(1964-2018)
Michael T. Friggens, 54, dearly loved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, died unexpectedly on October 13, 2018. Mike was born July 3, 1964 in Albuquerque, NM, to Robert and Patricia Friggens. He is survived by his spouse, Megan, daughter Abigail, son Jake, father and stepmother Martha, sister Suzanne, nephew Richard, aunt Mymm, and a number of extended family members. He was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents.
Mike graduated from Albuquerque Academy in 1982 and received a B.S. in Biology from the University of New Mexico in 1990.
Mike enlisted in the U.S. Peace Corps upon finishing his undergrad degree where he served three years in Bolivia. After his Peace Corps assignment, Mike returned to Bolivia as part of a Trex Expedition to conduct biological inventories in three regions of the country, which helped support the establishment of a new national park called P. N. Madidi.
Upon his return to the U.S. in 1995, Mike took a job as a Field Research Technician for the Sevilleta Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program.
On April 6th, 2002, Mike married Megan Ryan. They lived in Sandia Park, New Mexico, for a number of years where both their children were born.
In 2003, Mike finished his Master's thesis regarding small mammal populations on Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge and began to serve as the Project Manager for the Sevilleta LTER program.
After 16 years, Mike took an early retirement to focus on his family and pursue his passion for car restoration. He and his family had recently moved to Corrales, NM.
Mike was a sincere and compassionate person who was also known for his spirited personality. Mike offered enduring friendship to everyone he met and he dedicated himself to whatever task was at hand whether his work or his pursuit of fun and adventure. Mike was generous and did not hesitate to volunteer his time or skills when needed. He encouraged his children to be curious about the world and immerse themselves in life to the fullest. Mike was a good friend, wonderful father and husband, and is loved and missed by all.
We will celebrate Mike's life at a Memorial Service to be held on Saturday, November 3, 2018, 2:00 p.m. at French Funerals Westside.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to World Bicycle Relief (http//:worldbicyclerelief.org).
Please visit our online guestbook for Michael at http//:www.FrenchFunerals.com
Published in Albuquerque Journal on Oct. 28, 2018
(https//:www.legacy.com/obituaries/abqjournal/obituary.aspx?n=michael-friggens&pid=190593920)