Gary William Shannon

Apparently, I, Gary William Shannon, died peacefully on June 18, 2026. I was born in Ecorse, MI on a dining room table in a house by the train tracks on March 18, 1940 to Harry and Ethel Shannon (Provence). I grew up in River Rouge, MI and graduated from River Rouge High School. While there, I was a swimmer and won the state championship for freestyle.

Upon graduating from high school, I attended the University of Michigan where I got my BA, MA, and PhD in geography. Oh, and I also got my wife there, Susan Shannon (Hoff). I carved out a niche for myself in geography, something called medical geography. A cross between health care delivery and epidemiology. It is also during these early years that I began working and writing articles about telehealth with my best friend Dr. Rashid Bashshur, PhD, which ultimately led to our book, The History of Telemedicine. Most importantly, it is also during this time that I bought small island in McGregor Bay, Ontario, right next to Rashid's. This is where Susan, Lara, and I spent every summer. It is still hard to believe that I bought an island. Not bad for a kid from the Rouge.

While I taught at the University of Florida for a few years and then worked for the government doing research in Maryland, I spent most of my career, 42 years, teaching at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY. But, being a Michigan Man, I never really fit in.

I am leaving behind my wife, Susan, my favorite daughter (only) Lara Kathleen Shannon, and my cat Kitty. Please give them loads of support. And if you wouldn't mind, please leave a donation to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, or the ASPCA. Animals are better than most people.