BORN

1948

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Michael Croft Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 2, 2017.

Michael Croft, 69, of Waynesboro, Va passed away on Monday, November 27, 2017 while on a business trip in Houston, TX.

Born September 18, 1948 in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, he was the son of Kathleen Croft and the late Leslie Roland Croft of York, England.

Michael was a 1971 graduate of the University of Leeds, UK with a degree in Earth Science. He was a renowned petroleum geologist who possessed extensive experience in production, development, appraisal and exploration activities. Michael began his career in 1971 with Core Laboratories as a Mudlogging Engineer and Project Geologist. He joined Mobil Oil in 1977, and remained there until retiring in 2000. Mike contributed as a geoscientist in many of the most important development projects for Mobil Oil including Beryl, Sable Island, Hibernia, Camisea, Cerro Negro, Tengiz, and Natuna; defining the most effective processes to bring billions of barrels of oil and oil equivalent on-line. His contributions were quickly recognized by management and he was one of the original members of Mobil's internal production and development consulting group.

Michael was a superb mentor at every level; as a colleague, as a supervisor, and as a manager. He always worked to help others reach their full potential. He was a leader and friend in all he did. Michael knew that the best way to improve Mobil's bottom line was to grow the capabilities of the geoscientists and engineers for the projects in which he was involved. He had a passion to build the skills of geoscientists and engineers. Michael not only mentored them to develop their technical skills, but also to help them to work together as a true team; to determine the best development and production processes for giant oil and gas fields. He always honored the contributions of others to the project. His legacy will live on through the many geoscientists and engineers he mentored!


?To fulfill a personal desire to contribute something different and fill a need in the community Michael left the petroleum industry and spent some years working as a Health Unit Coordinator in the Thoracic/Cardiovascular Unit at the University of Virginia Medical Center. In 2008, after a chance meeting with a former colleague, Michael accepted an offer to spend the summer working in the Global New Business Development for Hess Petroleum. During this assignment Michael realized he still had much passion and commitment for passing on his knowledge and experience of the petroleum business, particularly in development and production geoscience. At that time he resumed his career as a Petroleum Geoscience Consultant with Hess Petroleum. At the time of his passing he was employed by Independent Project Analysis, Inc. where he worked as a Senior Analyst.


?Survivors include his loving wife, Evelyn Marie DeGolyer Croft of Waynesboro, VA; his children, Heather DeGolyer-Patton, Eric and their children, Mia Evmarie and soon to be Eric Michael of Sterling, VA; Erica DeGolyer-Keene, Christopher and their children, Kayden and Meadow of Denver, CO; Madison DeGolyer and Catharine DeGolyer of Waynesboro; Dr. Philip Croft and Marguerite of East Lansing, MI, Elizabeth Croft Miller, Steven and their children, Lucas and Thomas of Orlean, VA and Dr. Catherine Croft Swanwick, Daniel and their children, Benjamin and Anna of Warrenton, VA; his first wife, Victoria Lidia Croft of Warrenton, VA; sisters, Betty Wagstaff, Ian and their children, Vicki, Jennie and Emily of Leeds, England, Pat Komar, Mick and their children, Sarah and Martin of Leeds, England and Janet Geldartand, Chris and their children, Richard and Helen of York, England.


?Following cremation, a celebration of Michael's life will be held in the spring of 2018.

?Those desiring may make memorial contributions in Michael's memory to Augusta Free Clinic or the American Heart Association.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Croft

Sponsored by Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes & Crematory - Waynesboro.

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Not sure what to say?

December 10, 2017

Anthony Nwankwo

I was not privileged to work with Mike but I heard a lot of impressive professionalism about his time in Mobil.

My family's thoughts and prayers are with your family! .. and we are so terribly sorry for your loss - as we pray that the Lord will give you all the strength to live beyond it !

Tony & Catherine Nwankwo
The Woodlands Texas

December 7, 2017

Tracy Straight

Sending love and prayers to your family from all of us at The Wayne Theatre. He was so proud of the girls and I loved seeing his smile after watching the girls perform.

December 6, 2017

I have fond memories of working with Michael at Mobil back in the late 80's, and am very saddened at news of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family.
Roger C Smith

December 5, 2017

April Yoder

Thoughts and prayers with your family! So sorry for your loss!

December 5, 2017

Charkes Fansler

God bless you and your family we send our condolences and offer our prayers and thoughts to be with you and your family . God Bless you all .

December 5, 2017

Praying for family. Mark Underwood.

December 5, 2017

Sending Prayers for you and your family.
Lisa (Tingler) Gund

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

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Memorial Events
for Michael Croft

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes & Crematory - Waynesboro

618 W Main St, Waynesboro, VA 22980

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