Michael Ellison November 29, 1961-July 30, 2015 On July 30th, 2015 we lost our son, our brother, our uncle, partner and best friend. His death was unexpected but so very quick and painless and for that we are eternally grateful. Michael had a true zest for living, an enormous sense of humor and could light up any room he entered. He lived his perfectly imperfect life by his own rules. He was a personable, talented, gracious, loyal and generous man. He loved well and was well loved. Michael had many passions first of which was food. Eating, cooking, especially baking delighted him. He could turn a trip to the grocery store or farmer's market into a culinary event and the best part of executing a meal was the joy it brought to family and friends. He was happiest, most relaxed and comfortable creating in the kitchen. Michael was passionate about music, all genres, but particularly sacred music. His robust baritone graced many church choirs, weddings and funerals most notably, All Saints Episcopal in Pasadena, CA. His voice will be missed by this community. Heaven's choir has gained a most remarkable vocalist, pianist and organist. Michael was also passionate about theater and he participated in numerous productions over the years. Memorable performanceys include Louis in "The King and I" at age 5, Colonel Pickering in "My Fair Lady" in high school and he was a key player at the Storybook Island theater for many seasons. Most recently, he portrayed Uncle Max in "The Sound of Music" and Wild Bill Hickok in "Calamity Jane" at the Lead Opera House. He had a way of "owning" a character and he worked diligently to earn the audience's applause. On stage or off Michael was always performing. Another of Michael's passions was watching movies. His tastes were eclectic but he was especially fond of old black and white dramas. He possessed the ability to recall specific scenes and recite them so you felt as if you were watching with him. He adored television and never missed an episode of "RuPaul's Drag Race", "Project Runway" or "Downton Abbey" (really anything on PBS) to name just a few of his favorites. He loved gardening and kept his own beautiful one wherever he lived. He spent countless summers re-working, transplanting, nurturing, harvesting and tinkering in his parent's garden as well. He loved hiking, particularly in the Black Hills. He loved entertaining, beating anyone at Scrabble, art of all varieties, storytelling, children, sunbathing, animals, lilacs, laughter and the sport of figure skating. As a person of faith Michael believed that those called by their Creator join in the Communion of Saints and continue to pray for us and support us, even in death. He will always be there for those he loved and cared for. Thankful for his love and life are his parents, John and Annette Ellison, Rapid City, SD, his partner of 29 years, Ben Humphrey, Los Angeles, brother Patrick Ellison and sister-in-law Angie, Dell Rapids, SD, sister Kelli McDonald and brother-in-law Scott, Scarborough, ME, niece Jordan Faubion and her husband Chris, Rapid City, niece Lauren McDonald, Scarborough, ME, niece Hutton Ellison and nephew Griffin Ellison, Dell Rapids, his best friend Diane (Petry) Rutstein, Rapid City, his canine companion, Ally, numerous cousins and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by a brother, Timothy James Ellison, paternal grandparents Leo and Luella Ellison, maternal grandparents Bernice and Slick Morrill, and his beloved dog Nikki. A Memorial Service/Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 22nd at 11 am at Blessed Sacrament Church in Rapid City, SD. Luncheon to follow. Michael would be pleased to see everyone in bright colors and bow ties. In lieu of flowers memorials are asked to benefit the Black Hills Children's Home Society.