Michael Varian

Michael Patrick Varian, an artist, musician and beloved sibling and son, died July 14. He was 49. His death three months after major cancer surgery is mourned by friends and family around the country and across the Atlantic, with clusters in Atlanta, New York City, Detroit and Scotland, places he either lived or roamed. Michael was born on March 2, 1975, in Lansing, Michigan. After stops in New York and Virginia, his family settled in Avondale Estates, Georgia, where he graduated from high school and made lifelong friends. He later moved back to New York, working in Manhattan as a graphic artist and living in the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens where he is remembered fondly by the nickname "Nice Guy Mike." He was drawn to imperfect people and places, finding the heart and beauty in them. He faced his own struggles, too, which imbued him with an empathy that is rare. He could be dark, but mostly the shade that is joined with laughter. Mostly. He was known for his creative drawings of people he encountered and scenes and characters he conjured from his vivid imagination, some wistful, others expressing a defiance against unseen forces. He played several instruments, keeping tempo as the drummer in several bands. He returned to the Atlanta area several years ago and worked most recently as a warehouse manager. Michael is survived by his father, Paul Varian, and three siblings: Bill Varian, Heather Varian Foster and Rachel Harrigan. There will be a celebration of life at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at the Avondale Community Club, 59 Lakeshore Drive, Avondale Estates. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the American Cancer Society, the Salvation Army or the Decatur, Georgia-based Global Village Project for refugee girls.