Michael Nagaran's Obituary
San Diego native Michael Nagaran was born December 27, 1946. He led life by example. He first received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a master’s in Anthropology. He then worked hard to earn his doctorate in Education. He taught math and several other topics, first at Mitchell’s Boyden Prep School and Beth Israel Day School, and then for the majority of his career at Fallbrook High School. He served on several school district committees, including curriculum development and technology, and he was an early adaptor to online learning. He also was an Adjunct Professor for Chapman University, Central Missouri University, and Park University. He was patient and had a knack of explaining problems and their solutions in a way that students could easily understand. He was very generous and would happily support the kids, especially if it involved buying Girl Scout cookies.
Michael also volunteered at the Accreditation Commission for Schools of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the San Diego History Center, and the San Diego Public Library Rancho Bernardo. After Michael retired, he was twice a member of the San Diego County Civic Grand Jury.
Michael traveled the country exploring historical places, beautiful scenery and stamp stores. He was part of the Poway Stamp Club and the American Philatelic Society. He was known to stop in Arizona to see the grandkids when a stamp show was in the vicinity. He was also a life-long chess player, and at one time he rose to the level of Master. He would drive for chess tournaments, such as the American Open, which he would help direct, and the North American Open in Las Vegas. Michael was active in the North County Chess Club and San Diego Chess Club. He gladly shared his knowledge with anyone willing to learn to play.
This humorous, straightforward, kind person persevered through a long hard battle with leukemia and then another aggressive cancer which took his life on November 7, 2020 at the age of 73.
Michael is survived by his wife, Sharon Nagaran; daughters, Laura Nagaran-McCarthy and Jennifer Nagaran; a brother, Loreto Nagaran; and four grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to the San Diego Archaeological Center or the San Diego History Museum.
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