Michael LaChance

July 27, 1946 - November 16, 2025

Michael LaChance, age 79, of Aliso Viejo, California, passed at the Providence Mission Hospital Hospice facility in Mission Viejo. Mike's passing was due to complications from pneumonia, a recent stroke, and dementia.

Born in Chicago, Mike was the beloved son of Janis and Joseph LaChance. Mike's life was filled with love and family. He met Kathy in 1993 when they were neighbors, and they quickly formed a deep connection, feeling they had found the loves of their lives. Mike and Kathy wed in Maui, Hawaii in 1997.His earlier marriage to Darlene Renaud blessed him with a daughter, Angelique. Following their divorce, Mike married Carol Schultz and welcomed two bonus children, Dutch and Carrie, from Carol's previous marriage. Mike cherished his children dearly. 

After graduating from South Pasadena High School he attended Saddleback College for two years. His passion for music led him to work in a record store during and after high school. Inspired by the mailman as a young boy, Mike began his career with the US Postal Service in Pasadena at age 20. He later transferred to Orange County, working as a mail route carrier and clerk for 35 years before retiring in 2001. Mike also served in the Naval Reserve for four years, stationed in San Diego, and took pride in serving his country.

Mike loved cars, especially powerful, fast ones. He owned an El Camino as a teenager, enjoyed cruising with friends in Pasadena, and later treasured his Mustang GT 5.0. Ford pickup trucks were also among his favorites. Mike was a devoted NASCAR fan, relishing the excitement of the races. He supported the Dodgers and Cardinals in baseball and was passionate about football, particularly the 49ers. Music was another of Mike's passions, spanning classic rock and roll, country western, and many other genres. He had an uncanny ability to name songs just by hearing them. Mike enjoyed photography, the outdoors, lighthouses, and beautiful sunsets. He was an avid reader, savoring mysteries and history books. Mike's love for animals was evident, with Maggie McSweeney, a sweet Havanese, holding a special place in his heart.

Mike embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ and was baptized in 2006 as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His faith was central in his life and he and Kathy were sealed for time and all eternity in the Newport Beach Temple in 2009. He actively participated in the Wood Canyon Ward in Aliso Viejo, serving as the building scheduler for the Laguna Niguel Stake for over nine years and preparing the weekly Sunday bulletin for sabbath day meetings. Known as a gentle giant, Mike was always willing to help anyone in need. He was deeply loved and cherished by all who knew him. Mike was a wonderful, loving husband, and father.

Mike is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughter, Angel (Ed) Gonzales, daughter, Carrie Alvi; son Dutch (Karyn) Schultz; and eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

Akes Family Funeral Home, December 2025