of gold, Michael will be missed. The family asks that remembrances in the form of donations be made to either Teen Challenge Monterey Bay, 111 Railroad Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076, or Watsonville High School Athletics, 250 E. Beach Street, Watsonville, CA 95075.

There will be a celebration of Michael's life in 2021 when it will be safe to do so.

Published in The Pajaronian · December 22, 2020