Michael Reid Blackburn

Michael Blackburn was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, scientist, author, musician, amateur philosopher, and lifelong learner whose curiosity, kindness, and love of his family touched generations. He passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026 in La Jolla, California at age 77, surrounded by family.

Born on August 18, 1948, in Denver, Colorado, Michael grew up in an Air Force family across the United States and Japan. His experiences nurtured a lifelong curiosity about the world, different cultures, and the perspectives of people around him. Studying the violin as a young boy also began his passion for classical music that he continued to practice throughout the rest of his life.

After serving honorably in the United States Marine Corps, Michael married Etsuko, and together they welcomed their first three children—Story, Smiley, and Sacha. Michael later pursued graduate studies at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his Ph.D. in Biological Psychology in 1980. His years in Oklahoma were marked by academic achievement and the joys and challenges of raising a young family, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in research and public service.

While living in San Francisco in 1975, Michael met Edith Lam during an evening computer class at San Francisco State University. Their friendship grew into a lifelong partnership, and they were married on August 24, 1981. Together they made Southern California their home, and welcomed their son, Lindy, into the world. Michael completed his postdoctoral research at the University of California, San Diego, and devoted nearly three decades to civil service, research, and innovation, building a home filled with love, music, learning, and compassion.

After Lindy left for college, Michael and Edith opened their hearts once again by adopting daughters Lilly and Bonnie from China. Their family reflected Michael’s enduring belief that love, learning, and compassion could transcend distance and culture. Michael cherished each of his six children and found his greatest joy in watching them grow and build families of their own. He delighted in celebrating each milestone, and encouraging every child and grandchild to pursue their own paths of inquiry and self-determination.

Michael believed deeply in education, thoughtful conversation, and lifelong learning. He encouraged others to think carefully, ask questions, and seek understanding. Through his writings, he hoped to leave future generations not only the story of his life but also the values that guided it. One of his favorite pieces of advice was: “Always question, and then question your answers.”

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Denny Ray Blackburn; his mother, Lillian Lorraine Blackburn; and his brother, David Ray Blackburn.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 45 years, Edith Blackburn; his children, Stdrovia (Story) Blackburn and his wife, Shawna, Sumire (Smiley) Blackburn-Hill and her husband, Devin, Sacha Blackburn and his fiancé, Juliette Lim, Lindy Blackburn, Bonnie Blackburn, and Lilly Blackburn; his sisters, Cora Girard and her husband Greg, and Jenny Bowman and her husband Doug; his younger brother, Daniel Blackburn and his wife, Janice; his cherished grandchildren, Sade Scott and her husband, Gabriel; Talon, Kellen, Ash, and Haven Blackburn, Dominic Takahashi, Natalie Takahashi, Ethan Blackburn, and Christian Blackburn; his beloved great-grandchildren, Maxwell and Aberdeen Scott; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, lifelong friends, colleagues, and neighbors whose lives were enriched by his kindness, wisdom, generosity, and friendship.

Those fortunate enough to know Michael will remember his gentle spirit, quiet intelligence, dry sense of humor, intense stubbornness, thoughtful conversations, and endless curiosity. He approached life as both a scientist and a musician, always eager to learn something new and to share that knowledge with others. He believed education was a lifelong journey and encouraged his children and grandchildren to think independently, interrogate others’ perspectives, listen empathetically, and never stop trying to grow.

His greatest legacy is not only his long list of academic achievements, patents, and writings, but the family he loved, the music he shared, the wisdom he imparted, and the example he set—to live with curiosity, integrity, tenacity, and compassion.

Michael’s words, music, wisdom, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him.

He will be deeply missed, greatly loved, and always remembered.