Michael Francis O’Connell, 56 years old, died September 8, 2014 while backpacking in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

Mike was born in Iowa City, Iowa to William James and Margaret Ann O’Connell (Golden) on January 6, 1958.  He was the elder brother to Timothy, Maureen and Molly.  His family moved to Coronado, California in 1965 and as Michael grew up, he was an active member of Boy Scout Troop 801 where his life-long love for outdoor sports like hiking, skiing, and boating began.  Mike had many tales of wilderness adventures that he enjoyed telling almost as much as the adventures themselves.

Mike graduated from Coronado High School in 1976.  After receiving his B.S. in Business Administration with honors at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Mike was licensed as a CPA and worked as an accountant in the Los Angeles area.  In 1984 he found an even more fitting calling as an executive recruiter at Ryan Miller and Associates where he became a partner in 1989.  Also in 1989, Mike gained a loving step-father in Thomas R. Golden.

Mike was fortunate to find love with a wonderful woman, Janet, whom he wed in 1991.  They made a home together in Manhattan Beach, California where they raised three children, Riley, Jackson, and Bergan.  Mike’s favorite topic was his family. 

Mike had been preceded in death by his father, William, in 1985.  In addition to his surviving family listed above, Mike’s gregarious, friendly, and generous spirit will be missed by countless other relatives and friends.

A service will be held on Wednesday, September 17th at 12:00pm at American Martyrs Church (624 15th St, Manhattan Beach CA 90266) to honor Mike's life.