Michael Shailend Maharaj, of Eagle Idaho, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2023, after a long battle with heart and kidney disease & diabetes.
Michael was predeceased by his mother Sheila M. Maharaj. He is survived by his wife Gina L. Gossman, father Michael M. Maharaj, and daughters Shivana M. Lightman, and Prianka N. Maharaj, his only grandchild, Silas M. Lightman, and his forever puppy, Ezekiel (Zeke) Gossman-Maharaj.
Michael was born on April 10, 1963, to Michael Mahesh Maharaj and Sheila Monica Bideshi on the beautiful island of Suva, Fiji. He emigrated to the State of Hawaii at the age of 15 and was a proud graduate of Damien Memorial High School. Michael enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1985, and was a Senior Airman who specialized in electrical power production. His accolades while in service include a ribbon for Small Arms Expert Marksmanship and an Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster. Being a veteran was one of his greatest sources of pride.
During his time in the military, Michael Maharaj met and married Briarlyn S. McFarland. Together, they raised 3 daughters: Jennifer McFarland, Shivana M. Lightman, and Prianka N. Maharaj.
After his honorable discharge from the service, Michael split his time and energy between his daughters and entrepreneurial endeavors – including launching Wireless Magic – which brought wireless technologies to Hawaii. He commonly told people he was “a jack of all trades and a master of many,” and his ventures and accomplishments are a testament to this.
One of Michael’s greatest passions was sports. In his formative years he was an avid soccer & tennis player. In the early 80’s Michael was a Tennis Pro at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii. He played in the Nissan Open Championship against players like Mike Bauer, Scott Davis, Scott Campbell, and Atushi Takabayashi. He went on to play in Europe on a Satellite Circuit Tour – with sponsorships from Nike and Prince. Despite these accolades, Michael was often most excited to share that he once played soccer with the members of Def Leppard.
As Michael entered fatherhood, he picked up the game of golf. Unsurprising to those who knew him, he earned a spot on the PGA Tour in the early 2000s. Golf evolved to become one of his greatest passions, and his love for the game was passed on to two of his daughters, Shivana and Prianka.
Anyone who knew Michael knew his love for cooking and feeding people. Any occasion was an opportunity to cook and eat. One of the phrases he lived by was “never let anyone go hungry,” and he often incorporated cooking into his entrepreneurial adventures.
In 2016, Michael met and married Gina L. Gossman. They found their slice of peace and home in Eagle, Idaho. As a disabled veteran his life slowed down and he devoted his time to serving others -working with the Department of Veteran Affairs, the Catholic Church, and organizing charity golf tournaments. Michael and Gina loved to road trip and explore the United States when they weren’t traveling the world with family. He was especially fond of new cities and outdoor adventures.
A funeral mass service will be held at Our Lady of the Rosary, 1500 E Wright St., Boise, 83706 on Wednesday Aug 2 nd at 4:30pm. A reception will be following the Mass at 5:30pm at Westside Drive-In 1113 E. Parkcenter Blvd, Boise, ID 83706. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that Michael felt strongly about. Please send any cards and condolences to Bowman Funeral, 10254 W Carlton Bay Dr, Garden City, ID 83714.
Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/_sfr-LzeOo0?feature=share