Michael O. Moran

Michael O. Moran, 75, a resident of the Portland community, died Friday afternoon, October 16, 2020, at his home. Michael “Mike” Moran passed away unexpectedly on October 16, 2020, in the home he shared with his beloved wife, Jaquelynn Moran. Mike was born in Portland, Oregon and, except for a few years in Nebraska during his childhood, he was a lifelong resident of Oregon. Mike was proud to be in the first graduating class at Sunset High School in Beaverton where he was a member of the National Honor Society. Thus began a lifelong passion for learning. At Reed College he received a BS in chemistry. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and a Woodrow Wilson Fellow. Mike’s next educational stop was at UC Berkeley where he earned an MS in both physical chemistry and math. Before he could continue to the next step in his education, the Vietnam War intervened. Mike spent two years in the Army in Dugway, Utah. After the Army, Mike changed his educational direction from chemistry to law and returned to UC Berkeley where he earned his law degree. Mike was admitted to the Oregon State Bar in 1976 and spent most of his career as a litigation attorney with the law firm of Black Helterline. As a litigator he represented clients in such diverse matters as banking, heavy equipment, real property development, construction, food product manufacturing, and the computer industry. He often entertained clients with float trips on his favorite river, the Rogue. As the true intellectual, he kept copious notes on each trip so that he could correctly calculate how many supplies to take on the next trip. He also knew water levels and weather on the Rogue. He was a member of the American Chemical Society, the American, Oregon and Multnomah County Bar Associations. He retired as a partner at Black Helterline in 2003, remaining Of Counsel to the firm until 2007. Retirement gave Mike much more time to pursue his intellectual interests, as far ranging as US history, quantum theory, quarks and the history of religion. He lined his basement book shelves with books and notebooks filled with his personal research. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, George H. and Audrey G. Moran, as well as his first wife, Gail Baxa Moran. He is survived by his wife Jackie Moran. A service is planned for a later date. In lieu of cards or flowers, contributions may be made to Dove Lewis Emergency Hospital or Reed College. Arrangements are entrusted to Tualatin Valley Funeral Alternatives in Beaverton.