"Lit a candle in memory of Michael V. Harrell"
In loving memory of
Michael V. Harrell
August 11, 1941 - February 14, 2019
On Thursday, February 14, Michael V. Harrell passed away at his home in Austin, Texas at the age of 77. Michael fulfilled his wholehearted journey on this Earth, finally succumbing to Leukemia, while leaving behind an unparalleled legacy of excellence, esteem, and endearment.
Michael was born on August 11, 1941 in Carmi, Illinois, to Julius Grissom Harrell, MD, and Dorothy Kathryn (Vincel) "Vince" Harrell. He pursued his collegiate studies at both Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, as well as the University of Evansville, from which he earned his B.S. degree. It was during this latter matriculation where Michael was introduced to the hospitality industry while he worked as a hotel night auditor during college. On April 1, 1960, he married Linda Babcock in Golconda, Illinois.
Michael revered his wife, Linda, with whom he shared his passion for life, for travel, and for benevolence. He embraced devoted relationships with his two daughters, Lisa and Sarah, and he tremendously enjoyed traveling with them and their families. Michael beamed with pride for his four grandchildren, Davis, Hope, Grant, and Hannah, often sharing their noted accomplishments with colleagues and friends.
After having risen quickly through the ranks in the corporate hospitality sector, in 1978 he founded Vista Host, a hotel development and management company which has garnered industry praise due to his relentless pursuit of distinction and legendary service. He earned a number of prestigious accolades during his career, including having served as President of International Association of Holiday Inns (IAHI) from 1984-1985, as well as having been a celebrated member of the Hilton Advisory Board for Hampton Inn. In 2012, he was bestowed with the prominent Lifetime Achievement Award from Hilton Worldwide. Michael will be remembered for his industry vision, his passion for superlative results, and his compassionate spirit.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, Julius Grissom Harrell, MD, and his mother, Dorothy Kathryn (Vincel) "Vince" Harrell. He is survived by his wife, Linda, his two daughters, Lisa Galassini and her husband Terry, and Sarah Harrod and her husband John, his four grandchildren, Davis Galassini, Hope Harrod, Grant Galassini, and Hannah Harrod, his sister, Carolyn Bloomfield and husband Steven, his brother, David G. Harrell and wife Gina, and his brother-in-law, Charles Babcock. Out of respect for Michaels wishes, there will be no formal services. For the thousands whose lives he touched, we ask that you find peace in the countless memories of Michael, just as he has now found peace with God.
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As we continue to mourn the loss of Michael V. Harrell, we have received numerous requests from his colleagues, peers, partners, and friends, asking how they may show support for his legacy. From the moment Vista Host initiated its partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Mr. Harrell was an avid supporter of this cause - helping save children's lives. In his honor, and in coordination with St. Jude, we have established the Michael V. Harrell Memorial Fund through St. Jude's website. For those who may be so inclined, please find the link to this fund page directly below. Thank you all for your ongoing prayers and support!
http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=2232093_id=39300=personal
Tributes
"I just became informed of Mike's passing away. My heart goes out to you, LInda, and your daughters and families. I have many good memories of having you for a friend in high school. Ronnie passed away in 2003. My name now is Patricia Malloy Syens aka Ann Malloy. I am thinking of you and hope your great memories will bring much peace to you."
"Always made the best Dary Queen Sundays...when we were in Highschool...so sorry Linda ...I Pray you will have piece and Happiness with your memories...God's Blessings always...Julia Ann Ackerman Faulkner"
"I am deeply saddened about Mr. Harrell's passing. Although I have not seen or spoken with him in many years, I will never forget what a nice person he was. He was a customer of mine when I was with AT in Memphis and I always enjoyed the opportunity to interact with him. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family."
"I was sad to hear tonight of Mike's passing. Our parents were neighbors and dear friends when we were young, and through that relationship I came to know Mike, Carolyn and David. I can see Doc in Mike's face, and that brings back many memories. Time has somehow separated us all, but eternity will bring us back together. My deepest condolences to Linda, whom I had the privilege of meeting decades ago, to the girls, and of course to Carolyn and David. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. -Lewis Greer Gilbert, AZ"
"This is Spence Wilson in Memphis writing to Linda and family. I enjoyed my long association and friendship with Mike and am so sorry for your loss and mine as well. While we did not see each other often in recent years, I had great admiration for him as a superb hospitality professional and dedicated family man... one who embraced life fully with purpose and humility....and always with a good sense of humor. My heartfelt thoughts go out to you."
"I was heart broken to hear of the passing of Mike Harrell. So respected by everyone. My life has been richer through my interaction with him at Holiday Inns, Promus Hotels, and Hilton hotels. He will be deeply missed."
"Mike - I will miss your wisdom and directness at the Hampton FAC - Thank You for your friendship. I will miss you. Navin Dimond"
"My family and the Mountaintop Family will miss him dearly. Myra Bumgarner"
"It was with deep sadness that I read about Mike's passing in The Houston Chronicle. I worked at Holiday Inn in Memphis when Mike was President of IAHI. I had many opportunities to conduct business with him when I was a representative in the corporate marketing department. He was bright, measured and clear in all of my interactions with him. I have tremendous respect for his business dealings and his character. Later after I left the hotel industry and moved to Houston, our paths crossed again and he helped me in my networking efforts to find career opportunities in Houston. His caring continued and when my older children attended the University of Texas, he extended me the opportunity to visit him and his then new property next to the UT campus (a Hampton Inn). I feel very blessed to have known Mike and my sympathies are extended to his family. It is a great loss. Bill Cole The Woodlands, TX"
"Linda, It has been a long time since we saw either of you but have many fond memories of our times together. Particularly the many years when Mike and I ran in the morning in the Memorial area. Mike ran much of my first Houston marathon with me. Mostly because of our trip there with you we bought a lot and then built a house in Santa Fe, NM which we still go to every summer and enjoy. We are still living in the in the same house here in Bunker Hill village and hope to stay as long as possible. The area is changing dramatically. They are tearing down the old houses and building huge ones. Many if not most of the new neighbors are from foreign countries. We travel a lot in many parts of the world with one of your former tennis partners, Sharon and Gary Fitzgerald. We will let them know of Mike`s passing. Hope all is well. Jim and Judy Glasford"
"I am deeply saddened by Mr. Harrell's passing. It was truly a honor to work with him on our many hotel projects. He will always be Mr. Harrell to me as he deserved the utmost respect. His passion for doing things right but always being open to others ideas and opinions set him apart. I admired and respected this fine man and expect that there is a special place for him. The hotel industry will feel the loss of Mr. Harrell for his insight and wisdom are gone. We will need to share the lessons. I thank him for his kindness and mentoring. Say hello to our friend Paul. God bless you my friend. Dick Rodgers Jr."
"Our deepest sympathy to the Harrell family and to his Vista Host family. We admired him greatly. He was a great leader & will be greatly missed. Diane & Del McBane"
"It was a pleasure to have known Mr. Harrell for the past six years. He is a one of a kind man. My prayers are with you and your family. Jesse Hernandez Chief Engineer Hampton Lavaca"
"Mr Harrell was an icon and leader in our hospitality industry. It was a privilege to know him and be recognized by him throughout my years as a colleague with a company that while a competitor always felt like a partner. his drive for us all to the best professionals we could be and to deliver exceptional service/product and returns for our partners was legendary. I will miss him and the industry will as well. Ken Thompson"