Michael Shanley

Michael Shanley, aka Siri Shiva Singh Khalsa, 77, recently of Espanola, New Mexico, and formerly of Los Angeles, CA, passed away peacefully at his home on December 26, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on October 10, 1947, in Evanston, Illinois, and spent his adult career as a senior researcher at the RAND Corporation for over 50 years.

Michael began his higher education at Purdue University, earning a BS in Business Administration. He then went on to Cornell University, where he got a master’s degree in urban planning. He began his career at RAND in Washington DC and subsequently moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, South Bend, Indiana, and finally to the Santa Monica, CA office of RAND, where he earned his PhD in public policy at the Rand Graduate School. His work at RAND focused on advancing critical projects in various areas including housing, social justice, education, the military, and veteran life. His approach to his work was marked by dedication, commitment and intellect, earning him respect and admiration from colleagues and peers alike.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Gurprasad Kaur Khalsa; three children, Scott, Sarah, and Isaac; as well as three siblings, Bob, and his wife Mary, John and his partner, Cindy, and Kathy and her husband, Jim. Michael was a dedicated family man, a cherished husband and a beloved father. He had a loving and deep relationship with each one of own children, as well as mentoring and being a role model for many other children in the community. He loved animals and had a special relationship with family pets. He enthusiastically embraced all sports, both playing and coaching, and was an umpire for many years. He was an avid outdoorsman, loved hiking, camping and swimming and nothing made him happier than the feel of the wind on his face.

Michael was known for his quiet strength, and his kind and generous spirit. He was devoted to his deep faith as a Sikh and dedicated to his spiritual practice. He was an integral part of the spiritual communities in which he lived, first in Los Angeles, CA and after retirement, in Espanola, NM.

He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege and blessing of knowing him.

A memorial service will be held at Rivera Family Funeral Home in Espanola, NM on Tuesday, December 31 at 3 pm, for family and community members and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Michael’s memory to Miri Piri Academy, a boarding school in India, or Sikh Dharma International.

Rivera Family Funeral in Espanola, NM would like to thank Michael Shanley family for their trust. (505)753-2288