Michael McNaughton Ban, Esq.

Of Pittsburgh, 36 years old.  Born Sept 11, 1985, in McCandless. Passed Tuesday, May 24, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Loving husband of Meggie Taylor, adored son of Dr. Michael and Susan Ban, cherished brother of Dr. Christopher Ban (Elizabeth).  Michael lived every day of his life gallantly, before and after his brain cancer diagnosis. He was our warrior, living with more bravery than anyone thought imaginable. Ever interested in this world and its people, he connected with so many on a deep and personal level, making a profound impact with his humor, intelligence and zest for life.  He leaves behind more loving and devoted friends than can be counted. Michael was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from North Allegheny High School, where he was a gifted athlete, excelling at basketball and baseball and any other sport he tried.  He truly distinguished himself, however, as a fiercely competitive and decorated oarsman, on the NA rowing team, winning a national championship in the men’s quad.  He graduated from Georgetown University in 2008, where he established himself as a leader and source of esprit de corps on the Hoya lightweight rowing team. He relished the sight of the monuments in the early dawn while rowing on the Potomac. Michael took full advantage of what DC had to offer in many ways - culturally, socially, and most of all personally. It was where he met his wife Meggie on January 30th, 2010. They fell in love and married at Georgetown’s Dahlgren Chapel, eleven years later to the day. Michael was a classically-trained bassist who performed in high school and college, and he took particular joy in playing all types of music with his friends and brother throughout his adult life. Michael was named Jonas Salk Fellow at University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he earned his J.D. in 2013.  He pursued a career in health law at Highmark Health and later at AHN.  His coworkers noted that he was “one of a kind. . .he brought an infectious positive spirit to those he worked with and customers he served”. He volunteered with and sat on the board for Special Olympics.

In keeping with his concern for others above himself, Michael sought ways to reduce sadness and suffering. He wrote and published a children’s book, an effort borne of his empathy for little ones facing a visit to the hospital. Michael traveled far and often and saw more of this world than most.  Unsurprisingly, he made and kept friends in many of the places he visited, from the Middle East to Europe and all parts of America.  He often combined traveling with his love of sports of all kinds, traveling to see Penguins Stanley Cup Championship games, NBA games, and Formula 1 racing events. Michael was the life of every party he attended and lived life to the fullest. His cup was always half full (sometimes with Woodford Reserve!). He delighted us with his huge personality, his lively wit, his incredible faith, his deep compassion for others, his stellar dance moves, his keen sense of fashion, his graceful athleticism, his playful delight in argument, and his abounding love and concern for all of us. It is impossible to put into words how he made people feel, he was a force of nature. There was and never again will be someone like Michael.  We will miss him all of our days. Friends will be received at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com) 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8p.m. Funeral Saturday, Mass of Christian Burial, Divine Mercy Parish, Epiphany Church 10a.m. (Everyone please gather at the church.) Interment will be private.

HOYA SAXUM - What a rock. 

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