In memoriam: Mike Yeoward
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Mike Yeoward Image courtesy of saukvalley.com |
Mike Yeoward, senior procurement administrator in the Business Services Section, died Friday, Sept. 24, at the age of 58. Yeoward had a heart attack after refereeing a football game at Rochelle High School.
His colleagues remember him for his wonderful sense of humor and love of laughter as well as his excellence in contract procurement for Fermilab.
"I think one of the biggest things he did here was to prove that you can work and have a good time,"
said Procurement Department coworker Ron Evans. "Everyone who worked with him enjoyed him."
Prior to joining Fermilab 10 years ago, Yeoward owned his own business selling large equipment and farm machinery. Fermilab's procurement personnel met him when his company installed equipment for the Main Injector. When a position opened for someone to handle contracts with companies dealing in scientific equipment, Yeoward's mix of technical and business experience made him an obvious choice.
"What set Mike apart was that he could use all his technical skills and his personality to very nicely communicate the needs of the laboratory to people on both sides of contracts," said Procurement Department manager Joe Collins. "He was a tremendous listener."
That sentiment was echoed by TD's Mark Champion, who heads SRF development and who had worked with Yeoward to procure equipment for the International Linear Collider project.
"He was a pleasure to work with, and I was always pleased with the quality of his work on our behalf," Champion said. "I thought highly of him and keenly feel his absence."
Collins said that he felt that Yeoward's death was quite a blow.
"Mike had a knack for putting people at ease and for making those around him feel understood," Collins said. "I think that's one of the reasons his loss really did sadden everyone associated with him. We were all extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to have him in our lives."
-- Sara Reardon
Read Yeoward's obituary.
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