of Little Rock, AR

July 24, 1943 - March 30, 2023

Michael Honor Annison (July 24,1943- March 30th, 2023)

On March 30th, Michael H. Annison passed away. At almost 80 years of age it cannot be said that his death was shocking, but it was certainly unexpected.

On the day he died his desk was covered, as it was every day before, with piles of work, folders of research, notes to follow up on, articles to read and notebooks full of thoughts and ideas. His computer was open to the pages of the fifth book he was writing and his phone held text messages to and from his family, friends and those he worked with.

A friend of his used the word ''irrepressible'' when asked how he would describe Michel, and that seems about right.

Born in New York City, Michael would attend Deerfield Academy and later Williams College, where he majored in English and was Captain of both the Squash and Lacrosse Teams.

The stories of his athletic achievements were passed down to his daughters and grandchildren with great zeal and received with both appropriate amazement and loving rolling of eyes. It is only fitting that it is included here as well.

He was co-captain of the Lacrosse team and an All American Lacrosse player (before the NCAA sport was divided into Divisions I, II, and III). In the North South Game (the annual All Star College game) Mike led the North team to its first victory since 1957. A contemporary report of the game stated:

''The standouts in the game came from colleges and universities generally not highly regarded in lacrosse circles. One was Mike Annison of Williams who practically stole the show with nine goals, a record for the game and won the ''most valuable player'' award.''

Many of the relationships he formed at both Deerfield and Williams were life-long. Just a few days before his death, Mike was participating in discussions and conversations with classmates that had started over 60 years earlier.

After Williams, he worked in education for the Cleveland Public Schools and the Office of Education in the Federal Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Working in Management Consulting, he eventually settled in Denver, Colorado where he ran his own company, The Westrend Group, which did management consulting principally in the area of health care.

While he enjoyed his work, it was his family that he loved. It was his life as husband, father, grandfather (Papa), friend and mentor to many that truly encompasses his legacy. Michael was married to Patricia Mixner Annison (Patsy!) for over 30 years. They had two daughters, Elizabeth (Lizzy) and Julia and four grandchildren, Annison, Tanner, Reese and Coco. It was these relationships that he treasured most.

He sought to encourage, celebrate and guide all those in his life. While his guidance occasionally manifested as mini-personalized-occasionally unasked for-TED talks-his good intentions were never in question.

His love for his family was unbounded. He treasured his grandchildren and wanted to hear about baseball games, volleyball games, school, awards, jobs and performances and always was there with a genuine, '' Well good for YOU! Isn't that just great!''

Summing up his life seems like such a heavy responsibility and words don't seem to do the feelings justice. But here is what brings us a bit of peace: Those who Michael loved KNEW they were loved. We knew it while he was here and we carry it with us now that he is gone.

In his honor we have established the Michael H. Annison Fund through the Baptist Health Foundation. All funds received will be used to continue to foster learning, motivate change and support those who seek to make a difference in the fields in which they work.

To donate, please visit https://www.baptisthealthfoundation.org/donate/ Once you click the link, check the box by "Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone" Click the circle by "In memory of". In the line below it, type "Michael H. Annison". In the "Message for the recipient (optional)" area, they can type "For the Michael H. Annison Fund" and any additional message you would like to share.

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