As many of you already know, my brother Michael John Vargas McGrann died April 26. Our family decided to have Michael cremated in Oklahoma City. We held a small vigil for him at the crematorium and said our goodbyes before bringing his ashes home to Colleyville on May 5.

Thank you so much for all of your calls and messages. They have been so comforting to my mother during this unimaginably difficult time. She hasn't responded to some of you yet, but Amelia wants everyone to know she appreciates your kind words.

To honor Michael’s life, I am arranging a memorial service for friends and family. My mother has requested that anyone who knew Michael please come and remember him with us. She wants to hug each and every one of you.

Michael's memorial will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday June 8, 2014 in the North Chapel of Compass Church, 2600 Hall Johnson Road, Colleyville, Texas 76034. To visit the church's website click here. We will be securing a block of rooms at a hotel nearby and that information will follow. I just wanted to make sure to get the date to as many people as possible in hopes that most of you can be available to attend. Please RSVP by clicking here so we know how many of you to expect.

I have asked, and will continue to ask, a few people who were close to Michael to speak. Obviously not everyone can. However, Pastor Marks has asked that I send him any stories or memories people had of Michael. He intends to compile them and share them during the service and I know my mom wants to read them all. Please e-mail me all of your memories, no matter how long or short they are, so I can give Pastor Marks a better idea of who Michael was.

Also, in lieu of flowers, our family has asked for donations to the Epilepsy Foundation. Friends and family can make a contribution in one of three ways:

1) Go to www.eftx.org and click “Donate Now” or click this direct link: 

2) Call the office at 888-548-9716 and ask to speak with someone in the special events or development office and they can accept your credit card information over the phone. Make sure you mention a memorial gift so that you receive a confirmation receipt.

3) Send a check donation to "Epilepsy Foundation Financial Department" with a memorial note to the following address: 2401 Fountain View Drive, Suite 900, Houston, TX 77057

As you can imagine, my parents are overwhelmed and I am trying to alleviate them from shouldering any more responsibilities right now. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly. Thank you. Melissa

Michael was born in Barrington, Illinois, the northwest subarbs of Chicago. He attended North Barrington Elementry School and Praire Middle School before attending Elk Grove High School and later Colleyville Heritage High School. A sports enthusiast, Michael played basketball, soccer, baseball and lacrosse throughout his life. He loved his Chicago Bears but grew up a Dallas Cowboys fan, although he hated to admit it in his adult life.
Michael attended the Western Connecticut State Univserity where he pledged and was initiated into the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He valued the friendships he made with his fraternity brothers there very much. He later became very actively involved in the Epilepsy Foundation after being diagnosed with the disorder when he was 18. Michael helped organize an epilepsy stroll and raised money for the organization. He was also a camp counselor for children with epilepsy where he touched many lives.