Michael Kan was born October 7, 1954 in Los Angeles, California to Sam Kan and Mabel Ng. He is the middle of three, raised in South Pasadena where he graduated from SPHS in 1972. He continued his studies at the University of Oregon and graduated in 1976 with a degree in architecture. He would eventually establish his own architecture firm.

Later in life, Michael met Gigi Yee. The two married in 1984 and had two daughters, Jazmin (SPHS '11) and Savanah (SPHS '16). The family would eventually move from San Pedro to South Pasadena. In 1989, Michael switched career paths from architecture to a new business practice and passion in Primerica Financial Services. He found new fulfillment through the business, working alongside his closest friends. He would continue to work for the following 30 years opening offices in both Southern California and the Pacific Northwest.

Michael had passions for cooking and barbecuing, traveling, and caring for freshwater fish. He loved music and finding unique art pieces of all forms. He enjoyed these activities both individually and with loved ones. Ultimately, he often took time throughout his life encouraging others to explore outside of their comfort zones. He saw potential in each and every friend and looked forward to their future accomplishments. He appreciated life's challenges, the appeal in everyone being able to make a difference.

Michael was a man of many values. He believed in family and the importance of spending time together. He often would turn ordinary day errands into adventures with his family, filled with cherished jokes and laughter. He appreciated his friends and was the heart of any gathering.

He showed his love not only through words, but his actions. Michael heavily participated in several organizations such as Band of Brothers, Great Leap, or the University of Oregon Asian and Pacific American Student Union. In any organization Michael chose to participate in, his hard work and dedication to not only the group's mission, but the people within, shown through.

Michael valued kindness and respect and would never leave a conversation or event without having learned something. He would take words of inspiration to heart, and was sure to pass on the message.

As of August 14, 2018, he joins his parents, sister Sharilyn (SPHS '74), and brother, Wesley (SPHS '71) in heaven. He is remembered by his wife Gigi, and daughters Jazmin and Savannah, his great friends and close colleagues.