Michael G. Harrison
East Lansing - 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
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To Debbie Harrison and family. My condolences to all of you.Mr.Harrison was a great person and great Judge.We use to like when he would come over the house during holidays and other days.He will be missed.
Mark Farhat
May 31, 2018
Mark Farhat
May 31, 2018
I practiced in front of Judge Harrison for many years. After he retired from the bench and started working at Foster Swift, we had many conversations about life, travel destinations and wine! Mike was a wonderful man and a kind soul. I am so very fortunate to have had the pleasure to know Judge Harrison. He will be missed but will remain in the hearts and minds of many. Rest In Peace Judge Harrison.
Jim Hofer
May 26, 2018
Our sincere condolences in this time of sorrow.
Eastern High School Class of 1959
EHS Class of '59
May 23, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Judge Harrison. He was a tough but fair judge. I remember seeing him walking down Washington Square after his retirement from the bench and told him I thought it looked like he was skipping, he said he thinks he was! Sounded like Foster Swift was a good retirement choice. Prayers to your family.
Trixie Prince
May 22, 2018
Mike was a hard working, dedicated Circuit Judge. He devoted his time to controlling his docket. He served the citizens of Lansing for many years as a legal scholar and gentleman. He will be missed.
Tom Brown
Coworker
May 22, 2018
So sorry to hear this; our sympathies to Debby, the Harrison family, and the community, who lost a great lawyer, an excellent judge, a terrific mentor to me and so many other lawyers, and, most importantly, a good man. He demanded the best, and always gave it. To work with, or in front of, Michael was always enlightening and educational......he will be sorely missed.
John & Vicki Boyd
May 22, 2018
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