Michael Reginald Trotman's Obituary
Michael Reginald Trotman was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 7,1956 to Paul and Una Trotman. He was one of four siblings – Angelina Grandison, Paulina Van, and Neil Trotman.
In 1969, the family relocated from Brooklyn, New York to San Francisco, California where Michael attended middle school and high school.
In 1978, Michael married Alicia Prater and from that union two children were born Michael Trotman Jr. (who unfortunately passed away due to premature birth) and Michaela Trotman. Michael and Alicia loved to take trips to Fresno and New York to spend time with family, and also loved hosting parties at their home.
Michael worked for 18 years at Kaiser Permanente as a ward secretary. It is here that he met his life-long friend Neil Serrano. They were godfather’s to each other’s children and maintained a special friendship for over 30 years.
In 2014, Michael began experiencing health challenges. One thing he was proud of was being able to overcome them to walk his daughter, Michaela, down the aisle for her wedding in May of that year.
Michael truly loved the Lord. In his gentle manner, he encouraged others to follow God’s teachings, especially that of forgiveness. He read the Bible several times a day, holding devotional sessions with just him and God. He’d often text Bible verses to others if he felt it would help them. In the background one could always hear his gospel music. His gospel music selection was huge and was kept in all formats -cassette tapes (yes, he still had a cassette tape player), VHS, CDs, and DVDs.
Michael was a ferocious reader about current events and an avid listener of KNBR Newstalk radio. He knew and talked about worldwide events with ease.
Michael was the life of the party and loved making people laugh. Some of his favorite things to do were playing dominos, cards, and watching sports. He faithfully watched his hometown teams the Oakland A’s, Raiders, and Golden State Warriors. Michael also loved having people over the house to serve them up his signature fried chicken.
He was known in the family for his daily phone call checkups, birthday reminders, and funny, memorable phrases such as: the loud greeting “wassup boooyyy” when talking to any of his male friends and family, saying “that’s another talk show” when something required a long explanation, “whate” meaning whatever, and referring to people that did something wrong as “a cold piece of work”!
Michael’s charming personality and generosity made a lasting impression with whomever he came in contact. Michael’s love for his family extended to a handful of incredibly special friends, such as Cindy Schmidt, “Lee Lee” Brown, Bruce Brown, and Rev. Dave Sabb.
Michael was proceeded in death by his parents, Una Kelly and Paul Trotman-Hall, his son, Michael Trotman Jr., and his brother, Neil Trotman.
He is survived by his daughter Michaela Trotman Dumlao (Marques), grandsons Jackson and Harley Dumlao, sisters Angelina Grandison and Paulina Van-Grisham (Arnold), nephew Kevin Lillard (Simret), niece Angelica Van, great nieces: Bella, Lia and Delina Lillard, great nephews Kevin Jr. and Andre Lillard, and a host of family and friends.
Jesus said, “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away (John 6:37). Michael left an indelible mark on all those whose lives he touched through his thoughtfulness, generosity, wisdom, love for others. He will fondly and lovingly live in our hearts and minds.
Our celebration of life service for Michael Trotman will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at
1 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, California, 94611. His remains will be reverently interred during a private ceremony at the same location.
What’s your fondest memory of Michael?
What’s a lesson you learned from Michael?
Share a story where Michael's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Michael you’ll never forget.
How did Michael make you smile?