Michael Gregory Harrison

The Hon. Michael G. Harrison of East Lansing, passed away peacefully on May 20th, 2018, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He is survived by his wife, Deborah, of 45 years; sisters, Patricia Winter and Cynthia Harrison; children, Abigail (Dylan) Scott, Adam Harrison and Andrew (Nina) Harrison; and grandchildren, Paige Scott, Tessia Scott and Stella Harrison. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Jean Harrison.

Michael was born in Lansing on August 4th, 1941. He was a proud alumnus of Albion College and The University of Michigan Law School. He aspired to be an ambassador, studying International Law at George Washington University and abroad in The Hague, Netherlands, but returned to Lansing just shy of completing his program to marry his lifelong partner, Debby. Together, they raised a family and began a life of service to the Greater Lansing community.

Michael was an Ingham County Circuit Court Judge for nearly 25 years (performing as Chief Judge for 12 years). He was committed to improving the justice system and served as President of the Michigan Judges’ Association and Chair of the National Conference of State Trial Judges. After the bench, he joined Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. where he specialized in alternative dispute resolution for 14 years. His experiences as a judge and later as a mediator, reaffirmed his commitment to serve those less fortunate.

Michael was a longtime Lansing Rotarian (acting as president in 2001) and truly embodied the club motto of "Service Above Self". He had the privilege of contributing to numerous community organizations including as president of the Greater Lansing Urban League, Greater Lansing Symphony, Mid-Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross and Boy Scouts of America - Chief Okemos Council. With Debby, he also established various charitable funds, endowments and scholarships in hopes of helping others.

Michael loved to travel the world with his family, most notably to France where he was pleased whenever his French passed for being that of a local. He was also a fervent supporter of the arts including a deep passion for classical music.

Michael's diagnosis was not the end. He continued to serve and hoped that he could inspire others to as well. Even as his memories faded, his spirit endured, kind to its core. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and friend who asked for nothing in return.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that others continue Michael's work by donating to U of M Alzheimer’s Research, http://alzheimers.med.umich.edu/donate/, Sparrow Hospice/Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, 1210 W Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48915 or Ingham County Medical Care Facility for the Michael Harrison Fund, which will be used for the continued growth and support of those needing memory care, 3860 Dobie Rd, Okemos, MI 48864.

A memorial service will be held on June 21, 2018 at 1 p.m. at The Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 12 noon.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Chapel, East Lansing.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.greastlansing.com