Michael Brennan Kane's Obituary
Michael Brennan Kane, 1961-2024, was among the last of the Boomer generation. Music and basketball were his lifelong passions. Raised in Philadelphia until the age of 11, his family moved to Piedmont, California, where Brennan thrived, and became an avid fan of both the Oakland A’s and Golden State Warriors.
Brennan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 32. In 2010 he underwent Deep Brain Stimulation surgery, which greatly extended his good quality of life. His excellent attitude throughout his illness was an inspiration to many, although he did not think of himself as inspirational.
Perhaps he inspired more people with his vocal talents. He sang with over 70 choral and barbershop ensembles over his lifetime, as well as performing in several musical theatre productions. He was a great admirer of the work of Gilbert & Sullivan and could often dash off a patter song as the occasion arose.
Brennan attended Occidental College in Los Angeles, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. He lived in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City after college, pursuing his vocation in supermarket marketing. After a life-highlight backpacking trip through Europe, Brennan settled at Kellogg School of Business in Chicago, earning his MBA.
His next adventure took him to New Jersey, where he worked at A&P supermarket headquarters. While there he looked up a college classmate, whose fiancée eventually fixed him up with his soon-to-be wife, Carol. Brennan and Carol were married in 1998 after moving to Chicago. In 2003, they moved back to the Bay Area, where Brennan worked at Safeway headquarters.
He was loved by many, not the least of which are his wife Carol, his mother Margaret Kane, his brothers Lachlann (Ann) and Nevan (Gail) Kane, sister Carrie Weston, sister-in-law Sharon Kane, honorary sister Pat Gangasingh, beloved uncle Tom (Janet) Kane, as well as his niece and nephews, cousins and in laws. Brennan was preceded in death by his father William Kane, brother Coleman Kane, and brother-in-law Fred Weston.
Thanks to Sutter Health at Home’s Hospice Team and St. Anthony’s for their excellent caregiving help.
A memorial service will be held at Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland on Saturday, August 17th at 10:00am, with a reception following at Fenton’s on Piedmont Avenue.
Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
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