Lasting Memories

Michael Loran
May 29, 1960-Feb. 26, 2020
Palo Alto, CA

Beloved husband and father Michael Loran passed away at home on February 26, 2020, surrounded by his family after a brief but hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born to Haim and Jeannine Loran on May 29, 1960 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Michael spent his childhood in France and Israel with his parents and older sister Ayala. After graduating from high school, Michael served in the Israel Defense Forces Intelligence Corps. and remained an avid supporter of the State of Israel.

Michael came to the United States in 1982 and later studied computer science at Boston University where he met his wife T. Maria Lam. He earned a master’s degree in computer science in 1989. Michael and Maria married in Greenwich, CT in 1993; welcoming son Daniel in 1995 and daughter Rachel in 2002.

During the early years, Michael established himself as a software engineer, holding positions with IBM, Phillips, Gemstone Systems, and Millennium Pharmaceuticals where he directed a bioinformatics program in drug discovery. The family lived in New England and New York before relocating to Palo Alto in 2006.

Michael will be remembered for his sharp mind and quick wit. Never at a loss to strike up a conversation, he loved to discuss and debate timely and deep topical issues. Whether hosting a dinner party or a holiday celebration, Michael enjoyed engaging with his many friends, with whom he remained close throughout his lifetime. Michael loved airplanes, puzzles, and riddles. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, with whom he traveled the world to embark on wide-ranging adventures. He was a very involved father, whether teaching his children to ride a bicycle, volunteering in their classes, supporting Daniel in high school debate tournaments or Rachel in her piano and horseback riding activities.

Michael is survived by his wife and life-long partner, Maria; beloved children Daniel and Rachel; parents Jeannine and Haim Loran; four nephews, a niece, and a newborn grandniece. He was predeceased by his sister Ayala Miron, née Loran.

From Mark Samson
Feb. 26, 2021

Michael was one of the most curious, well spoken, intelligent, and interesting men I have met so far. He loved his family 100%. What “grace’ to have known him and developed a really easy back and forth over the special years during little Rachael and Emma’s years in elementary school and then in middle school. l especially enjoyed our dinner conversations; he was so intelligent and curious—a rare quality in a person. He gave you his time. What a dear family. Of course—my time with them all was too short—all said. But...that I had that time with Michael and his family at all...again...grace.