Michael McCandless Obituary

Michael McCandless was born in Torrance, Calif., the fourth child of Barbara and Harrison C. McCandless, M.D. on May 14, 1959. Mike grew up in Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes enjoying music, the beach, springboard diving and good times with family, friends and church. He sang in church and school choirs and in recent years rejoined vocal music at his church in Indian Wells. Mike was also a competitive springboard diver in high school and college years, and later a diving coach, and a high dive performer at Marineland of the Pacific. Mike always felt the call of God in his life. He returned to graduate school at Fuller Theological Seminary and then Bethel Seminary earning a Master of Divinity degree in Hebrew and Greek. At the time of his death Mike had been involved in Kairos Prison Ministry and had decided to pursue Baptist ordination to more fully answer his call to Christian ministry. Mike was enthusiastic about many things: genealogy, cooking, music, hiking, naval war history and much more. But mostly he was thrilled to be father to his son David whom he loved with all his heart. Michael was preceded in death by his father, Harrison C. McCandless, M.D. He is survived by his son, David Mitchell McCandless; his mother, Barbara McCandless; brothers, Bob (Nancy) McCandless and Rick (Kathy) McCandless; sister, Linda (Jeff) Courchaine; nieces, nephews, aunt, cousins and friends. A gathering of family and friends was held on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at Rice Mortuary Chapel. A private burial will be held at Pacific Crest Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held at Southwest Community Church, 77-701 Fred Waring Drive, Indian Wells, CA on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in Mike's name may be made to Kairos Prison Ministry, PO Box 276, Imperial, CA 92251. Please go to the mortuary's website, www.LAfuneral.com to send the family messages, share memories, or to obtain directions to the services. Rice Mortuary 3107927599

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Published by The Desert Sun from Jan. 20 to Jan. 25, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael McCandless

12 Entries

Vicki Arnold Santos

February 1, 2011

I am saddened to hear of Michael's death. I had the pleasure of getting to know him back in the 80's. He was kind, intelligent, fun-loving, and spoke fondly of his family. He was a fine person, and I'm sure he touched many people's lives. My condolences go out to his family on the anniversary of his death.

Lisa Morales

March 14, 2010

I didn't know Michael however my deepest regrets to the McCandless falmily.His father, Dr McCandless delivered me into this world at South Bay Hospital 43 years ago and IS yet the best doctor ever to be found....still. My prayers to the family for their loss of Michael-

Neil Segars

January 31, 2010

My name is Neil Segars. I've been involved in the Kairos prison ministry for 17 years and volunteer teach a class each week at Donaldson prison, Alabama's only maximum security prison. An inmate member of my class, Christopher Smith, wanted to know if Kairos was active in Chino, CA. My research led me to Michael's obituary. Kairos of Alabama sends our condolences to the family and pray God's strength and peace to you all.
Michael is being welcomed into eternal life with our Lord. What a celebration.

Scott Moser

January 23, 2010

My condolenses to the family and friends of Mike. I have only known Mike briefly but his smile and loving heart for God was always present . We sang in the SW Community Church Choir. He is now in God's hands "singing in the choir in the sky".

January 21, 2010

Barbara, Bob, Rick and Linda: My heartfelt prayers and sympathy go out to each of you. I have fond memories of babysitting and watching everyone grow up! I felt very much a part of the McCandless family during the years that I worked for Dr. Mac. Please know you are in my thoughts at this time. Kathy (Hellinga) Daniels

Linda (Peter) Moore

January 19, 2010

Mike was a friend from my vocal music days in high school. We had reconnected on Facebook and I enjoyed visiting with him this last September when I was down south. He was just as I remembered, sweet, funny and wearing a big smile! I am so sad that he has left us and I hope that happy memories are a comfort to all of his family and friends.

Wally White

January 19, 2010

So sorry to hear of the passing of Mike, although I didn't know him well, sure did admire Barbara and Harrison.My sympathies to the family and friends.
Sincerely,
Wally White

Kim Frick

January 19, 2010

Mike has left a big hole behind. He will be greatly missed by so many people. I knew him from our days at First United Methodist Church in Redondo and remember in particular how he taught us how to dive on a bell choir trip. He was patient, funny and enthusiastic. I recently reconnected with Mike on Facebook and was lucky enough to see him in Redondo in November for a quick coffee. He was happy, optimistic and hopeful for the future. Mike was a generous, warm guy who made time for people and my heart goes out to the family and friends he has left behind. --Kim Frick

January 19, 2010

I have so many wonderful memories of Michael. His enthusiasm, his smile, his kindness, his goofiness ... all are a cherished part of my childhood. He is missed. My love to all of his closest family members. Sandy Wright

Jeff Edwards

January 19, 2010

I went all through school with Mike going back to Tulita Elementary. I'd only recently reconnected with Mike on Facebook (and I know he'd recently hooked up with several other schoolmates from our early years there) but I hadn't had a chance to chat with him much there. I remember only very good things about Mike from my childhood and my heartfelt condolences go out to all his family and friends. Jeff Edwards

Perry Shields

January 19, 2010

My wife Cindy and I knew Mike back in the 80s when we worked in the insurance business together. He was a bright, friendly, and enthusiastic individual. I loved his stories about his Marineland days. Whatever brought about his demise, we know he is with our Father in heaven. Peace and sympathy to Mike's loving family.

January 19, 2010

Our sincere condolences.

John and Norma Nursall

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