Michael James Brennan, a third-generation resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away on May 17. He was 63. Born in Los Angeles, Michael attended Palisades Elementary until Marquez Elementary was completed. He rode the bus to Paul Revere Junior High, then University High for one semester until Palisades High opened in 1961. While in high school, he worked as a messenger clerk at the Palisades Branch Library. Michael attended UCLA for his undergraduate studies and Cal State Northridge for his graduate degree in mathematics. He then joined Lockheed Aeronautics in 1969 as a systems analyst. In 1986, he was among the first members of the engineering department to receive a Lockheed Product Excellence award for Outstanding Professional Performance. In 1990, he transferred to Lockheed Advanced Development, remaining until his retirement in 2002. In 1985, Michael started his own craft business, Thy Rod and Thy Staff, creating hiking staffs and pixie wands for weekend Renaissance Faires, street fairs, and science-fiction conventions in the California area. His extensive science fiction and fantasy collection has been donated to the Eaton Collection at UC Riverside. Michael married Nancy Elaine Wallace in 1970, and they raised two children here in Pacific Palisades: Alice, who now lives in Arlington, Virginia; and Chris, who lives in Costa Mesa. A member of the Palisades Presbyterian Church, Michael was a Sunday School teacher with his wife for many years. He was ordained Deacon in 2003, serving from 2003-2005 and in 2008. He served as Deacon Moderator from 2005 to 2006. Memorial services will be held on Sunday, May 23, at 2 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, corner of Sunset Boulevard and El Medio. In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s name can be made to one’s favorite charity.
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