Michael E. Hriskevich *52

Michael E. Hriskevich, a geologist regarded by his peers as a star finder of oil, died Jan. 31, 2014.

A Canadian, Hriskevich graduated from Queen’s University in Ontario with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geology in 1947 and 1949. He then earned a Ph.D. in geology from Princeton in 1952.

The Canadian Petroleum Hall of Fame identifies him as “starting some of Canada’s richest exploration plays,” which “created countless jobs in exploration, production, processing, transportation, and continuing benefit.” During his discovery years, Hriskevich rose to the top ranks of Banff Oil Ltd., Aquitaine Co. of Canada Ltd., and Canterra Petroleum Inc. He later remained active as an independent petroleum-industry consultant.

An inductee into the Canadian Petroleum Hall of Fame, he was honored in 1990 by the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists with the prestigious Stanley Slipper Award for his many years of service. Also that year, the American Society of Petroleum Geologists gave him a distinguished-service award. At Queen’s University, he established the Hriskevich Geological Field Studies Program. He donated to the Graduate School’s Annual Giving program for more than 40 years.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; four children; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.