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J. Michael Harrison

About

Oberlin College

FUNERAL HOME

Meyers Funeral Home, Ltd.

741 Delaware Avenue

Delmar, New York

J. Harrison Obituary

Harrison, J. Michael DELMAR J. Michael Harrison passed away at home on May 20, 2017. He was born in Nebraska and grew up in South Dakota. He graduated from Oberlin College in 1966 and the University of Michigan Law School in 1970. He served as an administrative law judge for New York State for the majority of his career and retired in December, 2005. His empathy, humor and generosity made a lasting impression in many lives. He was a talented musician, lover of arts, and a passionate advocate for environmental, socio-economic and animal rights and preservation. He also loved spending time with his adoring family. J. Michael lives through his wife, Betty Harrison; his son, J. Ryan Harrison; his daughter, Xoxenia Harris; his sister, Judith Harrison; his stepdaughter, Sharon Christenson; and his grandchildren, Detrevien, Robert, Sean and Leah. He was predeceased by his brother, David Harrison; and stepson, Richard Harrison. Calling from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at Meyers Funeral Home, 741 Delaware Ave Delmar. Services will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Delmar on Friday at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be considered to either Defenders of Wildlife, Earth Justice, or the American Heart Association.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albany Times Union on May 23, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for J. Harrison

19 Entries

Tim Hanifin

June 12, 2017

My condolences to the Harrison Family.

Teri Canty

May 25, 2017

I will always remember your smile, your kindness, your thoughtfulness, and the gentle ways you advocated for justice and equity. I am so much richer just for knowing you. Peace, friend.

Melissa Holland

May 25, 2017

Sorry I couldn't have spent more time with you Michael, but the time I did was very special. R.I.P.

May 24, 2017

Sending our deepest sympathies to your family

The Brownes

Richard Lynch

May 24, 2017

So saddened to lose such a good Torch friend and gentleman.

The Hollner Sisters

May 24, 2017

Ryan and family,
Our condolences on the passing of your father, may his spirit live on thru your memories.

Nancy Peterson

May 24, 2017

I knew Michael as a friend only briefly a few years ago. I was new to NY and had been newly hired as NYSDRA Director of Education. Michael was supportive, encouraging and kind. We have far too few of his caliber in the world today, he will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to his family and friends,

John McGuire

May 24, 2017

As the current president of the Albany Torch Club, I had the pleasure of getting to know Mike on both a professional and personal basis over the last few years. A predecessor of mine and a winner of the Silver Torch Award for excellence in local service, Mike possessed an intellectual curiosity that resulted in provocative presentations (in the best sense) before his fellow club members. He will be greatly missed.

Leo Levy

May 24, 2017

I first met Mike almost 20 years ago through my work as a local mediation coordinator and Mike's volunteer service as a mediator and arbitrator. Mike was very concerned about those who sought help resolving disputes, and he provided them with extraordinary service. I also came to appreciate Mike as a singer and entertainer. but I think what I appreciated more were Mike's blog submissions and his letters to the Times Union in which his carefully crafted opinions were based on his extensive knowledge of economics and his concern about income inequality and the need for a more progressive system of taxation in this country. Mike's most recent letter was printed in the TU on 4/29/17, and his most recent Daily Kos post was on 5/18/17. It is our loss that there will be no others.

American Heart Association

May 23, 2017

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Rally Folk Music (J. Michael Harrison, honorary member)

Fred Arcoleo

May 23, 2017

Mike was a kind and giving man, and an acute listener. He listened with his whole self; very empathic. It came across in his music, and also in the things he would notice about people. We connected on our mutual understanding that one must be engaged in the issues of their time, the acknowledgement that everything we do counts. I count Mike as a special, supportive friend who left a lasting impression on many of us privileged enough to know him.

Fran Stone

May 23, 2017

I spent many hours with Mike when he would pick me up and drive me back to Albany when I flew in for Summersongs camps.We had great conversations. He was one of the smartest persons I have ever had the honor to meet. My heart goes out to his family.

Nancy Olson

May 23, 2017

I will miss your laughter and your music, your passion and commitment in all things you believe in.

Bill Batt

May 23, 2017

I'm relieved at least to know that he finished his book *Reinventing Economics* interpreting Keynes a few months ago. And had his talk on the same subject published in the International Torch Magazine, Fall, 2014. Good job, Mike.

Barbara Dean

May 23, 2017

SO sorry to hear of Mike's passing. We too knew him from the Summersongs Music Camp, and had great political conversations, as well as enjoying his musical talent. He will be missed!

Thomas Boyd

May 23, 2017

I'm saddened by your loss and grateful that I had the chance to know Mike a little. He was a thoughtful and spirited man who made me laugh - and think.

Pat

May 23, 2017

I met Mike at a songwriting camp, Summersongs. He was kind and generous with praise and free with wit. His blog was thoughtful and well-researched. He will be missed.

Deb Cavanaugh

May 23, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was a kind, gentle and funny man. He was also a great songwriter and was always supportive and encouraging of other musicians. I'll miss running into him around town.

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