Editor’s Note:

Miles Bailer Armstead’s life tragically ended at his property in East Oakland as a result of the all-to-common violence in our community. He was taken away from his family of four children, a wife and parents. We are publishing his family’s beautiful tribute to the man who faithfully sought to serve others.

Miles Bailer Armstead was a devoted son, husband, father, youth sports coach, church leader, professional networker, wealth management private banker—not to mention, die-hard New York Giants fan. He enriched all our lives with his big personality, infectious energy, enthusiasm, compassion, competitiveness, wit, fun-loving nature and love of family.

Miles was born November 20, 1975 in Manhattan, New York to Bonnie Bailer, an educator and attorney and Dennis Armstead, an artists’ manager. Miles started his education at St. John the Divine’s Cathedral School and continued his education at the prestigious Thacher School in Ojai, CA. He would go on to earn his B.S. in Political Science from the University of San Francisco (USF).

At 13, Miles recovered from two major surgeries that could have caused blindness and permanent brain damage. By age 19, Miles had traveled to 19 countries learning a deep love and appreciation for different cultures.

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After graduating from USF, Miles began his professional career in business finance sales for such companies as Bank of America, Wells Fargo and most recently, Fremont Bank where he achieved many awards.

In 2002, Miles married his college sweetheart, Alexandra Leigh Brown. They raised three beautiful children (Chloe, Quinn and Elle). Although the marriage ended 11 years later, Miles remained a devoted, caring and compassionate father.

In 2017, Miles married his life partner Melina Ann Esquilin and loved Melina’s daughter, Isabella, as his own. Miles and Melina are expecting their first child together in August.

Miles, a sports enthusiast, was also a PTA board member, classroom volunteer, and the father that played on the jungle gym in his suit and tie. However, what he loved most was being an assistant coach for two years and then head soccer coach for six years with the Oakland Soccer Club.

Miles always took on leadership roles with various volunteer networks including the Sigma Alpha Epsilon International Fraternity, the Black Student Union, the Multicultural Student Union and was active with the Associated Students of USF the Business Network International, Embarcadero Chapter and the exclusive ProVisors business network.

He partnered with his wife Melina to lead multiple annual 24-Hour Relays at Oakland Technical High School—supporting the Ever Forward Club’s youth mentorship program.

In the spring of 2019, Miles and Melina made the ultimate family and church commitment and joined their current pastors as part of their Core Team to serve the city of Oakland by opening The Fathers House Oakland (TFH Oakland), an untraditional church helping people experience God, find family and live a life fulfilled—a mission that encompassed Miles’ life to the end.

Miles’ desire was to fill the foyer of Grand Lake Theater with the love of God and community. He greeted each parishioner by name as they returned every Sunday. Miles’ mark and legacy for the love of God, service, team, family and Oakland will continue to live on through TFH Oakland, his children, co-workers, friends, and family.

Miles is survived by his wife Melina, children—Chloe, Quinn, Elle and Isabella, mother, Bonnie Bailer and her husband Philmore Glover, father, Dennis Armstead and his wife Ingrid, brother Bradley and his wife Lisa Jean, brother, Terence and his wife Sandra, sister, Stephanie Douglas and her husband Jeff, mother-in-law, Judith Caliz, grandmother, Marvelyne Bailer and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and his dog, Macho.

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