Michael Elwood Black

Native Napan Michael Elwood Black went to be with Jesus our Lord and Savior on April 13, 2015.

Michael was born November 14, 1942 to Marjorie Ann Slack-Black and Elwood Lloyd Black, at the Parks Victory Hospital located on Jefferson Street in Napa CA. He was raised in Napa by his Mother and Stepfather William “Bill” Magrie. Michael graduated from Napa High School in 1960. He continued his education at Napa Junior College, and Healds Business College attaining a degree in Business Administration.

Forty-seven years ago in 1968, Michael married his wife Carol. Together they raised two children, Annette Black Villa and Garrett Black.

Michael owned and operated Napa Car Wash on Main Street, until Redevelopment bought him out in 1976. At that time he remodeled the Sam Kee Laundry building, then known as Andrews Meat Market and Deli. Retrofit requirements in 2000, Michael remodeled the building a second time—it is now known as Vintner’s Collective. After the August 2014 earthquake, Michael found himself for a third time rebuilding the old Sam Kee Laundry building. Michael was so proud of this historical building and its place in Napa history.

Michael had a career in the wine industry, working with Simi Winery Healdsburg, from 1980 to 1995 where he achieved the title of Vice President of Vineyard Development and Management. Michael was also a Consultant on Vineyard Development, Management and Operations. He worked with St. Supery and many other wineries in the Napa Valley.

Michael loved the vineyard development side of the wine industry so much, he decided to grow his own Merlot and Pinot Noir Vineyards. What started as a hobby is now a thriving part of the Napa Valley wine industry.

Michael also loved the outdoors, camping and fishing and going to Lake Almanor with family and friends. Other favorites were salmon fishing at Shelter Cove with good friend Bob Kulas and deer hunting at Circle Oaks, Nevada, Colorado and Idaho.

Michael enjoyed solving the world’s problems with his swimming crew at Healthquest and his coffee club at the bagel shop.

Michael will be best remembered for his honesty, integrity, and love for his wife and children.

Michael is survived by his wife Carol, children Annette (Frank) Villa and Garrett (Andrea) Black; grandchildren Isabella, Wyatt, Frank and Carly Villa, Brayden Black, Michaela and Madison Grim; sister Dianne (Ralph “Bud”) Cravea; mother-in-law Ramona West; sister-in-law Marilyn Moore; great-grandchildren; nephews and many cousins.

Michael loved God, his family and our country. We will miss him and all he has meant to us.

Celebration of life will be held for Michael on May 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m., Tulocay Cemetery, Coombsville Road, Napa, CA.

Please come share your stories and memories of Michael.

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