Judge Michael Kwan Death | Obituary – Taylorsville Municipal Judge Michael (Mike) Kwan, who passed away at his home on Tuesday morning, July 21, with his wife by his side. His family said he died of natural causes.
Judge Kwan and his family are long-time residents of Taylorsville and have been actively involved in the community on many levels. Judge Kwan presided over the Taylorsville Justice Court for 22 years, since 1998.
In Taylorsville, Judge Kwan started one of the first DUI/Drug Courts in the nation in 1998. This program received the Governor’s Award for reducing drug and alcohol abuse and related crimes in 2008. Judge Kwan received a law degree from Whittier College School of Law and was certified in Chinese law by the East China University of Politics and Law in 1993. He served as a pro temper judge in Third District Court from 1996 through 1998. He received the Utah Judicial Council’s Quality of Justice Award in 2001.
Judge Kwan taught judicial education courses across the country for the Utah Judicial Institute, American Bar Association and National Drug Court Institute focusing on traffic, evidence, Constitutional law, and criminal procedure and law.
Judge Kwan was the founder of the OCA-Utah Chapter, a past OCA National President, and a mentor and leader to countless community members. He is survived by his wife, daughter, son, and sister, Utah Representative Karen Kwan.
The Kwan family release this statement -“The Kwan family is deeply saddened by the terrible and shocking news that Michael, our son, brother, father, husband, uncle, cousin, friend and dog grandfather has passed away and left us far too soon. We are grateful for the support offered by so many and ask that you give our family some time as we sort through details surrounding his sudden passing.”
Judge Kwan was also a volunteer advisor to many other OCA chapters, as well as the OCA National Executive Council. He turned OCA National Conventions into family trips and, as an OCA Building Committee Advisor, even brought his daughter to the official opening of the OCA National Center Office, calling it “a historic moment.” Judge Kwan was a visionary for OCA, advocating for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, but also selflessly committing himself to support and uplifting the voices of other communities of color.
We express our sympathy and deepest condolences to Michael Kwan’s family today and in the days, weeks, months, and years that are to come as they cope with his passing. May his soul rest in peace.
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