Michael Ladd

Michael Ladd, a lifelong resident of Benicia, California, passed away on April 20, 2025, at the age of 65. He was a man of strength, dry humor, and dirt-under-his-fingernails work ethic—a combination that made him both a legend on the job site and a treasure at the dinner table. For over 40 years, Michael worked in underground construction, mastering heavy equipment and pipe laying with the kind of skill and precision that made you wonder if he’d been born with a backhoe in one hand and a shovel in the other. He never boasted, but everyone knew: if it was underground and needed doing, Mike could do it better than anyone else. Outside of work, he lived for the great outdoors. Whether it was ripping through the dirt on an off-road motorcycle or breathing in the thin air of the Colorado Rockies with his son, Travis, Michael felt most at home surrounded by mountains, pine trees, and the thrill of adventure. He had a particular fondness for jeeping over high mountain passes—especially the ones that made your knuckles white and your GPS give up. Ironically, Mike was scared of heights and made his son drive. A lifelong 49ers fan, Michael approached football season with the same commitment he gave to everything else in life: intensely loyal, occasionally loud, and always with snacks nearby. Speaking of which—he loved food, especially sweets. If there was a pie nearby, there was a good chance it wasn’t going to be nearby for long. In high school, Michael was a track star, once blazing through the 400m fast enough to set school records. Decades later, he still insisted he could outrun you—he just chose not to. Growing up, Mike enjoyed being an older brother to Greg and Steve. Whether it was friendly teasing, backyard adventures, or simply leading the way, he cherished the bond they shared. The three boys always kept their parents on their toes. He and his beloved wife, Linda, were married for 45 years. High school sweethearts who grew up side by side and never looked back. Together, they were passionate Bocce Ball players. Whether they were dominating a local league match or just enjoying the game with friends, Michael loved the camaraderie, competition, and, of course, the post-game laughs with his team. But above all, Michael loved his family. He cherished the road trips and quiet moments with Linda, who was his favorite travel companion and partner in everything. One of their most memorable trips was to Salt Lake City—a getaway filled with laughter, beautiful scenery, and the kind of easy joy that came from simply being together. He beamed with pride watching his daughter, Jennifer, grow from a determined college student into the successful, driven woman she is today—and always enjoyed hearing about the adventures and stories from Travis’s career. Michael leaves behind a legacy of hard work, great stories, and even greater love. He will be missed more than words can say—and remembered every time we take the scenic route, cheer for the Niners, toss a bocce ball, or sneak an extra dessert. Michael is survived by his Wife (Linda Ladd), Son and Daughter in Law (Travis and Jariel Ladd), Daughter and Son in Law (Jennifer and Tyson Noska), Mother and Father (Donald and Norma Ladd), Brother (Steve Ladd), Mother in Law (Doris McGrew), Brother and Sister in Law (Harold and Charlotte Alberts), his Grand-Dogs (Forty-Niner, Axel, and Ollie) and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother (Gregory G. Ladd) and Sister in Law (Stephanie Ladd). We will have a graveside service on Saturday, April 26th at 11:00 AM at the Benicia City Cemetery. Immediately following, we will gather downstairs at the Vet's Hall on First Street for a Celebration of Life.

Michael Ladd

August 7, 1959 - April 20, 2025