Michael Mcphee

McPhee
Michael L.
Age 65, of White Bear Lake
Died unexpectedly February 8, 2018

Born September 28, 1952 in Aberdeen, SD, Mike spent his early years on the family farm, and as a teenager returned there every summer to work and enjoy the company of his extended family. He grew up in Brooklyn Center, attended Osseo HS, and graduated from the University of Minnesota, where he also worked as a scientist in the departments of Ecology and Neuroscience for many years. Mike had a wide variety and evolving set of interests, all of which he pursued in great depth. He loved learning and sharing what he learned. He had a passion for natural history and enjoyed studying and caring for plants and animals. Through constant reading and field study, he acquired extensive knowledge of ichthyology, entomology, and paleontology. He installed exhibits of live electric fish at the Bell Museum of Natural History, and later the Bakken Museum of Electricity in Life, maintaining the latter for over 20 years. At home he delighted in cultivating gardens of native plants that reflected the seasons and provided important animal habitat. Mike also loved history and the arts, and these interests were further enhanced by his travels. On his trips to Japan he journeyed to the homes of famous writers and to pottery villages across the country. He was an avid book collector and frequent visitor to bookshops across the Twin Cities. On any given day he liked nothing better than a saunter in the woods or by the river, an engaging conversation, and a good book. Mike was thoughtful and generous, and had a charming sense of humor. He loved life, and sought to make the most of every minute. An independent thinker, he could be relied upon for good judgment and practical solutions. He cared deeply about his family and friends, providing assistance at every opportunity. He was a kind and loving husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Mike continues to live in the hearts of his wife and companion of 30 years, Amy Okaya; parents, Jack and Donna McPhee; siblings, Lynda (Carl) Lestor and Lisa (Scott) DeVries, and many nieces, nephews, family members, and friends. Memorial service Saturday, March 3, 2018, 11:00 A.M. at the Lilydale Pool & Yacht Club, 1600 Lilydale Road, St. Paul. Family will greet friends from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M. Memorials are preferred to Friends of the Mississippi River or Pollinator Friendly Alliance.