URISA Remembers Mike Lovett

Mike Lovett, our good friend and beloved URISA member, leader and mentor passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2011 after a long illness.

Mike was so devoted to URISA and its mission to provide quality educational opportunities to GIS professionals. He was URISA's own Superhero!

Lee Hartsfield and Mike in Anaheim (check out the number of ribbons hanging on Milke's badge!)

Mike served as a member and chair of numerous URISA committees; was elected to the URISA Board of Directors in 2008; taught and developed URISA Certified Workshops; served on the annual conference committee for years, including program chair (New Orleans, 2008) and conference chair (Anaheim, 2009); was instrumental in the development of the URISA Leadership Academy; and also was an active member and officer of the Florida Chapter of URISA.

Mike and Barry Wellar in Anaheim

Mike was a GISP and a cheerleader for the GIS Certification Institute encouraging everyone to apply for professional certification.

A worthy recipient, Mike was honored with numerous service awards over the years, most recently being honored with the Barbara Hirsch Special Service Award (2010 in Orlando).

Mike and his wife, Luisa, receiving an award in Orlando.

Professionally, Mike also excelled. He was a Senior Project Manager for CDM since 1989.

Mike wanted to serve URISA and the profession so strongly, that he actually lobbied the URISA Nominating Committee to put him on the ballot. In his submission, he wrote, "Remember we need to keep bringing our new generation into the fold and we will be here to help them help themselves. God willing so will I."

A service to Celebrate Mike's Life took place in Orlando on Monday, September 12. Several of Mike's URISA peers and friends, and a couple URISA staff members were able to attend to celebrate Mike.

The minister mentioned URISA in his remarks. Even he knew how important URISA was in Mike's life! Mike's family asked that donations be made to his church to support their missionary work:

First Christian Church of Orlando
2565 East Kaley Avenue
Orlando, FL 32806-3399

We remember Mike fondly and invite you to share your memories with the rest of us. Please email your Mike Lovett stories to Wendy.

"URISA 2009 in Anaheim was one of my favourite conferences for a variety of reasons, including Mike's outstanding support. And then we hooked up again in Orlando in 2010, where we shared some more good thoughts and chuckles. And, as for the photo of the two of us above, it not only makes us look like we are having too good of a good time,it makes me proud to be a URISAn, and to be Mike's friend and colleague." - Barry Wellar

"The last time I spoke with Mike was in Anaheim. I thought he was going to fall forward on his face from the weight of all the buttons and ribbons on his name tag! :-) He will certainly be missed by many!" - Al Little

"If it weren’t for Mike’s encouragement and guidance as well as leadership while co-chairs on the Workshop Development Committee, I would not have been nearly as active in URISA as I am today. He exposed me to so many people, and activities and has always been a voice of encouragement. I will miss him professionally and personally." - Keri Brennan

"Mike was a good friend and inspiration. He will always be Mr. URISA in my mind. I recall that he devoted hours by phone to URISA on August 6 & 7 during our Chicago Board meeting, then again on August 10 during the most recent Strategic Planning Committee meeting. Mike certainly was active and engaged throughout these meetings with many good insights and ideas. Missing him will be painful – remembering him will be joyful." - Greg Babinski

"Although our career paths only crossed for a few years back in the 1980’s, I learned a lot from Mike Lovett. Mike made a very difficult time in my career considerably better, and if not for Mike I might not have stuck with it to continue my career in GIS. I’ll always remember Mike and our time working together fondly!" - Phil Worrall, Executive Director, Indiana Geographic Information Council

"Mike used to call me his “hero” for mothering along the idea of the URISA Leadership Academy. It was always embarrassing, but I love it that he thought we had such a good thing going and that he enthusiastically gave me the credit for it. Of course Mike was as a passionate contributor to the ULA as anyone possibly could be - he made sure we created premium GIS leadership content for ULA attendees. Of course, he also drove me crazy half that time - but I wouldn’t trade those experiences for the world. Go in peace, Mike. I’ll miss you." - Hilary Perkins

“I had the privilege to work with Mike at URISA and when I was with CDM. It seemed each year his ribbon chain got longer, but that was a sign of his dedication to URISA and to those who called him a friend and a colleague. I did joke with him that in a few years he would have ribbons down to his shoes at the URISA conference. He would give the shirt off his back to help someone. He was a force of encouragement and a mentor to me. I know I am a better GISer and a better person because of him. I will miss him.” - Rob Houston

"I had the privilege to work with Mike over many years with the Workshop Development Committee. His passion for URISA and education were so evident that everyone listened intently to all he had to say. He was pragmatic, insightful and a joy to collaborate with. I will miss him but he has left a mark on so many of us that will become his legacy as we continue his work. Thank you Mike." - Jury Konga

"I loved how Mike would never say no if he was asked to help and how he wanted everyone he met to be the best they could be both as a professional person and as an actual person." -
Carl Anderson

"Mike Lovett: Your face was always happy and your voice always kind! And, you had such an easy way about you. You were a giver .. a giver of yourself to others, to your profession and to life. Thank you for involving me in URISA in the ways that you did (2010 Conference Chair) and for staying so involved. For certain, your contributions and inspiration will continue to add value and your presence will remain.” – Danielle Ayan