Michael Ryan "Mike" Rosecrans, 42, died August 27, 2012 in Glendora, California, with his family by his side.  Michael was born August 23, 1970 in Pasadena.  In 1971 he moved with his family to Michigan for three years before returning to California where he was raised in his home town of South Pasadena.

As a young boy, Michael was an avid member of Indian Guides, and as he grew he enjoyed working on carpentry and car projects with his dad; frequently visited the beaches and the mountains, loved his pets, became an avid cook by the age of 15, and built a motorcycle by himself.  He was an adoring and affectionate son to his mother, and a best friend to his sister.  He seemed to be born laughing--always a class clown, enthusiastic, bringing happiness to anyone he could.  He made friends easily and was a confidante to many.

Michael had his share of personal trials but overcame them with the unconditional love of his family and friends who never let him give up.  He grew into a passionate, sensitive, and strong young man and dreamed of someday having a family of his own.

In 1989, at the age of 19, Michael was the victim of an unsolved violent crime in South Pasadena.  A gun shot wound resulted in a traumatic head injury that left him permanently disabled.

He will forever be known as a "Hero"; someone who went to any length to make you laugh, to make you feel loved, to do anything he could to rescue you if you were in need, no matter the cost.  He was a true friend and dearly loved.  Even during the last two decades of his life, though he lay in a severely brain-injured state, he greatly impacted the people around him and was considered a friend to many who hadn't known him prior to his accident.

Michael is survived by his mother, Alma McMichael, his step-father, Don McMichael; his sister, Kimberly Coxwell (SPHS '83); and his niece, Ryan Escamilla.  He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Rosecrans.