Miguel Corrales

Miguel Corrales was born in 1956 in Pasadena, California, to Joe Corrales, Jr. and Ruth (Rodriguez) Corrales. He passed away peacefully on August 24, 2020 in El Cajon, California. He was 64.

As a young child, his family moved from Pasadena to San Diego, California.

He was a graduate of Bonita Vista High School where he excelled in his academics and played the clarinet in the high school band.

He was blessed with musical talent and his instruments of choice were the clarinet and saxophone. He spent time listening to Miles Davis and John Coltrane as well as other great jazz musicians.

Miguel was a visionary. While at Southwestern College, in Chula Vista, he studied horticulture and had a talent for knowing which soil composition best promoted healthy plants. Years before sustainability became commonplace, Miguel built himself a compost bin to cultivate rich organic soil. He also created a beautiful Japanese garden for his family to enjoy.

Miguel later became a developed draftsman while employed by Fluor Corporation, an engineering firm, located in Irvine, California.

Miguel later experienced health issues which required assisted living. He remained resilient and was a person of great faith never losing his zest for life. His loving and kind spirit shined through his endless smiles.

One of his biggest joys was visiting with family and friends. He especially looked forward to the holidays and enjoying home cooked meals with loved ones – homemade tamales during Christmas and New Years was one of his favorites and sending out Christmas cards promptly after Thanksgiving Day was a tradition for him.

Miguel is preceded in death by his mother, Ruth (Rodriguez) Corrales, and is survived by his father, Joe Corrales, Jr., El Cajon; his siblings, Stephen (Monique), Truckee, and Lisa Ann (John), Tennessee; his nephews and nieces, Stephen Joseph, San Diego, James, Napa Valley, Amber (Quincy), Truckee, Jessica Ruth, Truckee, Charles, Montana; and numerous other relatives and friends. To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers and memories of a life shared with Miguel, a loved son, brother, uncle, and friend.

The family shares our thoughts, prayers, and memories of Miguel’s life. He continues to be a loved son, brother, uncle, and friend.

A memorial will be held in Miguel’s memory. Details will follow once the date has been determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, New York, New York at 800-829-8289 or donate.bbrfoundation.org, in memory of Miguel Corrales.