Mike was born on July 25, 1967, to Tony and Mary Helen Contreras. He grew up in Austin and graduated from LBJ High School. When he was still in school, Mike started working for Buck’s Bikes on Springdale Road. He started off as a “tube boy,” and rapidly progressed to more advanced bike repair and selling bikes. Within a few years he was promoted to manager of the bike shop’s Round Rock location. When Buck’s Bikes opened their San Marcos location, Mike was the manager of that store. Buck’s was the official sponsor of the Southwest Texas State Bike Team, of which Mike was very proud. Bike team members spent a lot of time in the shop, fixing their own bikes, or just chatting and eating lunch at the counter. In 1995, Mike married Cindy Hobson. Their San Marcos home became a favorite place for Mike to entertain and barbeque. Mike turned the large backyard from an old hay field to a flowering paradise, complete with a koi pond. His yard was named Spring Lake Garden Club Garden of the Month.
Mike had the privilege and responsibility of being a stay-at-home dad to his two kids, Elizabeth and Noah. Being able to spend time with his kids like that, when they were so young, was a priceless gift to all of them. Elizabeth and Noah were the best things that ever happened to Mike, and he knew it and valued it. During those years, Mike owned and operated Uncle Mikey’s Lawn Service to supplement the family income. He also worked part-time at his church, First Baptist Church of San Marcos. In 2012, Mike and Cindy divorced. For several years he worked for Texas State University, before leaving that position and working fulltime for First Baptist Church. He was employed there when he became ill and passed away in 2019.
Mike enjoyed a great many things in life, especially when he was younger and had better health. He liked to try different fishing holes all around Central Texas, including the San Marcos and Guadalupe Rivers. He was happy to catch a fish, no matter how small! He loved the holidays, especially Christmas, and would spend hours decorating the house inside and out. He loved family, so naturally family and holiday traditions went together. He liked to have a party and invite everyone he knew. He also loved to bring the kids to their friends’ birthday parties, to the Sights and Sounds of Christmas festival, to the jamaica at St. John’s Catholic Church, and on and on. He never lost that childlike wonder and excitement, and he especially enjoyed sharing the fun with his own kids. He loved the beach and going to Port Aransas became a summer tradition. Taking a flashlight and a bucket out on the beach at night to catch sand crabs was mandatory. Riding on the ferry and visiting the Texas State Aquarium were part of the fun. He loved watching the kids in their school programs, and at their basketball games and other activities. His kindness and friendliness were apparent to everyone who met him and set an example from which we all can learn.
A celebration of life reception will be held to honor Mike on Sunday, April 28, from 4 to 6 p.m., at First Baptist Church of San Marcos, 325 West McCarty Lane.
