Michael John Fournier

Michael John Fournier was born on February 4th, 1968. He lived in Southern California for most of his life. He attended Charter Oak High School, there he began many life-long friendships, but none were more important and special to him than a bright-eyed cheerleader named Leanne.  Mike never wavered from two of his life's goals; 1st: he told his parents when he was 6-years old that he wanted to fly helicopters, 2nd: He knew early on, that Leanne Lomonaco was the "pretty girl" he wanted for his wife.

Following his high school years, Mike coached football at both his Alma Mater, Charter Oak H.S. and Covina High school  where he mentored many amazing young players. As a testament to Mike’s character and will, he took a job working at Chick's Sporting Goods to help fund the hours of flight school he would need to obtain his pilot’s license.  Mike could only afford one hour of flight time per session, driving over 100 miles to tackle his goal. In typical Mike fashion, he accomplished this goal and lived out his years livin’ the dream working for Mercy Air, So. Calif. Edison, Redding Air, Guardian Helicopters, Inc. and L.A. County Fire. On August 19, 2020 Mike died in a helicopter accident doing two of the things he dearly loved, flying a helicopter and helping people.

In 1995, he married his high school sweetheart, and the love of his life, Leanne. Together they formed an incredible family with the other two sweethearts in his life, Mikena and Rylee. Mike loved manly sports and excelled at whatever he set his mind to do, both physically and mentally. Even though, he was a true man’s man, he was a "Girl Dad" to the core. He was a proud Dad to his favorite soccer player, Mikena and the ultimate cheerleader for Rylee as she flipped and danced through her gymnastics routines during weekend competitions. His three girls were his life, it was not uncommon for him tear up as he talked about how much he loved them.

Mike had a smile that would light up ten rooms. He was that guy that you secretly resented because he was naturally good, if not great at everything he did, often on the first try. He loved the outdoors, he was a masterful skier, wake boarder, rock climber, and a participant in Ironman races. Mike and Leanne loved their family and friends at CynGym CrossFit , they used fitness as an opportunity to spend time together and to enjoy their family and friends in positive and healthy environment. Mike thrived with the CynGym family, as they helped propel him to incredible achievements as a CrossFit competitor.

Mike was a very special man; he was a mentor to many and a friend to all. It was not uncommon for Mike to show up at home with no shoes on because he gave them to a homeless man who he felt needed them. It would be impossible to detail the work this man did for people during his life. Mike made people feel special because, every soul was truly special to him. He understood what it was like to need help at an early age, so he made it his life’s work to make sure he would always be there for people that needed him.

Mike leaned on his strong faith in the Lord to help him with the trying times and to provide him a compass when navigating his busy family through life. When people met Mike, they knew they were in the presence of someone special, simply put, he left you wanting to be a better person. He never let people down, if Mike said he’d be there, he would always show up for the occasion. Last week, we lost a true angel. One who thought he was nothing more than an ordinary man, who was trying to be a better person. Mike can never be replaced, but Mike would want each of us to carry on, and to treat people the way he treated them, with respect, love, and kindness.

Mike leaves behind his wife LeAnne, daughters, Mikena and Rylee. His father John (Jack) and step-mother Juanita  Fournier, Sisters, Lisa Fournier, and Tina Adams, Mother-in Law, Diane Lomonaco, and numerous loving Sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and extended family and so very many friends. His Mother, Nancy Fournier preceded him in death.  #LOVELIKEMIKE

Soldier of God

Sometimes we see men, who stand out from the rest

Angels from heaven, the best of the best

Daddys and husbands and friends to us all

Geared up for the flight, they’re heros on call

Never looking for praise, not even a call

They show up each day to give us their all

One lesson you taught with kindness and care

Is life’s greatest heros are loving and fair

Your days were cut short with work left to do

God now has some duties, reserved only for you

Life leaves us with questions, this passing is one

With the power of angels your work will get done

Soldiers of God they see light in our eyes

They witness potential and forgive all our lies

They stand a bit taller, maybe larger than life

Losing these soldiers can cut like a knife

Behind the closed doors with lights turned down low

You did your best work, much more than we know

When you entered a room, the aura would spike

How much better our world, if we’d be more like Mike

Fireman's Prayer

When I am called to duty, God
Wherever flames may rage
Please give me the strength to save a life
Whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person from
The horror of that fate.
 

Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout,
and quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out.
 

I want to fill my calling
And to give the best in me,
To guard my friend and neighbor
And protect their property.
 

And, if, according to my fate,
I have to lose my life,
Please bless, with your protecting hand,
My children and my wife.

 

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