Obituary of Michael Nygren

Michael D. Nygren, 67, of Agoura Hills died peacefully in his home Thursday, April 24, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. Michael was born on June 17, 1946 in Omaha, Nebraska, the only son of Vincent and Lolita (Lacey) Nygren. He grew up in San Francisco graduating from Lincoln High School in 1964. He went on to receive a BA, a Masters in Education and an additional Masters in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from California Lutheran University. His passion for education continued throughout his life, training under John Gray, PhD, author of "Men Are From Mars and Women Are From Venus," and completing certification in Imago Relationship Therapy.  In 2013, he proudly earned a Doctor of Psychology.   After graduating he began a lifelong pursuit of helping the community. First as an elementary school teacher and a guidance counselor, later as a Marriage Family Therapist, who started his own practice and was one of the founding members of Conejo Counseling Center. He continued his private practice in Thousand Oaks for nearly 30 years, which included work with Hospice and the Scoliosis Association. An active member of the Conejo Rotary Club, Michael created programs to provide backpacks and school supplies to children in the Conejo Valley Unified School district, provide support for the Park Oaks Community Center and mentor at-risk youth to help them complete high school.  In 2012, Michael was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Conejo Rotary of International Rotary.  Michael leaves behind his beloved wife of 18 years Patti; his daughters Kirsten & Mandy; his step-son Jason; four grandchildren; and many close friends. On Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 2PM, in celebration a memorial service will be held at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1600 East Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks.