Michael Scott Fuselier, 20; Artist, Cartoonist

Conejo Valley resident Michael Scott Fuselier died Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after months of illness. He was 20.

Born Nov. 3, 1979, in Denville, N. J., he was 4 when the family moved to Westlake Village.

He attended local schools and went on to Thousand Oaks High, where he was known for his humor and being very upbeat.

Fuselier’s plans had included going to art school and visiting Paris to see the art museums. His artwork had been displayed at the family’s church. Also, his cartoon work had been reviewed by professional animators.

In August 1998, he suffered a stroke and cardiac arrest and was not able to continue school. For the past 18 months, Fuselier had been living at home with his parents. He was hospitalized most recently with pneumonia.

Fuselier is survived by his parents, Rick and Joyce; a brother, Matthew, and grandmother, Bette, of Pittsfield, Mass.

Services are scheduled at 7 p.m. Monday at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, with the Rev. Larry DeWitt officiating. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Fuse High School Ministries at Calvary Community Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks Mortuary in Westlake Village.