Michael G. Gikas, age 82, entered into rest on June 10, 2014, in Manteca.  He was born on January 14, 1932, in Manteca to the late George and Mary Gikas.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor.
   Mike is survived by his children, Kent Gikas (Julie) of Stockton, Carol Reagor (Royce) of Manteca, and he was blessed with four grandchildren, Christopher Gikas of Los Gatos, Evan Gikas of Stockton, Alison Reagor of Manteca, and Allyse Reagor of Manteca.  He is also survived by his sister Irene Sephos, and many cousins, nieces and nephews here and in Greece.
   Mike’s father was a Greek immigrant who came to the United States in 1908, and moved to Manteca in 1928 where Mike was raised, attended schools, and pursued his passion for agriculture.  He studied viticulture and fermentation science at U. C. Davis, and served in the Army during the Korean War.
   Mike was strongly committed to the support and protection of agriculture.  He was an active participant for many years in Farm Bureau, Cal Farm Insurance Board, Grape Improvement Association, Delta Water Users Association, as well committing his time to organizations such as California Women for Agriculture, California Grange, Elks Club, Manteca Chamber, and the Manteca-Lathrop Rural Fire District where he served as a District Director for 20 years. A lifetime of service to agriculture was acknowledged in 2005 with his induction into the Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Mike was always willing to help a neighbor, and always willing to serve his community.
   PL Fry & Son Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Gikas family. A Chapel service will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2014, at 11 a.m., at PL Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Road, Manteca.  Final resting place will be at Park View Cemetery, 3661 E. French Camp Road, Manteca.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SJFB Foundation for Agricultural Education, 3290 Ad Art Rd., Stockton, CA  94215, San Joaquin County Historical Society & Museum, PO Box 30, Lodi, CA 95241-0030, Manteca Historical Society, PO Box 907, Manteca, CA  95336, or a charity of choice. An online guest book is available at www.plfryandson.com.

Manteca ( Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday June 14, 2014
Monday, June 16, 2014