It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Nnawuihe Asonye “Michael” Okpara, on November 27, 2021, at the age of 71 years old.

Michael was born in Umuahia, Nigeria on May 22, 1950 to Dr. Michael I. Okpara (Premier Minister of Eastern Nigeria) and Mrs. Adanma Okpara. He was the firstborn of six children. He is survived by his five children, Adanma, Nnenna, Kelechi, Chioma and Chinny, grandchildren Adnan, Souraya, Aidan, Saida, Tarik, Amina, Isabelle, Chike and Jonas. He is also survived by his siblings Mrs. Chinyere Eccles-James, Mr.Uzodinma Okpara, Dr.Enyinna Okpara, Dr. Ugonwa Dag Ellams and Dr. Ijeoma Okpara. He was married twice, most recently to Sheila Okpara and previously, for 20+ years, to Maria Okpara, who is the mother of his five children, and was by his side until the very end. Michael is preceded in death by his father and mother.

Michael graduated with high honors from Utah State University in Mechanical Engineering. He scored 99% in the EIT (Engineers In Training exam). That year, he scored the highest score in the nation. After he left Utah, he started his mechanical engineering career in San Jose, then moved onto Phoenix to work with Allied Signals, and finally relocated to San Diego. There he worked alongside some of his dearest friends at Solar Turbines until his death. Some of his professional accomplishments included, but are not limited to several patents, mentorship of younger mechanical engineers, and finally being known by his beloved colleagues as “the genius.”

Michael led a remarkable and full life. He had a passion for areas that required a certain level of precision and accuracy. He expressed his eccentric, meticulous nature through the art of photography, design, transmission of cars, cooking, and music, particularly jazz and blues. Any wisdom he imparted upon his loved ones, felt like a special invitation into the most valuable parts of his soul. And it was. He was known for his quick-wittedness, his love, his kindness and his dedication to mechanical engineering.

Services will be held at Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary at 3838 Bonita Road in Bonita, California on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 12:00pm with a reception to follow at the same location.