Obituary: Michael Christopher Taugher

Michael Christopher Taugher of Benicia, suddenly passed away while vacationing with his family in Maui, Hawaii on July 27, 2013.

Mike was born in Inglewood, to Michael Frederick Taugher and Christine Estelle Aranda on December 30, 1962. He married his best friend and love of his life Kimberly Pannell in 1991 in Lake Tahoe. 

He was blessed with two beautiful children, Zachary and Anna, who were the lights of his life.Mike graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1986. For the next 27 years he dedicated himself to environmental investigative reporting. His reporting earned him numerous awards and the respect of colleagues, scientists and environmentalists across the country. He was known for his tenacious investigations and meticulous research, but ask anyone in his newsroom how they remember him and it would be for his incredible kindness, soft humor and sharing of his children's sporting exploits. He adored his family.

In May 2012, the Governor appointed him as assistant deputy director of communications, education and outreach at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.  He continued to advocate for the environment at his new position.
Mike was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed mountain biking and fishing; but, his passion was coaching and supporting his children’s athletic and academic activities.

Mike will be lovingly remembered by his wife Kimberly and children Zachary and Anna; mother Christine Aranda of Chula Vista; father Michael and stepmother Chyrl Taugher of Vista; sister Carla Taugher Aranda of Chula Vista; brother David and his wife Shannon Taugher of Boise; brother Sean and his wife Nicole Taugher of La Mesa; brother Ryan Taugher of Vista;father in-law Wayne and step mother in-law Lorna Pannell; brother in-law Craig and his wife Sharon Pannell of Woodland; andmany beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  
He was predeceased by mother in-law Carol Pannell-Cutting.  

A celebration in honor of Mike, will be held at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 1400 E. 2nd St., Benicia, CA on Saturday, August 10 at 2 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to "The Children of Mike Taugher," in care of Heritage Presbyterian Church, 1400 E. 2nd St., Benicia, CA  94510.