Lasting Memories
Myron "Mike" Beigler
Nov. 8, 1926-Jan. 17, 2013
Portola Valley, California
Myron ?Mike? Beigler, biochemist, artist, and longtime resident of Portola Valley, California, died from cancer on January 17, 2013, at the age of 86.
Mike was born in 1926 in Detroit, Michigan. Invited to join the Army Specialized Training Program at 17, Mike was preparing to join the troops abroad when he contracted meningitis, causing him to lose most of his hearing, but enabling him to study biology at the University of Michigan through the remainder of the war.
In 1947, Mike moved to New York City to attend the Art Student?s League, immersing himself in the burgeoning abstract expressionist movement with fellow students Larry Rivers and Alfred Leslie. Together they transferred their GI Bills to New York University in 1948, where Mike earned a BS in Art Education, learning and teaching ceramics while spending his evenings with Tony Smith, Robert Motherwell, and Willem de Kooning among others.
Soon thereafter, matters of practicality turned Mike?s attention from art towards his other true passion: science. He earned his BS degree in biology and chemistry from NYU in 1953, eventually moving to California to work for Lockheed on the Polaris nuclear submarine missile system, preparing reports for President Eisenhower. Mike then embarked on an innovative and prolific career in the field of amino acids and nutrition science. By the end of his career, Mike was named on over 40 U.S. and international patents, having traveled the world and worked with companies in Japan and Germany.
From the late eighties onwards, Mike rededicated himself to ceramics and sculpture. He developed a technique whereby he immersed cloth in hot wax, draping the pieces over each other, and finally creating a bronze rendition of the sculpture. In hanging each piece, Mike sought to explore the beauty and simplicity of gravity itself.
Mike will be remembered for his extraordinary intelligence and talent in both the arts and sciences, his insatiable curiosity, kindness, and readiness to support and mentor those who were lucky to call him friends and family. He is survived by his wife of twenty years, Foster Beigler.
June 30, 2019
I was very fortunate to work with Mike in the early nineties, when he served on the board of EyeSys Technologies. He was an extraordinary man and mentor.
Feb. 20, 2013
I cannot and will not think of Mike as "gone", his mind and energy contributed so much to the growth of mine that he will continue to be with me. However, at this distance from the two of you, the loss of the immediacy of his presence is not affecting me like it undoubtedly is you, so my condolences to you having lost that passionate partnership. I think of you often, in particular when I ride or just watch my horses in the pasture. Jim has gotten heavily involved in "dog" art, which again, has brought the two of you to mind. We love you both, of or not of this world.
Feb. 17, 2013
Dear Foster, I am so saddened to hear of Mike's death, and you are in my thoughts and heart. I can only imagine the scope of your loss. Mike was such an astounding intellect, expansive personality, and had so many passions even extending beyond science and art. I know of few others who lived such a full life of accomplishment and joy. with sympathy, Karin
Feb. 16, 2013
Dear Foster I am so desperately sorry to hear of Mike's death. I didn't know him as well as many of your friends, of course, but I remember with great affection his swift intelligence and the interesting conversations we had, especially at dinner in your home, surrounded by your beautiful works of art. Please accept my most sincere condolences at your tragic loss. With my warmest wishes to you Richard Dawkins
Feb. 15, 2013
Hello Foster, I can't imagine the empty space in your heart at the loss of your beloved Mike. I only met him once, but remember him with smiles thinking of his creativity, wit, talent and entertaining conversation. He will be missed by many, but none as deeply as you. I send you my love and heartfelt condolances. May your memories ease your pain as time passes. Warmest regards, Rochelle
Feb. 14, 2013
Dear Foster: I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I have fond memories of him on the few occasions Ted and I visited Santa Rosa to see Carrie and were fortunate enough to be in his company...a very interesting and kind man. My thoughts are with you. Judi Friedberg Falmouth, MA
Feb. 14, 2013
Foster, Bonny sent me the news and I just wanted to say how very sorry I was to hear of your loss. Sending you the best of thoughts.