Obituary
Michael Maynard Fuson, 71, of Granville, Ohio, died suddenly while traveling with his family in the Swiss Alps on August 16, 2026, after a day of hiking and taking photographs of the beautiful vistas. Michael was a man of principles and integrity beloved by his family and friends–he was a steady, curious, conscientious, intelligent, and companionable person whose presence is deeply missed.
Michael lived his life guided by values of peace, justice, and integrity. He was generous with his energy and skills, advocating for his fellow humans–especially those underserved–and the environment. Michael was a lifelong member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), and dedicated many years volunteering for the Friends Committee on National Legislation, culminating in his time as Clerk of the General Committee from 2023 to 2025. Michael also contributed to his local community as a tax preparer for the Licking County Coalition for Housing for several years in his retirement.
Michael was born in Richmond, IN, on September 29, 1954, to Helen Finley Fuson and William Meeker Fuson. He married his love Vanessa May Taphouse on August 29, 1982, and raised two daughters, guiding both to grow up to create successful lives deeply committed to their values as well.
Michael enjoyed a long career as a physical chemist; he graduated from Westtown School (1972), Haverford College (BA, 1976), Yale University (PhD, 1982), and completed postdoctoral work at the University of Utah before joining the faculty at Wabash College (1984-1989) and Denison University (1989-2020). Throughout his career, Michael studied the motion of molecules using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and took great joy in teaching and mentoring students. He served in several leadership positions throughout his time at Denison, including director of the Undergraduate Biological Sciences Education Program (2000-2006), chair of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, and chair of the faculty.
Michael pursued his hobbies with a similar focus and care to his life’s work; he had a passion for travel, and visited all seven continents as well as 49 states in the U.S. He loved to travel with his wife and family, particularly enjoying camping trips, hiking, backpacking, and nature photography. He enjoyed gardening, and his diligent weeding supported the growth of abundant backyard veggies. He was a voracious reader, always attuned to current events while also enjoying the fictional worlds of science fiction and fantasy.
Michael cherished his time with extended family and was central to maintaining the tradition of regular Fuson family gatherings. Michael is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 44 years, Vanessa Taphouse Fuson; his two daughters, Laurel Fuson-Lang (Zachary) and Hannah Fuson (David Mason); his grandchildren Felix Lang and Pearl Mason; and his sister, Fran McQuail (Tony). He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen, and his two brothers, Jeffrey and Douglas Fuson.
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In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) or the Licking County Coalition for Housing (LCCH).
Gallery
Memory wall
He was my close friend for 4 years, one of the most intense and intimidating stages of my life. Whenever I got frustrated or panicky, he was a solid presence, talking me off the ledge. He is one of a small number of people who determined the trajectory of my career.
Memories…. nights at the Gypsy bar, and longer nights in the instrument center. The Yale-Bruker canoe challenge. Playing bridge. A frantic week working with him to finishing up the figures and other last bits of his thesis so he could make it to your engagement party. His car had “character”. Skiing in Utah. I can hear his laugh.
We were able to catch up at ENC each year, and through your newsy Christmas letters.
Looking at all those photos – a life well lived. I still picture him with red hair, though.
I was fortunate to learn from him at a formative time in my life. He taught me much more than how to conduct research. He taught me to be curious, to be patient with the process, to ask questions without always knowing where they would lead, and to have confidence in my own ability to figure things out. He had an extraordinary patience and kindness, a "we'll figure this out" attitude, and he created the kind of environment in which a young student could take intellectual risks without fear of failure or judgement.
And then there was his joy. Mike was simply a joyful human being. His enthusiasm for his students was genuine and infectious. He had a wonderful ability to make you feel that your questions mattered, that your ideas were worth pursuing, and that there was always something new to discover.
I have thought many times over the years about how fortunate I was to have him as my first research mentor. So much of what he gave me has stayed with me, including in the way I think about mentoring and supporting students today. The influence of a great teacher and mentor doesn't end when the student leaves the laboratory; it continues in the people that student becomes and in the people they, in turn, encourage and mentor.
I will always be grateful that he was part of my journey. I hope he knew how much his kindness, patience, generosity, and joy mattered to me.
May his memory be a blessing, and may the curiosity, confidence, and joy he inspired in his students continue to ripple outward for many years to come.
I had the privilege of completing my senior project at Denison under Mike’s supervision, focusing on his favorite topic—studying molecular dynamics of polymers (polyethylene) using spin-spin coupling NMR. His deep knowledge and passion for research made a lasting impression on me, as it did on so many of his students.
I cherish the memory of last seeing Mike and Vanessa in 2018 when they visited South Africa and Botswana, sharing their love for travel and exploration.
With deepest sympathy
Nelson
His leadership will be greatly missed.
He was a sweet spirit.
Garnet
My experiences with Michael spanned our shared times at LEYM annual sessions, working together at FCNL, and his visits to Oberlin to visit Laurel and Hannah while they were each students there. I was always eager to have updates on what each of his daughters were doing, grad schools, partners and now grandchildren. He was so happy to be a grandfather!
Love and Light to you All.
I am SO sorry to hear this. Especially while traveling. We were best buddies growing up, can't believe he is gone. I do hope to get to the Memorial.
Do take care of yourself.
Do you remember me (Betsy Salt)? I used to be an attender at the Granville Friends' Meeting, and I still receive their emails. My father, Charles Salt, used to attend the Granville Friends' Meeting with me sometimes. He lived at Kendal at Granville (now Otterbein Granville) until he passed away in 2013. I haven't been attending for a few years due to an uncorrectable vision problem that prevents me from driving as far as Granville. I live in Westerville, and I'm not sure how much longer I will be able to drive at all. I only drive around Westerville very carefully now when I absolutely have to.
I want to give you and your family my sincere condolences on Michael's passing. I remember him as a thoughtful, kind and caring man, and I'm happy to have known him for a while. Even though I haven't seen you for quite a while, you are in my thoughts, and I am holding you and your family in the Light. -- Betsy Salt
Memorial Service
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