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Tributes to Dr. Marcus E. Milling
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"I had no idea who Marcus was and discovered this tribute site after seeing a Discovery channel memorial to him. From all the warm comments, he seems like he was a wonderful man who had major positive impact on all of you. That in itself is the best tribute one could have. All of you were blessed to have known him. " |
"Marcus had a unique ability to make you look forward to a meeting. He was always optimistic and upbeat, every cloud had a silver lining, every change a new opportunity. He was great with people, and would have great patience to find how even the most difficult person could contribute to the team. " |
"Marcus seemed like a great wind for change when he took over AGI. One of his great qualities was making sure all those he interacted with received sincere appreciation for their efforts." |
"I met Marcus in Kingsville, Texas in 1978 when I arrived for my first job after graduation. Although Marcus was not my supervisor at first, he willingly shared his knowledge of Gulf Coast Geology with me and all the new-hires that Exxon had in Kingsville at the time. Sandra and he would have us all over to his house for BBQ occasionally, where we could all get to know each other better. Marcus eventually became my supervisor, and I have to agree with other sentiments posted in this forum that he was the finest boss I had during my 25-year petroleum industry career, and he is foremost among the reasons that I look back on my two years in Kingsville as among the best of my career. Even after we both left Exxon our paths would cross occasionally at various conventions and conferences, and he always had time to have a nice chat, even with his ever increasing responsibilities. I will miss him." |
"I had the pleasure of having Marcus as my first line supervisor at Exxon and then many years later in the late 1990s worked with him on many AGI initiatives being pursued by the AGI Human Resource Committee. He maintained a persistent, steady, and always positive approach to steadily improve many aspects in the Geoscience Community. His legacy has and will continue to benefit the Geoscience Community for many years to come. He truly made a difference. " |
"Marcus, simply put, was the best boss I ever had. He was also a good and loyal friend. I remember when he arrived at the ARCO Research Lab in Plano, he called us in and told us that he was going to give us a lot more responsibility than we had ever had, but that he was also going to reward us for taking it on and doing a good job. He was like that. He had high expectations but he made sure you knew that he appreciated what you did. He had such a relaxed demeanor that even in the most difficult circumstances, he maintained his sense of humor and calm. It was a pleasure to work with him and to be around him. You knew that Marcus would stand up for you. He will be missed by all who knew him. My prayers go out to Sandra and all his family and friends." |
"Marcus will be remembered for his great enthusiasm for, and steadfast support of, geoscience education at all levels. The National Association of Geoscience Teachers has benefited abundantly from its partnership with AGI under Marcus. I will always be grateful for his help and encouragement to me." |
"Marcus and I served together on the Board of Directors of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival. Even though we did not know each other a long time, we frequently exchanged emails and periodic phone calls just to "touch base." What a splendid gentleman! I am so sorry -- I will miss his cheery hellos and his passion for AGI. My heart goes out to his family and his associates. " |
"Dr. Milling urged me to take a job at AGI in 1999 after two years of contract work, a decision that had an amazing effect on my life. Marcus had a faith and confidence in me that few had before and I'll be indebted to him forever for that. I will miss him very much.
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"I wasn't ready to write this tribute right away. I knew Marcus was ill but his passing nonetheless took me by surprise. I am very grateful that working at Geotimes gave me the chance to know Marcus. He and I were always negotiating and bargaining about Geotimes, and I remember these conversations fondly. They were challenging and fun and honest. Always his eyes shined with kindness and caring. I remember Marcus very fondly, and my thoughts go out to his family." |
"Marcus and I both grew up in Galveston, then received our geology B.S. degrees from Lamar University. Marcus got his start in Gulf Coast geology when he was our late Professor Saul Aronow's first student field assistant. Saul always spoke highly of him, even 30 years later! I had the good fortune to know Marcus during all of his professional life, although we never worked for the same organization at the same time. It was usually years between our conversations, but Marcus always had the rare talent of picking up the conversation where we had left it the previous time. He was a true friend and supporter of Lamar--his good advice was very much appreciated and very useful to me while I was Chairman during troubled times. All of his friends here, of which there are many, will miss him greatly." |
"Marcus had a profound impact on my career as a geoscientist. He convinced me to leave a job I loved at Shell and come to the ARCO research lab in Plano in 1984 to help start a program in regional basin analysis. His support for each of us was tremendous. His management style was one of trust and challenge. He challenged us all to be the best researchers we could be and he trusted us to meet his expectations. Under his guidance the lab became an amazing place where incredible people were accomplishing great things. The Milling era of the 80’s at ARCO were some of the very best and most memorable of my career. His impact on me continued long after his departure from ARCO. Through AGI and his involvement with government based research efforts he challenged me once again and nominated me as a Panel Chair in a major National Research Council study on the Solid Earth Sciences. That experience stretched me professionally and enriched me personally. Marcus was always there for you with ideas, and contacts, and encouragement. He was a true mentor and a real gentleman and will be sorely missed by many. To Sandra and the family my thoughts and prayers are with you." |
"Becky and I cannot express what we feel in Marcus' passing. Our hearts go out to Sandra and the family. We were together back at the University of Iowa in the 60s with Marcus and Sandra where Marcus was beginning to display his leadership abilities. Later our paths crossed again when the Gulf era ended for me and Marcus brought us to Arco in Plano in the 80s. By that time he had distinguished himself as a leader of great distinction at both Exxon and Arco. He again smoothed the path for me when I came to the Kentucky Geological Survey at the end of the 80s. I will always remember his kindness, diligence, and inspiration. I count Marcus as one of my most loyal and helpful friends--always a gentlemen who showed concern for the other and one with the ability to bring people and ideas together for a resultant whole that was much greater than the sum. He will be greatly missed; our thoughts and prayers go with Sandra and the family. " |
"I first met Marcus when he joined our staff at Exxon Research Company in Houston, Texas. He rapidly became a leader in our research program, as he did wherever he went as his broad experience grew.
His contributions to AGI were remarkable as he brought fiscal know how, passion for geoscience and outstanding hands-on leadership.
Marcus was a master at bringing people together. Many of my friends in geology were discovered through Marcus' introductions.
The Discovery Channel series about Planet Earth, that we are presently developing, was a dream of his that is becoming a reality. He made the project happen through the sheer force of his will and it will become an enduring legacy.
The geosciences will miss his sponsorship and energy and I will greatly miss a true Texas gentleman and my long-time friend, Marcus." |
"The vision Marcus brought to AGI in the early 1990s transformed the organization and resulted in unprecedented financial stability, growth in the number of member societies, and program development. He prodded us to "think outside the box," to solve problems, and to recognize and seize opportunities. His drive, energy, and enthusiasm both tired and inspired us! Marcus set the bar high for the staff, but he was always quick to give words of encouragement, appreciation, or consolation. I am honored to have known and worked with Marcus and grateful for the opportunities he gave me at AGI to do the work I love and to grow professionally. " |
"When Marcus was hired to be Manager of Geological Research at ARCO, they brought him to the Lab and introduced him to everyone in a gathering in the kitchen on a Friday afternoon. There were about 35 of us at the time. On Monday morning, he made the rounds, stopping in each office. He knew my wife’s name, the schools I had gone to, and the projects I had been working on. He was the same with every geologist, every technician, secretary and clerk. Within a year, we had grown to more than 100, but Marcus still knew everyone at that intimate level. He was like the parent of a large family-he could make each child feel special without arousing jealousy among the siblings. He was simply the best manager, mentor, and friend I ever knew. " |
"Marcus and I became friends after he joined ARCO in early 1980s. His concern for his colleagues and friends was exemplary. My wife Suzan and I also got to know Sandra. Throughout our time together at ARCO and later while he had been at AGI and I was trying to launch a career as a consultant, Marcus helped me, guided me and acted as a mentor and reference.
As a scientist, as a citizen, and as a friend, Marcus will be missed. Our profession has lost a tireless champion.
For Suzan and I, his friendship will be cherished forever. " |
"I had the pleasure of working with Marcus for a number of years while he managed the Geology Research Section at ARCO's Research Lab. The research staff that he had assembled at ARCO were first rate as was his leadership of the research programs. He was a great motivator with a caring and kind heart. His enthusiasm for Geology was contagious. I miss working with him as I am sure all Geologists will miss his guidance and influence. My sincere condolences to Sandra and the rest of his family. " |
"I first met Marcus at ARCO in 1982 when he managed the Geological Research Division and I was just beginning my professional career as a geologist. I count it as one of the best things that has happened to me in my professional life to have worked for and with Marcus during those years, and many years later when I became the Society rep for ARMA to AGI, where once again I had the pleasure of working with him. He will be greatly missed, but he leaves a legacy of inspiration and kindness for all who had the great fortune to have known him professionally or personally. " |
" Oh! So much to say about Sandra and Marcus and the days at University of Iowa when we were all in the same bucket! We were family. There were four married doctoral candidates who also taught the freshman geology course. Marcus exuded dedication and enthusiasm.... I remember that he usually took the stairs "two at a time!" Surely, those were some of THE BEST OF TIMES. Sandra and Marcus are so dear to me and will always be in my heart.
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"I am saddened beyond words hearing the news about Marcus. The six years I spent working closely with him will always remain amongst the richest and most rewarding years of my career. Sitting across from his desk during my job interview in October 1997, I just knew that he was someone I wanted to work with. Marcus was passionate about the earth sciences and about what AGI could be. He expected your best, and he brought that out in people. Several years after leaving AGI, and teaching the IES middle school curriculum program that he spearheaded, and not a week goes by without thinking about how he influenced my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family. " |
"The passing of Marcus Milling is a tremendous loss to the entire geologic community. His perspicacious leadership at AGI impacted all facets of the geosciences. I especially remember his deep concern for earth science education and all he did to promote it. Marcus was dedicated to making the world aware of the significance of the earth sciences in the environment, economics, planetary sciences, agriculture, climate, etc. The earth science community will miss you, Marcus." |
"The Sigh Of Death... |
"What can you say about a man who was so dedicated to the geosciences, and who made it such a pleasure to work for an organization like AGI? Marcus was a mentor, visionary, motivator, and above all a dear friend to all those who worked for him. My thoughts are with everyone at AGI and with Marcus's family. I'm glad to have so many happy and fun memories of working for and with such a great person. " |
"The Association for Women Geoscientists sends our sincere condolences to Marcus’ family and friends. The geoscience community has lost a valuable advocate for education and outreach. He will be greatly missed." |
"Marcus will be greatly missed. My sincerest condolences to his family." |
"Marcus gave me so many opportunities at AGI. His constant mentorship has meant so much to me over the past few years. He placed a great deal of confidence in me, and because of this support I was able to achieve and do more at AGI than I imagined possible. This is a confidence he placed in not just me, but all of his staff. I will miss him greatly. " |
"It is often thought that the measure of a person's character is his willingness to help others, with no need for credit or accolades. Marcus exemplified this trait. He gave me the opportunity to work in an area I love -- writing about earth's resources in the 3rd Edition of "Minerals -- Foundations of Society." I will miss our free-wheeling discussions about minerals, mining and earth science -- and his excitement when new minerals would arrive for display at AGI. " |
"Marcus Milling will be greatly missed by many. Perhaps especially for those of us who worked with and for him, I believe there are myriad appreciations of Marcus. Some of those elements include his respect for hard work, his deeply ingrained practices in doing what he thought was right, his dogged persistence, and his singular forms of personal expression - from a somewhat formal sense of courtesy to a gentle, nonabrasive sense of humor. He worked hard for AGI and for geoscience, committed to the betterment of both. I value my time working with him at AGI, and will miss his particular "touch" in the geoscience community." |
"I remember meeting Marcus more than five years ago for the first time, and being intimidated by his frankness. After working with him, though, I found that there was more to him than his seeming rough exterior - that he was a kind man with a big heart and high spirits, as well as strong leadership skills. I learned a lot from him about what it means to be a leader, and will miss him. My sincerest condolences to his family..." |
"The Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists sends its condolences to Marcus' family, friends and co-workers. We enjoyed working with Marcus through AGI initiatives and found his leadership inspirational. The earth science community has lost a good friend and champion for our professions." |
"Marcus was always very kind to me. He INSISTED I get my own key to the front door for which I will always be grateful. I enjoyed seeing him in the early mornings as he always seemed upbeat and ready to face the new day. I will miss him very much." |
"Marcus was a great man who made many wonderful contributions to both AGI and Earth science education. His passion for the Earth sciences and education is greatly missed." |
"Marcus will truly be missed here at AGI. His leadership fostered creativity and was genuinely a pleasure to work under. Since I've been at AGI, it has always had an "open door policy." No one's door was ever more open than Marcus'." |
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