Michael John O'Farrell

Michael John O’Farrell

July 4, 1944 – October 12, 2022

Mike O’Farrell passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 while doing what he did every day – working out on his elliptical machine. 

With his PhD in biology, his research studies into the world of bats and small mammals, his journal articles and reports, Mike built a long and successful career in teaching, advising graduate students, consulting all over the world, and contracting with government agencies to work in the field to protect rare and endangered small mammals.

He spent his formative years in the desert and always felt most at home there, meeting his first wife Theda, marrying in 1965, and raising their three children, Shannon, Caoimhin, and Erin, primarily in Las Vegas, Nevada.  He and Theda established their consulting business, which took him all through California, Nevada, and other areas of the country.  He also had a fondness for northern New Mexico, having completed his Master’s at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM.  When his wife of 47 years passed away after a long illness, Mike made the decision to move to Santa Fe in 2012.  There, Mike re-invented himself, taking his considerable energy and focus and directing it toward the local history and culture. He became a volunteer and docent at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, putting in as many hours and taking on as many roles at the museum as was humanly possible. It was there that he discovered weaving and, never one to take half-measures, dedicated himself to learning everything he could about the craft. He soon joined Las Tejedoras Fiber Arts Guild, where he met Virginia Lee and, as he described it, instantly fell in love, and the feeling was mutual. In short order, they sold their Eldorado homes and were married at their new home close by, in 2017.  They established a beautiful weaving studio and delighted in hosting guild weaving groups there and participating in the life of the Guild. This late-in-life happiness brought both of them incredible joy that they appreciated every day.   

Mike excelled at so many things: he was a wonderful cook, publishing a cookbook devoted to cooking in the field using Dutch ovens, and most recently was delving into North African cooking.  He learned to play the banjo, and we think he was very good, although he was never quite happy with his progress.  He loved languages; Spanish and most recently Arabic, both of which he approached with the same drive and attention he applied to everything.  He pursued weaving with a passion and produced amazingly beautiful textiles.  With a booming voice, Mike loved to tell stories and share his vast knowledge of bats and mammals with anyone who would listen.  He loved to travel and his trips to Ireland, Europe, and especially Africa, were highlights of his life.  He was devoted to his maniacal and uncompromising exercise routine, knowing that it would extend his life and health and his family is grateful for that.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Rose; his first wife, Theda; and his daughter, Shannon. He is survived by his wife, Virginia; his brothers, Gary (Helen) of Phoenix and Patrick (Maria) of Escondido, California; his son Caoimhin (Ester) of Eugene, Oregon; and daughter Erin Fellah (Nabil) of Baltimore, Maryland; and six grandchildren, Annika and Marissa Whitney; Royce Henson III and Meghan, Eli, and Perry Forsyth. We will miss him forever.

There will be a celebration of his life at a later date.

Donations can be made to The Food Depot (thefooddepot.org) in memory of Michael O'Farrell