Mikel de Irala

Mikel de Irala, age 74, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 24, 2024 after a short battle with cancer. He was born of Basque heritage in St. Jean de Luz, France to the late Anton and Begoña de Irala. Dear brother of Xabier (Martine), Iziar (Jon), Andoni (Miren), Jon (Olatz), Jokin (Beatriz), and Ander (Itxaso). At the age of 12, his family moved to the Philippines, where he lived for 7 years. When his family returned to Europe, Mike chose to go to the United States. With only one suitcase, he arrived in the United States by himself when he was 19 years old. He completed his college education and earned his MBA at the University of Detroit Mercy. After over 30 years, he retired from Ford Motor Company as the Executive Director of Manufacturing and Powertrain Operations, in charge of 15 plants and 20,000 employees in three countries. Mike’s multilingual ability enabled him to reach and influence people all over the world. His career took him and his family to Hiroshima, Japan, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. He married Barbara on July 29, 1978 and they were devoted to each other for 46 years. He was the proud and dedicated father of Karen (Chris) Sabados, Anne, Paul (Martina), Sandra (Matt) Montaña, Mark (Jenni), John (Heather), James (Lindsay), Andrew, and Matthew. Mike was a man of great faith, integrity, generosity, adventure, courage, and intelligence. He loved being with people and was known for his dedication to his wife and family, huge smile, friendly personality, sense of humor, thoughtfulness, laughter, and concern for others. Throughout his recent illness, he never complained and faced each day with faith, humility, and strength. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, and reading. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his 9 children and 16 grandchildren. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation on Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 1:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home in Saline. A Rosary Service will be held that evening at 6:00 P.M. Visitation will continue on Friday, December 6, from 10:30 A.M. until 11:30 A.M. at the St. Andrew Catholic Church in Saline. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 A.M. with Fr. John Linden as Celebrant. Inurnment will take place following the Mass and will be held in the St. Andrew Church Columbarium. To continue his legacy through The de Irala Foundation, please make a check payable to: University of Detroit Mercy, 4001 W. McNichols Road, Detroit, MI 48221 Attn: Dennis Carlesso, University Adv. In the memo, please write: Mikel de Irala Scholarship. Or to support his other philanthropic endeavors, please donate to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html To leave a memory you have of Mikel, to sign his guestbook or for directions please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.

Tributes

Mikel de Irala

July 7, 1950 - November 24, 2024