Donald Michaelian

Donald Sam Michaelian After a valiant 11-year battle with cancer, Don Michaelian died peacefully in his home surrounded by family. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, three daughters and four grandchildren. Born in Turlock, CA, he grew up in San Francisco's Richmond District. Don majored in art and drama and graduated from SF State College, where he later earned a teaching credential. He interrupted his studies to serve 4 years in the Navy Air Corps. During post-graduate work at the Academy of Art College, in 1948, he met the love of his life, Carolyn Cameron, a Stanford grad from So. Pasadena. They were soon married and settled in San Francisco. Acting was his first love & he joined the Brebner Acting Agency in SF, beginning a fruitful career in commercials and movies such as "Take the Money and Run" and "Escape from Alcatraz", and the TV series "Streets of San Francisco". After the birth of their first child, the family moved to Mill Valley where Don taught Drama, Art Metal, Ceramics and Spanish for 26 years at Tamalpais High School. In conjunction with his teaching, he served on several committees dedicated to educational innovation, creating two new courses at Tam: The History of Western Art, and European Travel. Travel was one of his greatest passions and led him to visit almost every corner of the globe with his family. He also enjoyed yearly camping trips with family and friends. Don will be remembered for his honesty, his love of life, his phenomenal memory and his engaging, outgoing personality. A celebration of his life will be held at his beloved church, Tiburon Baptist, 445 Greenwood Beach Rd., Tiburon at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 13th followed by a reception. Please consider a donation to Hospice by the Bay, whose loving services were such a help & comfort to Don and his family. Arrangements under the direction of ADOBE CREEK FUNERAL HOME, 331 Lakeville St., Petaluma CA 94952. Cheda & Lyons - Directors (415) 883-8070