Michael Alcala

Michael Alcala, 54 of Houston, TX, passed away on December 9, 2015 in Houston. Michael was born in Santa Monica, CA on May 5, 1961 to Arnaldo and Bonnie Alcala. He lettered on the varsity Water Polo team at Crespi Carmelite High School and graduated from Thousand Oaks High School. During his senior year in high school he began studies at Moorpark College. He went on to earn a degree in Fashion Design and International Business from Moorpark College and extended studies from Woodbury University and UCLA. Michael's hard work and dedication at Woodbury University in Los Angeles was recognized when he became the runner up for the prestigious Coty Award. He designed hand knit fashion wear under the Michael A label for several years; his designs were worn by members of Full House, New Kids on the Block and sold in major stores such as Tooties and Saks 5th Avenue. In the early 1990's Michael relocated to San Francisco, CA starting his career as a talented makeup artist and product specialist for the House of Chanel. Michael moved to Texas where he started the Cle de Peau business line for Neiman Marcus at The Galleria. His love of Art Deco, jazz music, cooking and catering gave him inspiration. Michael traveled the world and will be remembered as a caring and generous soul that loved life. Michael devoted his talent and energy to the YES Prep Public School and Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School mentoring and building confidence in the many students. Michael is preceeded in death by his father, Arnaldo Alcala and Uncle Monch, mentor and supporter of swim meets and water polo matches in California. He is also preceeded in death by his grandparents and other relatives. Michael is survived by his mother, Bonnie Ford of Houston, TX. His many aunts and uncles including Mendy and Ed Ruth of Thousand Oaks, CA, Gail Tassey of Austin, TX, Toni and Bob Taylor of Bakersfield, CA, Helena MacLachlan of New Smyrna Beach, FL, Jack Kelley of AZ, Hershel Tassey of Paige, TX, Alice Peterson of WA, and Antonia Lamoureux of CO. His cousins Robin and spouse Jim Penney, Jason Chamlee, Kathy and spouse Ivar Reimanis, Allison and spouse John Patterson, Pamela and spouse Scott Dye, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Lamoureux, Monica Pizannie, Lisa Davis, Eddie and spouse Jessica Ruth, Angela and spouse Garth McDowall, Valerie and spouse Jeff Yeager. The family extends their gratitude to the numerous friends and family members who have provided comfort and prayers. Michael always inspired others to live life to the fullest. Funeral service will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church on December 19, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. 1801 Sage Rd. Houston, Texas 77056 Interment will follow in the spring in California. Flowers can be delivered to Distinctive Life Cremations and Funerals at 11660 West Heimer Rd. #119, Houston, TX 77077 on Friday, December 18, 2015 during the hours of 9:00 A.M.- 3:30 P.M. or donations can be made in Michael's honor to either Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School at 6700 Mount Carmel St., Houston, TX 77087 or the YES Prep Public School Student Opportunities Program at 6201 Bonhomme Rd. STE 168 Houston, TX 77036 Michael Alcala, age 54, passed away in Houston, TX. For information on the service, please visit /obituaries/ - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?n=michael-alcala&pid=176829694&fhid=30934#sthash.OGjapgkH.dpufMicaelMichael Alcala, age 54, passed away in Houston, TX. For information on the service, please visit /obituaries/ - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?n=michael-alcala&pid=176829694&fhid=30934#sthash.OGjapgkH.dpufMichael Alcala, age 54, passed away in Houston, TX. For information on the service, please visit /obituaries/ - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?n=michael-alcala&pid=176829694&fhid=30934#sthash.OGjapgkH.dpuf