Michael M. Krieger

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Michael M. Krieger, a beloved friend, brother, and intellectual giant, who left us on October 25, 2024, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Born in Los Angeles on December 19, 1941, Michael's life was a testament to brilliance, curiosity, and unwavering loyalty.
Holding degrees in mathematics from Caltech (B.S.) and UCLA (Ph.D.), Michael spent ten years on the UCLA and MIT computer science and mathematics faculties, after which he was intern/scholar for information policy at the National Telecommunications and Information Agency and received his J.D. from UCLA; he also was a Fulbright Scholar/Visiting Professor (Computer Science) in Brazil. For many years Michael remained actively connected with the UCLA Computer Science Department, where he founded and led two innovative graduate seminar series "Entrepreneurship: Technology Business Fundamentals" and "Entrepreneurship and E-Commerce." He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the California Israel Chamber of Commerce and of the Caltech Alumni Association. He also took part on Advisory Boards of the Caltech Enterprise Forum and the Los Angeles Business Technology Center.
Throughout his illustrious career Michael was a Los Angeles based attorney whose practice was devoted to high technology business issues, especially for software, multimedia and Internet-related development, acquisition, licensing, distribution and services. Internationally, in addition to transactions for private clients, he assisted in programs related to intellectual property for government entities including the U.S. Commerce Department and the Brazil/UN Software Export project.
Beyond his professional achievements, Michael was a man of many passions. His wide intellectual interests and daunting reading habits were well-known among his friends, who cherished his ability to interweave his quick wit and sharp sense of humor into any topic of discussion. Michael's loyalty to his friends was unparalleled, maintaining close ties with many from his grammar school days and regularly connecting with fellow graduates from Alexander Hamilton High School. His closest friends, who knew him as "Mickey" and looked forward to seeing him at weekly Internet meetings, will remember his carefully-considered ideas, his scholarly approach to social issues and his infectious enthusiasm for life.
Michael, whose cherished younger brother, Judge Jerold Krieger, died of cancer in 2002, is survived by his beloved younger sister, Renee Garrick, his nephew Brian Garrick and his niece Stephanie Grayson. One of Renee's favorite memories of Michael was the care he devoted to pets associated with his interest in herpetology. Friends who knew him have shared these feelings about him: "Mickey was such a special person.... He was always there for you when you needed advice; he was so brilliant, and so supportive." "Mickey was one of a kind. He had his way of looking at things. While he was a serious guy, he found the humor so often and in so much." "He was brilliant, wonderfully curious and had a unique and interesting take on everything." "Mickey was special. He did things his own way... one of the most intellectually gifted people I have ever known, a remarkable sense of humor... so many memories. Knowing him enriched us all." In remembering Mickey, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with knowledge, laughter, and deep connections. He will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him and loving him. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mickey's memory to a charity that is close to your heart.