Ithaca College

It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of Michael LaTour. Mike passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 8, 2015.

Mike was a professor of marketing and law at Ithaca College, specializing in consumer responses to promotional stimuli. Prior to his post at IC, Mike taught at Cornell University; the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Auburn University; and Old Dominion University.

His scholarly work appeared in a variety of journals, such as the Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Marketing, and Journal of Advertising. Mike's professional accolades were many. His research was respected by his peers and referenced frequently, particularly his work in the area of gender and consumer behavior.

Mike often collaborated with his wife, Kathryn, an associate professor at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration. He was particularly proud of an article they published in the Journal of Consumer Research which explored the ways in which wine aficionados develop knowledge. He enjoyed the wine learning experience too, developing a taste for Argentine Malbecs and travels to Napa, California.

Born in Colorado, Mike spent his early life in Colorado and San Jose, Calif. His undergraduate and master's work was completed at Boise State University in Idaho, and he earned his doctorate at the University of Mississippi. Mike loved the West, and loved to be active outside. Upon moving to Ithaca in the summer of 2012, he continued to enjoy the outdoors with his family, skiing, hiking, and kayaking around Upstate New York.

Mike lived life to the fullest, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and students.

A memorial service is planned for Mike on Saturday, November 21, 2015, at 10 a.m. at Muller Chapel on the campus of Ithaca College, with a reception to follow in Clark Lounge in Campus Center.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends are encouraged to contribute to the Michael LaTour Memorial Fund for Research Excellence, a fund established to recognize the research and accomplishments of School of Business professors at Ithaca College. Contributions can be sent to Gift Processing, Ithaca College, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, or made online at alumni.ithaca.edu/giving. Please reference the Michael LaTour Memorial Fund for Research Excellence when making a gift.