Michael Kossen

1945 - 2022

Michael Kossen
January 22, 1945 - July 14, 2022
Michael Kossen died on July 14th at his home in Napa. Michael was 77. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of 40 years.
Michael was born in San Francisco in 1945 and grew up in the city's Outer Sunset district. He was raised by Jeanette and Syd Kossen, a teacher and long-time journalist at the San Francisco Examiner. Michael grew up with an older sister Barbara (Margolis) who now lives in Hillsborough.
Michael graduated from Lincoln High School in San Francisco, UC Berkeley for college, and UCLA Law School. Michael worked as a public defender for the city of San Francisco, then later as an attorney specializing in tax and family law.
Michael and his wife, Barbara, split their time between Napa and Lake County, where they enjoyed kayaking and spending time with friends. They had several dogs together, including most recently their rescue dog, Faye. Michael made provisions in his and Barbara's will to make sure Faye would be well cared for. Michael loved to garden and cook, often with food he had grown. His specialties were Thai and Chinese food. He also loved to visit Asian restaurants in his native Sunset district.
Michael died unexpectedly after undergoing several cardio-vascular procedures over the past year and a half. He will be remembered for his kindness and great sense of humor. He had a hearty laugh, and a smile and twinkle in his eye when he was enjoying a good story. He was an honorable man and a great friend to many.