Michael J. Harris
Michael J. Harris
Michael Joseph Harris was born August 22, 1989 in New York City and moved to Atherton, CA as a young boy. His good looks went from adorable as a toddler to strappingly handsome by the age of 26. Those who knew him best would remark at how square his jawline appeared, and how both sides were truly his “best” side. Michael was a passionate athlete and sports fan, playing basketball at Menlo School, serving as Head Team Manager for the University of San Diego men's basketball team, and remaining active on the court through his adult life. He was proud to coach the Menlo Knights varsity team as an assistant. He loved the Warriors, the Giants, and most of all, the 49ers, where he had worked as a teenager.
Michael graduated from the University of San Diego with a B.A. in Developmental Psychology and a minor in English. He joined the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and worked as a research assistant for the university’s Psychology department. Michael was named the 2012 Student of the Year for Psychology Research. (His parents were impressed; his fraternity brothers, not as much).
Following graduation, Michael moved to San Francisco and embarked on a career in psychology that he embraced with passion and a huge heart. He completed his master’s in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University just four months before his death and with great enthusiasm joined the counseling faculty at his alma mater, Menlo School. He surely was to make a huge impact in the profession, with his focus on helping adolescents and families.
Michael took writing seriously. And he was seriously good at writing. His blog, emails, Facebook posts and letters to friends and family were works of art. He was recently developing a screenplay on the advice of an agent who had discovered his writings. His written voice was a unique blend of humor, wit and blind optimism.
Michael turned the most mundane moments into special times. His laugh was infectious, his smile always bright and his fantasy football accomplishments legendary.
Michael passed away in a boating accident on September 6, 2015 while living his life as he did every day: being kind and friendly, loving his family, caring for others, embracing fun, and having a constant smile and an unassuming gracious warmth.
Michael leaves behind joyous memories for so many that he touched, particularly his parents Jan and Peter, his brothers David and Richard, with whom he had an especially close bond, and the love of his life, Kelly Wells. Those who knew Michael really loved him, and just as important, they really liked him. This was a young man who was real, sincere, a great listener, always interested, full of humor with the attendant laughter, smart, and who absolutely embraced life.
With Michael, there are only positive things to say. He will truly be missed by many friends and a broad extended family, though his stories and his endless giving will live on in all of the people he touched.
