June 17, 1968 - October 5, 2026

Michael Albert Newkirk, 58, passed away on October 5, 2026, at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, California, from complications following an automobile accident.

Born at St. Francis Hospital in Lynwood, California, to Cathy Lucille Moulton and Donald Lee Newkirk, Michael primarily grew up in Downey, CA. He attended Montessori Elementary School, Gallatin Elementary School, East Middle School, and graduated as a proud Viking from Downey High School in 1986. Sports and friendships filled those years. Always loving to be a member of a team, with his best friends he played water polo, wrestled, and played JV and varsity football, wearing number 58.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Michael served as a Green Beret with the 10th Special Forces Group from 1986 to 1990. A machinist by trade, he worked in aerospace for Allied Mechanical and MOOG, and ended his career at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (METRO), where he planned to retire.

Adventurous, athletic, endlessly curious, and incredibly funny, Michael loved reading, motorcycles, history, music, sports, and the open road. He made friends wherever he traveled and had a remarkable gift for making others feel valued, appreciated and welcome. Above all, he loved his wife, Rachel, and dog, Delilah, with whom he lived in the Miracle Mile neighborhood of LA.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Rachel Malkenhorst-Newkirk; his father, Donald Lee Newkirk; his half-brother, Chase Ferguson; his in-laws, Vivian and Bruce Malkenhorst Sr.; and his extended Malkenhorst family.

## Funeral Services

**Wednesday, October 28, 2026**

St. Wilfrid of York Episcopal Church,

Huntington Beach, California

**11:00 a.m.** – Viewing

**12:00 p.m.** – Funeral Service with Military Honors

A luncheon celebrating Michael’s life will follow the service.

## Cremation and Interment

Cremation is scheduled for October 31, 2026. Michael will be interred at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, California, at a later date.

California, for the October 28 funeral service. Please arrange for delivery prior to the viewing at 11:00 a.m.