Michael Joe Dougan

It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that the family of Michael Joe Dougan announce his passing on April 21st, 2023. He was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming on January 8th, 1958. His parents, Ira Dougan and Dema Jean [Dorris] Dougan, preceded Michael in their passing.  

Mike will be lovingly remembered by John Dougan, Wendy [Sanborn] Dougan, Sherri Dougan, Art Dougan, Mave Atherton, Barbara Rach, Julie LeBlanc Smith, Chris Atherton, Paul Atherton, as well as numerous other family members and friends especially Kathleen and Melissa Cronin. 

Mike graduated with honors from James Monroe High School in 1975 and received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1979. In addition, he received a diploma from the Computer Learning Center of Los Angeles in Computer Systems Programming in 1985. 

He was ordained as a Buddhist Monk in 1992 as a member of The Rae Chorze-Fmaz Society of Tantric Buddhist Enlightenment and accepted as a member of the American Buddhist Society in the same year. 

 Mike created apps, did computer consulting work, and became a Senior Software Engineer. Throughout his lifetime, Mike developed a variety of interests. He was an avid sailor and enjoyed living on his Westsail boat for several years. He was a certified scuba diver and loved snorkeling, the ocean, photography, writing short stories, poems, and blogging. He also cared deeply for animals and nature. 

Mike was creative, musical, and enjoyed singing. He played the flute, ukelele, and the trumpet in his high school band. He always celebrated the accomplishments of others and genuinely let them know how proud he was of them. He was a patient teacher, especially in the area of technology, and always of service to others. 

His kind generosity, intelligence, and sense of humor will be deeply missed. He truly lived life on his own terms and marched to the beat of a different drum. The family is planning a Celebration of Life in June. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to: Ventura County Animal Services at https://www.vcas.us or (805) 388-4341.

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