Resident of Oakland Mikel Laney McIntyre, 48, died unexpectedly on October 7, 2009, at his home. A service celebrating Mikel's life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 17, at the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) Hall, Local 304, 425 Roland Way, Oakland, Calif.

Mikel was born November 2, 1960, in Oakland, to Minnie Gibson Hayles. He graduated from Oakland High School in 1979 and later joined the LIUNA Local 304 as a proud construction laborer. He was a steadfast and loyal member, earning his money through hard work and sweat.

Mikel enjoyed fishing, camping and attending Oakland Raiders football games, as a die-hard fan. He will be missed greatly by his family, friends, and union brothers.

Mikel is survived by his wife, Laura Anne McIntyre, son Mikel L. McIntyre Jr. (Oakley, Calif.), daughter, Katrina M. Dowdell; grandsons Shaun A. Dowdell, Richard L. Dowdell IV and granddaughter Briana L.E. Dowdell (all of Denver, Colo.). He also leaves his grandmother Willie May Ball, mother Minnie, father Arthur Gibson Sr., brothers Arthur Jr. and Gregory, and sister Contessa Bunn, brothers and sisters-in-law, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers Ulice McIntyre and David Ball Sr. and his mother-in-law Elizabeth Ingram.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Heart Association or to a charity of your choice, in Mikel's name.