Michael Allen Bogan

Michael Allen Bogan

September 29,1941 March 29, 2024



On March 29th, 2024 Michael Allen Bogan of Corrales, NM passed peacefully with his loving family by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey Lewis Bogan, M.D. and Lucile Helen (Davis) Bogan, and his niece Angela Lu Self.

He leaves behind his beloved wife and expedition companion, Cindy Ramotnik, as well as a daughter Diane Bogan (Mark) of Albuquerque, NM, and a son, Sean Johnson (Jill) of Dallas, TX, from his marriage to Arnetta Maryman. He is also survived by his son, Justin Bogan (Ingrid) of Durango, CO from his marriage to Barbara Castillo, as well as his honorary daughter, Terri Kay Harris (James) of Rio Rancho, NM. His legacy continues through his grandchildren Andrea, Christie, Lily, Chloe, Makayla, and Zayna, as well as his great grandchildren, Isabella, Graciela, Vicente, and Mateo. He will be deeply missed by his loving sisters, Patricia Bogan Self of Noble, OK and Janet Garrett of Springfield, MO, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Born in Kansas City, Kansas, Michael spent his formative years in Baxter Springs, KS, graduating with the class of 1959. A voracious reader in his youth, he became enamored of the Oz books, National Geographic and Junior Natural History, sparking a lifelong love of adventure and the pursuit of archeological treasures he dreamt of discovering. This early fascination with science propelled Mike to excel in zoology, histology, and biology, with thoughts towards becoming a college educator.

He earned his B.S. in Biology from Baker University (1964), a M.S. in Zoology from Fort Hays State University (FHSU, 1966), and a Ph.D. in Biology from The University of New Mexico (1973). At FHSU Mike learned the art of "prepping specimens" from fellow student, Tony Mollhagen, who became his lifelong friend, co-author, and fellow adventurer. His advisor, Gene Fleharty, profoundly influenced Mike's future direction, steering him towards mammalogy, fieldwork, and the Southwest. On a summer field trip in the bootheel of New Mexico, he caught his first bat, marking the beginning of a lifelong passion that earned him the affectionate nickname "Batman" from his family. At the University of New Mexico he was introduced to museum curation and fieldwork in Mexico, and honing his taxonomic expertise in the bat genus Myotis. Following graduation, Mike embarked on what would become a 35-year Federal career as a wildlife research biologist and museum curator with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Geological Survey.

Mike's contributions to science were vast, authoring and co-authoring over 100 peer-reviewed publications on mammals, particularly bats, in the western United States and Mexico. His work focused on taxonomy, geographic distribution, and ecology. Enduringly humble and unfailingly kind, Mike mentored young biologists and supervised fellow scientists with his commanding presence and his lead-from-example ethos.

Mike enjoyed traveling and did so extensively both in his work and later life, always looking for that next great adventure. His early career provided opportunities for international scientific exchange missions to China and Russia. After retiring in 2006, he and his beloved wife, Cindy, embarked on numerous adventures, exploring Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and the Galapagos Islands. However, his fondest travel memories were of their visits to France, particularly Paris and Normandy, where he could indulge his passions for art, wine, and World War II aviation. A lifelong World War II enthusiast, Mike spent his childhood building model airplanes, such as the Enola Gay, B10's, B12's and similar aircraft.

Family was at the heart of Mike's life: he was ready to help whenever needed. He cherished spending time with his family, especially reunions at Grand Lake, where he could catch up with his extended family and regale all with tales of growing up in his beloved Baxter Springs. His wisdom, thoughtfulness, and kindness will be deeply missed.

Mike's life was a testament to his unwavering curiosity and dedication to exploring the natural world. His journey from young boy captivated by the wonders of nature to a respected scientist and adventurer exemplifies a life well-lived, pursuing his childhood dreams with passion and determination.

The family is grateful to the staff at Home Care Assistance and Roadrunner Hospice. In typical Mike fashion, there are no formal services planned. Loved ones will gather this week and a celebration of life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Fort Hays State University Department of Biology at https://foundation.fhsu.edu/donate/ or the environmental cause of your choice.

You are welcome to visit Mike's online tribute at www.legacy.com