It is with a heavy heart we mourn the passing of Michael Logan and Robert Shallenberger both who passed away in 2023. Their love for Midway was never ending so perhaps a part of their soul is floating amidst the clouds that reflect Kuaihelani (Hawaiian name for Midway Atoll meaning “the backbone of heaven”).
Board President Wayne Sentman recalls Mike “as a very active board member in the early days of FOMA.”
“He joined the board after his first visit to Midway in 2000 and he was always excited when he was able to return. Like all of us, he loved the Refuge and the history that Midway represents.” Michael Logan, passed away on January 27, 2023. Before his passing he had requested that contributions be made in his memory to Friends of Midway Atoll or to a charity of your choice. Obituary is available here.
Rob joined the Board in 2011 and was an Emeritus Board Member until his passing on 15 March 2023. He was the refuge manager of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge 1997 – 2000 and instrumental in helping birth FOMA.
Rob was a fount of wisdom and experience in Hawaiian Island conservation and seabirds. He was a contributor to numerous published scientific papers, proceedings, newsletters, and reflections. Much of the pioneering research on wedge-tailed shearwaters (‘ua’u kani) was completed by Rob in the early 1970s. He worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for 25 years, managing wildlife refuges in the Pacific, and eventually became the Chief of the Refuge Division in Washington DC.
After retirement, Rob served as the Hawaiian Island Conservation Director for the Nature Conservancy and was a staunch advocate and supporter of the Friends of Hakalau Forest and the Hawai’i Wildlife Center. He joined the Board in 2011 and was an Emeritus Board Member until his passing on 15 March 2023.