Paul Michaels
Paul Michaels, 75 years old, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on January 6, 2025.
Paul was born on January 26, 1949, in Detroit, Ml, to Nicholas and Mary Michaels. He displayed an aptitude for science from a very early age and would frequently conduct experiments in his basement. After graduating from high school in Lake Bluff, IL, he pursued a B.S. in Engineering Geophysics with high honors from Michigan Technological University, and went on to earn an M.S. in Geophysics from the University of Utah. It was at the U that he met his wife of 51 years, Jo Anne Fleck. Paul and Jo Anne wed on December 15, 1973 at the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara.
From 1973 to 1975, Paul proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War as a research scientist, engineer, and soldier, working at Air Force Cambridge Research Labs and the MITRE Corp. in Massachusetts. The focus of his research was on ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) and satellites as part of the Cold War defense. He was honorably discharged with the rank of 1st Lieutenant in 1976. He transitioned to the oil industry working as an exploration geophysicist and seismologist first for Gulf Oil and then for Chevron USA, Chevron Resources, and Chevron Research. In 1990 he decided to return to the University of Utah and translate his industry experience into an academic career. Within three years, Paul had graduated with a PhD in Geophysics, and was quickly offered a position as Assistant Professor of Geophysics at Boise State University.
Over the next several decades, Paul conducted extensive original research in the field of engineering geophysics, with a focus on soil dynamics, surface waves, and instrumentation. After earning his professional engineering license from the State of Idaho, he consulted for Idaho Power and the Idaho Transportation Department, finding solutions to landslide problems and conducting the foundation site investigation for a bridge across the Snake River connecting Idaho and Oregon. His work led to a U.S. Patent in 2009, “Determination of Permeability from Damping.” Paul also worked on a foundation survey for the reconstruction of the Broadway Bridge in Boise. In addition to research, Paul was a dedicated teacher and advised both undergraduate and graduate students. He achieved full professorship in 2006, and retired from the university with Emeritus status in 2018.
Paul was a life-long member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists and member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Paul was most proud of his family, including his two daughters Julia and Lara, and he was never too busy working to spend time with them. He had a sense of humor that would lighten any event and exuded calm composure in all situations. An avid outdoorsman, Paul took his family hiking and camping across the Mountain West; favorite spots included the Tetons, Yellowstone, Southern Utah and the Grand Canyon. He used his engineering skills to transform his Boise home into a unique property with terraced gardens. An avid fan of music, Paul loved listening to
jazz and classical guitar, and played accordion as a child and throughout his time in college. In retirement, Paul taught himself to play the guitar and spent many hours learning foreign languages. He loved his daily hikes in the foothills. Paul was known for baking delicious bread each week – when he remembered to add the salt. A devoted computer programmer, all of Paul’s computers ran various distributions of Linux and he remained fiercely loyal to the operating system until his death.
Paul is survived by his wife, Jo Anne; his daughters Julia of Maryland and Lara of New York; his sister Joan Emmet of Connecticut and brother John Michaels; and grandson Isaac Zilm.
Paul’s family would like to thank the providers and staff at St Luke’s Cancer Institute and St. Luke’s Hospice for their supportive and compassionate care.
At Paul’s request, there will not be a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving blood or platelets, or make a donation to the American Red Cross.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.