As published in the STHA newsletter.

It is with deep regret that I inform you that Mike Bishop passed away on June 19th, 2004.

Mike was born in Columbus, Ohio July 19, 1937. He collected his first snake at age 6. The family moved to San Antonio in 1948 and he started collecting snakes, lizards, and turtles in his spare time around Lackland and the San Antonio Zoo. While hanging around the snake farm, on the grounds of the Witte Museum, Mike met John Werler who became his mentor.

In 1950 Mike moved to Del Rio where his collection grew. One of the highlights of Mike's life was when at age 13 he was visited by Marlin Perkins who was associated with the Lincoln Park Zoo. Mike was able to provide him with many local specimens for the Lincoln Park Zoo. You can imagine how proud that 13 year old must have been.

In 1954 Mike accompanied John Werler to southern Mexico on a collecting trip where he caught his first crocodile.

After high school, Mike joined the air Force and continued his collecting in the Far East. He has told tales of how he had cobras in his footlocker. After completing his military service his love of herpetology took him to the Smithsonian Zoo where he worked as a keeper in the reptile house.

In 1960 Mike grew homesick for his adopted state and returned to Texas. He worked for both the San Antonio and Houston In the late 60s Mike made a career change and became a nurse. This did not diminish his love for snakes.

Mike continued to collect and photograph snakes. He has remained active in local herpetological organizations. He was a past president of the South Texas Herpetology Association and was currently serving on the board of directors at his passing. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Maggie and the rest of the Bishop family. Mike will be greatly missed by all of us.

Memorial service will be held at Niemietz Park in Cibolo, TX on July 3rd. The pavilion will be open from 3pm-9pm; the service will begin at 4pm, and will proceed to the estimated time of 5pm. Following the service there will be a Wake to celebrate the life of Mike Bishop.

Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, as will the main dish of turkey. We are requesting that people bring covered dishes to make the event a potluck dinner. Feel free to bring alcohol since he was Irish.

The service is outside to very casual dress is more than acceptable.

Directions: Take IH-35 North to Exit 175 (FM 3009). Go down to the light and turn right (you should see H.E.B.). Go down 3009 until it dead ends into FM 78. Turn left on 78, and keep going 'till you see the sign for Niemietz Park. Balloons will be put out to help you locate the entrance. The pavilion is located all the way in the back.

If you have any questions contact Terry Bishop (830)624-7769 or Maggie Reyes (210)653-4012.
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet