Michael Peter Galan

June 7, 1946 – November 15, 2025

Passed peacefully after a life of service, adventure, and devotion to family.

Michael Peter Galan, the first son of Marjorie and Pierre “Pete” Galan, was born on June 7, 1946, in Oakland, California. Shortly after his birth, the family settled in San Pablo, where Mike’s industrious spirit began to shine early. He was a Cub and Boy Scout, delivered newspapers, and mowed neighbors’ lawns, always eager to lend a hand.

At age five, Pete began teaching Mike the clarinet, sparking a lifelong love of music. Mike later switched to saxophone, performing in junior high and high school bands and joining The Empresarios, a five-member dance band that played for two years.

After graduating from Richmond High School, Mike earned an Associate of Arts degree in Industrial and Automotive Mechanics from Contra Costa Junior College in 1966. That same year, he was recruited by the University of Wisconsin, contractors for the United States Antarctic Research Program, to serve as Senior Station Engineer at McMurdo Base in Antarctica. His role involved maintaining vehicles and equipment vital to scientific research.

During his first 18-month deployment, Mike was selected to join the Queen Maude Land III Traverse, a small expedition tasked with conducting experiments and mapping remote regions of the continent. Each member of the team had a geographic formation named in their honor; Mike’s legacy lives on in the Galan Ridge, located at 73.1895° South, 62.0500° West.

After a brief return to California, Mike headed back to “the ice” for a 13-month assignment at Byrd Longwire Station, continuing his support of scientific operations.

In late November 1969, Mike returned to the United States and soon married Karen Brett. He resumed his studies at California State University, Sacramento, earning a bachelor’s degree before beginning a 35-year career with Western Kraft, Inc. His work took him to four locations, culminating in Sanger, California, where he earned the respect of colleagues and forged lifelong friendships.

Mike’s commitment to service was a constant throughout his life. As a child, he volunteered as an altar server at St. Colistis Catholic Church, several mornings a week before school and twice on Sundays. As an adult, he joined the Sanger Chamber of Commerce, serving as its director for a year. Additionally, he served as president of the Sanger Rotary Club. He and Karen also chaperoned the youth group at Sanger United Methodist Church on a mission trip to Tonga with Minister Sifa Hingano. While on the island of Vava’u, Mike learned that villagers couldn’t afford diesel fuel to run water pumps daily. Upon returning home, he partnered with a fellow Rotarian to design and install a solar-powered pump, restoring daily access to water. Two years later, they returned to install additional pumps in neighboring villages.

After retiring to Downieville, Mike continued giving back. He became a volunteer firefighter, joined the Downieville Volunteer Fire Association, and trained as an Advanced EMT. He served as trustee of the Downieville United Methodist Church and helped organize the Downieville Mountain Brewfest as part of the Downieville Improvement Group. As a member of the Downieville Lions Club, he served as president twice and was selected to receive the Melvin Jones award for exemplary service. A proud Mason since age 21, Mike was a longtime member of Harmony Masonic Lodge in Sierra City.

Mike’s hobbies were as varied as his talents: fishing, fixing anything with an engine, farming oranges, curing olives, gardening, and cooking. He was a two-time winner of the Yuba Pass Chili Cookoff and a frequent top-three finisher in the Native Daughters Annual Ice Cream Social competition. He and Karen enjoyed many memorable trips together, both through work and leisure.

Above all, Mike’s greatest joy was his family. He coached his sons’ sports teams, attended their games, built go-karts and batting cages, fished with them in Downieville, and cheered them on from ski slopes. Whether in person or by phone, he was always present. His parting words to his sons, first shared during their teenage years, became a cherished mantra: “Remember, boys: use common sense, reason, and judgment.”

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Marje and Pete, and his brother Gary. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Karen; sons Raymond (Christina) and Justin; grandchildren Fischer, Grace, Lincoln, and Elise; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 11 AM on December 5, 2025, at Hooper & Weaver Mortuary, 459 Hollow Way, Nevada City, CA 95959

The Celebration of Life will be held at the Nevada City Elks Lodge following the service. Donations in honor of Mike can be made to the Downieville Fire Protection District.