Dr. Michael Anthony Poirrier

When I met Mike I was mostly clueless about what made Lake Pontchartrain such a special place. For someone who was supposed to be helping to save to the Lake that was a bad place to be. Mike understood that and was a generous mentor. I am still indebted to him. For my money he was a good man, a good scientist and a good compatriot. Godspeed Mike.

Ryan, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. What a beautiful tribute to him in the obituary. He was my biology 1 teacher way back at LSUNO. Not too long after that I learned we were related ancestrally somehow and our grandmothers were childhood friends. I know you and all your family will miss him. You're in my prayers.

Mike was a great mentor for me. He was eternally patient, teaching biology to a geologist. He was on my PhD committee and one of the ones who really cared about the project. He also was a good friend who always said yes to some project or expedition. I miss him, already. LPBF (Pontchartrain Conservancy) owes him a huge debt for his guidance in the early days of the organization.

Mike lived and loved the lake. He knew Pontchartrain and its critters like the back of his hand. Dr. Mike not only had the knowledge but also the courage needed to help turn Pontchartrain around. His efforts were instrumental in restoring Lake Pontchartrian's health. Fair winds and following seas buddy.