Dr. John Michael "Mike" Fitzsimons

John Fitzsimons Obituary

Dr. John Michael (Mike) Fitzsimons died at home Sunday, May 20, 2012. Mike was a resident of Baton Rouge, La. and a native of Oklahoma City, Ok. He was Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biology at Louisiana State University, Curator Emeritus in the LSU Museum of Natural Science, Pereboom Alumni Professor in Ethology & Animal Behavior and a Fellow of the Bishop Museum of Honolulu and the United States Antarctic Research Program. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Fitzsimons; daughters, Karen Pino of Prairieville, La. and Laura Harvey of Dallas, Tx.; sons-in-law, Lannie Pino of Prairieville and Arthur Harvey of Dallas; grandchildren, Maxwell Harvey and Mika Harvey of Dallas; stepgrandchildren, Nicole Pino and Trevor Stubbs; brother, Robert Fitzsimons of Houston, Tx; and best buddy, Moke, his Labrador retriever. After earning his B.S. at Louisiana Tech University, Mike received his M.S. at the University of Hawaii and his Ph.D. at the University of Michigan. His lifetime research included the systematics of subtropical and tropical marine and freshwater fishes. Mike's expertise in stream ecology, stream restoration, systematic ichthyology and behavioral ecology of aquatic animals influenced the application of conservation recommendations, stream restoration and stream-use decisions in Hawai'i. He was a devoted mentor and advisor to graduate students. The family thanks special friend and caregiver Rebecca Williams, Dr. Michael Castine and staff of the Hematology-Oncology Division at the Baton Rouge Clinic and St. Joseph Hospice. A memorial service and celebration of Mike's life will be held at Broadmoor United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge on Saturday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Broadmoor United Methodist Church and the St. Joseph Hospice Foundation.

Published by The Advocate from May 23 to May 24, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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I have to say that, even now, it is not unusual to find myself thinking about Mike. He was so much more to me than a doctoral advisor. Mike turned out to be everything from a dear friend to a fabulous mentor, in every sense of that word. His presence in my life back in the previous century was nothing less than Homeric and his influence remains strong and evident in my current day-to-day. I continue to use teaching strategies that I learned by watching him, some that impressed me from the very beginning as absolutely masterful. I only wish I had a tenth of his storytelling capacity. I still reference some of his jokes (that mostly fell very appropriately into the category of dad jokes); I remember his sense of humor as ranging from downright silly to over-the-top clever. Although he was undoubtedly one of the smartest individuals I ever met, he never made anyone feel lesser in any way; he was always genuine and down-to-earth; he was rightly respected and ever respectful. Ill always remember him as generous, kind and mindful with everyone, including his dogs. He was openly and unforgivingly proud of his family and despite being an outstanding scientist, lovingly maintained his home and family as the center of his world, a character I always admired and will always appreciate deeply. Most of all, Mike was a wonderful person who made the world a better place and I miss him dearly.

Kelly Swing

Student

May 30, 2019

You all are in our thoughts and prayers, especially today. We are so sorry we can't be there to celebrate his life. I have the fondest memories of Mr. Mike. He will be dearly missed.

Nicole & Guy

June 16, 2012

Dr. Fitzsimons was a wonderful friend and mentor to me during my time as a graduate student at the Museum. I have so many wonderful memories of him telling tall tales and wonderful jokes. I thought of him often over the years, and tried to be as genuine and accessible to my students as he was to me. He will be greatly missed and warmly remembered.

David Reed

June 3, 2012

Mike Fitzsimons was an absolutely monumental figure in my life, as I know he was in many others. He was so much more than a graduate advisor to me; he was ever so generous with his time and thoughts; he was always open and quick to share a laugh. The half decade I spent with him 20 years ago will forever be cherished. With me, he was patient to a fault - but that gave me time to grow and to absorb wonderful things from him. He represented the true meaning of the word "mentor" and always called to my mind the immortal words "Oh captain, my captain". While always expecting the best out of everyone, he also managed to give us some perspective on what is truly important in life. For all who knew him, Mike set the standard - in his profession as well as his personal life; he inspired us all - to be better scientists, educators and persons. His retirement was a tremendous loss to academia; his passing from this world, an even greater loss to humanity.

Kelly Swing

May 30, 2012

Charlotte and family; I was so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. You were my son, Mark's, family away from family while he was at LSU as well as after. Mike was a wonderful man and will be loved for a very long time. Looking forward to seeing him again in the place where there's no more pain or suffering. I pray the God of all comfort will comfort you during this very difficult time. Much Aloha, Brenda McRae

May 28, 2012

Thinking of you guys. (You may not remember me, but I'm the daughter of Mike's cousin, Tom. Mike helped me in my genealogy research of the Fitzsimmons family. He was a wonderful guy.

Sharon Markham

May 24, 2012

Carol's and my hearts are with you in your grief as we share your loss. Mike was a gifted, gracious and great husband, father, professor and churchman who touched us all and made the world better. We celebrate a life well and lovingly lived! May God be with you in healing and comfort.

Chuck and Carol Simmons

May 24, 2012

I am sorry to hear of Dr. Fitzsimons' death. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Carol Doucette

May 24, 2012

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jody Griggs

May 24, 2012

Mrs. Charlotte,
My daughter, Blake and I used to live next door to you and Mr. Mike. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I hope the wonderful memories you have will comfort you in your time of sorrow.

Amy Fussell-Roberts

May 24, 2012

Fitz was such a powerful mentor for so many of us. He was a huge influence on helping me become the person I am today. He had an amazing way of teaching by example and with patience. I am so lucky to have had the chance to have had his influence on my life.

Rachel Crawford

May 23, 2012

My heart goes out to Charlotte and family. Even years later, those of us lucky enough to have been students of Dr. Mike Fizsimons at LSU are still discovering just how much of our lives he touched. "Fitz" set the standard for the term "Mentor".

Richard Cody

May 23, 2012

Dr. Fitzsimons had a very great influence on how I teach my students today, and made my time in the basement of the museum at LSU much more enjoyable. I will never forget him.

Jim Demastes

May 23, 2012

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