(Birth date unknown) - December 27, 2016

Michael David Fender, 50, son of David W. Fender and Joanne Sapp Fender, passed away on December 27, 2016, at his parents' home in Poway after a year-long battle with lung cancer. Michael was born in San Diego and grew up attending school in Poway. He graduated from Abraxas High School. As an adult, Michael pursued a life-long love of mining for precious gems and minerals in the San Diego back country. He enjoyed motorcycle and dune buggy rides in the foothills and desert, as well as skiing in the winter. His love of the outdoors extended to a passion for animals, particularly cats, both large and small. In his later years, Michael moved to Durango, CO, where he was employed by Home Depot. Michael is survived by his mother, Joanne Fender; and leaves behind five brothers, four sisters; as well as his long-time sweetheart, Radosveta Slavova of Sophia, Bulgaria.