06/25/2021
Michael D. Shinault
7/17/1955 - 6/18/2021
Michael David Shinault was born July 17, 1955 to David and Maxine Shinault in San Jose, CA. The young family returned to their hometown of Delano shortly thereafter and David became a Wasco police officer. In 1961, David was killed in the line of duty, leaving his young widow with Michael and his two younger sisters, Michelle and Melanie. The following year, Maxine married Dwight Kennedy and in 1963, Michael was excited when his baby brother, Ron, was born.
Michael grew up in Bakersfield, attending several different elementary schools and graduating from West High School in 1973. He attended Bakersfield College where he first laid eyes on the girl in “flip flops and short shorts” who would eventually become his wife. He transferred to Cal State Bakersfield and earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1977. While at CSB, he became friends with that girl from BC, Patrice Suorez, and with his future business partner, Larry Baker. Upon graduation, they all went their separate ways but remained friends. Michael went to work in the accounting field for several local companies including Sun World, Carl Livsey, CPA and Earl Dunstan.
In 1981, the time and circumstances were such that he decided to finally take a chance and see if maybe his friendship with Patrice could develop into something more. It did not take long for her to realize that the happiness she had hoped for had been within reach for many years. They were married on September 11, 1982. It was a marriage built on love, faith in God, mutual respect, and devotion to family. From 1983 to 1988, their family grew as they were blessed with Meghan, Gregory, Kristin and Katelyn. His kids were his life. Michael was so proud and loved that each had qualities that made them unique and absolutely perfect. His four grandkids were the icing on the cake. He repeatedly said that he led a very blessed life.
Earl Dunstan was a wonderful friend and mentor. Earl wished him well and Patrice fully supported him when Michael decided to venture out and start his own business in 1984. The business was certainly not an immediate success. In fact, he hadn’t even passed the CPA exam at that point. But with sheer determination, Michael passed the exam and became a CPA and also earned a master’s degree in taxation from Golden Gate University. Larry Baker joined him in the business and together they established Shinault Baker & Company, CPAs. In 2000, Michael passed the Series 7 and Series 66 exams which allowed him to become a broker-dealer and investment advisor in the financial services industry and he founded SBC Financial Services Company.
Michael loved meeting with clients in both businesses. It was important to him to provide quality accounting, tax, and financial advising services but it was just as important that his clients knew that he cared deeply about who they were. As one person said, “I will always cherish my tax appointments with him where we ended up talking more about life than taxes.”
For almost thirty years, martial arts were an integral part of Michael’s life. He was an active member in the International Kokondo Association, having earned the rank of Sandan in karate and Nidan in jujitsu. He was a sensei to many in the local BKA dojo and he was bestowed a special honor by the IKA for his support of the system and for being a great example of what the Association stands for.
Michael passed away somewhat unexpectedly on June 18, 2021, from complications related to his 8-year battle with CLL. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, patience, encouragement, inspiration, support, humility, forgiveness, integrity, and love. His family is heart broken to lose the rock that was their husband, dad, and papa.
Left to treasure the memories of this very special man are Patrice and his children, Meghan and Josh Lansing, Gregory Shinault and Tasia Raymer, Kristin Shinault and Grant Frick, Katelyn and Dustin Gairrison. His adored grandkids, Jack and Emmy Lansing, Macilyn and Colton Regan. His dad, Dwight Kennedy. Siblings, Melanie Lynn (Bruce, Connor and David), Michelle Shinaullt (Monica McCarthy), Ron Kennedy (Pi Sun). The Shinault Baker family, Gilli families, Kokondo family, and Suorez family.
As he always said to Gregory when dropping him off at the train station or airport after a visit, “I miss you already.”
