He was born in Chicago, IL, and grew up in the suburb of Morton Grove, graduating from Maine East High School in Des Plaines, IL. & obtained his business degree from Illinois State University.
Michael was an entrepreneur from the beginning forming West Star Oil in the late 70’s, selling investment shares for oil and gas wells in Kentucky. During a chance encounter while surveying a new drill site he met Linda and they started their life together. Michael was a caring and devoted father to her children and they eventually relocated to his home state of Illinois where he began his career in the Life Insurance Industry. Mike was a natural salesman coupled with wit and humor; it was a winning combination. In 1991, National Benefit Brokers, Inc. was born with 12 life insurance agents in Northbrook, IL. His wife Linda left her job as a restaurant manager and together they started to protect America. While his salesforce grew in Chicago, he continued to tweak the company’s proven methods and programs enticing nationwide insurance companies like ITT Hartford, National Life of Vermont, and TransAmerica, to name a few. Alliance Marketing and The Chicago Processing Center were formed in the late 90’s, this took him across the country and traveling the globe to places like Australia and Scotland, opening and managing life insurance agencies. Around 2005, he scaled back from the national scene and purchased his dream home in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. living the good life while National Benefit Brokers continued and remains active today in Hawaii under the direction of his nephew Chad.
Along with being a hardworking man, he loved spending time and traveling with his kids and his golden retriever Wellington. He was full of life and love to joke with everyone he met. There were many adventures throughout Michael’s life but one of his last memorable trips was to Costa Rica with Adell and Chad. He was a true force in the world and will be missed by all who knew him.
He was a huge fanatic of the original Star Trek series, Kanman was always paying homage by ending his phone calls with one of many famous one liners. One seems so fitting in paying homage to him. “To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before”, Soar Michael!! The love, good times, and laughs you shared will be in many hearts forever.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Kan and Annette Kan (Zomick)
Michael is survived by his wife Linda; Stepchildren, Trista Camodeca (Sherry) and Brandon Common; Grandchildren, Rocco and Dominic; Sister, Adell Kabins and Nephew Chad Kabins. Nephew to Gil and Gail Zomick.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Baptist Health Foundation, Jacksonville, FL or the American Heart Association.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyhillfunerals.com for the Kan family.
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