Michael Alan Wiley

He spent his formative years in University Park (Dallas) and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1953. Mike was introduced to the Navy through ROTC while in high school, an endeavor that proved to eventually become a second career. He then entered the University of Texas at Austin and received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Geology in June 1957. As an undergraduate, he belonged to Delta Chi (social fraternity), Alpha Phi Omega (National Service Fraternity), Phi Eta Sigma (National Freshman Scholastic Honor Society), the UT Student Geological Society, and the Young Republicans.

Active in Naval ROTC throughout his undergraduate days, Navy and geology proved to be longstanding careers for him. In September 1957, he was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Inflict and the USS Alacrity as a minesweeping officer for four years. Following active duty, he continued his military career in the Naval Reserve from which he eventually retired as a Lt. Commander. Always close to water, he was a lifelong sailing enthusiast and was active in sailing organizations including the Grapevine Sailing Club, the Dolphin Sailing Club, and the Power Squadron. His interests and talents were not limited to aquatic activities as he was a long-time active member of the Dallas Investment Club.

From 1959 through 1961, he worked for Geophysical Service Inc. and National Geophysical Co. (Dallas), as well as Photogravity Co. (Houston). He entered graduate school at UT-Austin in September 1961 and received the Master of Arts degree in Geology in August 1963. While pursuing the Master's, he found time to return to and become active in Alpha Phi Omega, the National Service Fraternity that he had joined as an undergraduate. Mike's tireless efforts with chapter pledges were recognized with a permanent award in his name, which continues some 40 years later.

He joined Atlantic Refining Co. (now BP) in 1963 and worked as a geologist and geophysicist in Dallas and Houston, Texas and in Lafayette, La. In 1966, he returned to UT-Austin to pursue the Doctorate in Geology, which was conferred in 1970. In January of that year, he rejoined Atlantic Richfield as a research geologist in their Dallas laboratory and worked there until 1985, when he left to build a successful computer software consultancy specializing in the earth sciences. At the time of his death, he was a contract employee for Colorado-based GeoTech Computer Systems, engaged in software development. His professional service commitments most recently included serving as the Gulf Coast Councilor for the Energy Minerals Division of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

In 2000, Mike relocated to Westhaven Community on Canyon Lake near Startzville, where he resided until his death. He was actively involved in the Westhaven Home Owners' Association, serving on its Board of Directors and taking charge of the community security gate for several years.

In 2008, Mike fulfilled his long-held dream of establishing an endowment for acquisition of significant hydrogeology literature for the UT Walter Geology Library - the Hydrogeology Library Fund. Donations in Mike's memory may be made to that fund. (Checks should be made payable to The University of Texas, and the fund name should appear on the check. Mail donations to Jackson School of Geosciences, 1 University Station - C 1160, University of Texas at Austin. Austin, TX 78712, Attn: Georgia or Randy.)

Several cousins survive Mike, along with many good neighbors, friends, and colleagues scattered from next door to around the world. Those who knew and loved him will dearly miss his thoughtful and analytical mind. His neighbors and friends will certainly miss his famous barbecued hams, seasoned with his dry wit. We wish you fair winds, calm seas and smooth sailing, Mike.

Graveside services will be held Friday, July 29, 10:30 a.m., Cranes Mill Cemetery, Canyon Lake, Texas. The casket will remain open at the cemetery starting at approximately 9:30 a.m. Funeral arrangements by Zoeller Funeral Home, New Braunfels, Texas. A luncheon will follow the services at the Westhaven Association Clubhouse. For more information and to sign the guest book please go to zoellerfuneralhm.com.