VANCE, Michael Venton

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Tuesday, July 15, 2003 Dr. Michael Venton Vance. The life and sweet soul of Dr. Michael Venton Vance melted into the calm and quiet on Tuesday, July 8, 2003. During his life, Mike chose a diverse series of paths; he covered a lot of ground and accomplished much in a short amount of time. Born May 26, 1946 in Parsons, KS to Neal V. and D. Mildred Vance, Michael was the youngest of two children. He excelled while attending local schools and proceeded to "Jayhawk" at the University of Kansas. Upon completing his medical degree, Mike moved to Arizona with wife Linda and daughter Jennifer in 1972 and quickly began to establish his personal and professional life in the Valley of the Sun. He began his career as an Emergency Physician at St. Luke's Hospital and was Associate Medical Director of the St. Luke's Poison Center. He later practiced Emergency Medicine at Good Samaritan Medical Center and worked closely with the Good Samaritan Regional Poison Center as an Associate Medical Director. For many years, Mike was intricately involved with the American Board of Emergency Medicine and served as their President, Member of the Executive Finance Committee, Chairman, Test Administration Committee and a Founding Member of the Medical Toxicology Sub-Board. With an enthusiastic and intense focus, he continually tried to enhance the oral examination for the benefit of those involved. Mike also greatly enjoyed and was very proud of his involvement with the Phoenix Fire Department. He helped train local Fire Department paramedics and developed the first training program in the country for paramedics of the Hazardous Materials Team. Mike was passionate as an educator, examiner, speaker, and often-published writer of articles regarding Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicology. In his leisure time and later retirement, he was an avid reader who constantly sought new information, enjoyed sporting events, camping, concerts, and traveling. At all times, he loved a good joke and was never shy with his opinion. As a father, many of the lessons instilled to us during our childhood were solidified by your display of discipline and love towards both your work and us. We continue to build on many lessons. We recognize that our time with you helped develop and early foundation that brought us enormously close as siblings. It has been a source of our determination, and helped us through the challenges and successes of our lives so far. Mike is survived by his sons, Brian Michael and Joel Christopher; daughter Jennifer and her husband Curtis Hecker; sister, Sharon Kendrick; her children, Susan and Peter and their families; a host of many other friends and life partner, Sharon Minnick. Many thanks to all that surrounded our Dad throughout his life. We appreciate the friendship, understanding and support you shared with him as well as the encouragement you extend to us. It has been said that people do not remember days but, instead, remember moments. There are many great moments embedded in the memories of those that knew Michael V. Vance. A gathering for family, friends, and colleagues will be held in his remembrance on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 from 4-7 PM at the residence of Mrs. Donald B. Kunkel. Any directions to her residence can be received through Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, 480-502-3378. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.