Michael T. Lynch

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael Thomas Lynch, a beloved brother, uncle, and friend, who left us on February 28, 2025 in London, England. He had a special connection with Henley, England, where he had a small cottage he lovingly referred to as his “happy place.” Born on May 28, 1949, in Milwaukee, WI, to Loretta and Jack Lynch, Mike’s life was shaped by his strong faith, family and adventurous spirit. Raised in a Roman Catholic family, he spent his childhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota, while his family moved frequently in his later years due to his father’s career in the U.S. Air Force. Mike’s faith remained a guiding force throughout his life, and he was proud to have served as an altar boy in various dioceses during his youth. He was a proud Oklahoma Sooner alumnus and fan, cheering them on throughout his life. He loved his football and baseball games, being an avid Yankee fan as well.

He graduated from Mitchell High School in Colorado Springs, CO in 1967 where he was a wrestler and went on to graduate from the University of Oklahoma in 1972 with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. At OU, he was an active member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, where he formed lifelong friendships. Following graduation, Mike’s career in the oil and gas industry took him to many places, beginning with work on an offshore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico for Texaco. His journey led him to a fulfilling career at Santa Fe Drilling in Southern California and later to London where he worked with Santa Fe Exploration. In 1996, Mike embarked on a new venture, founding Intrepid Energy, where he led the company through the discovery of the Buzzard field in the North Sea UK which he had a working interest in. Mike retired in 2007 from the oil industry, but his passion for life never waned. Mike’s love for travel was matched only by his love for his family. He shared many incredible adventures with his loved ones, taking them on sailing trips aboard his cherished sailboat, Sweet Emotion. The boat sailed along coasts from Italy to the Caribbean, from Turkey to Maine, and even along the shores of Africa with his captains Tino and Milosz guiding our sails. These journeys created memories that will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to experience them.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, John (Jack) Lynch (Barbara); mother, Loretta Powers Lynch (James); brother, John Lynch; brother-in-law, Bill Bennett; and Mike Carlson; uncles, Edmund T Powers (Corinne), Richard Powers (Kathy), Norman Lynch (Sharon); and an aunt, Eileen Lynch; and numerous cousins. He also leaves behind his loving sisters, Mari Lynch Newcomer (Charles Gregory); Patti Lynch Guthrie (Dana); Peggy Lynch Bennett MD; Jennifer Lynch (William Snyder); and Eileen Lynch; his sister-in-law, Heidi Lynch; and his devoted Personal Assistant and friend, Joanna Guyton, along with many close friends, including Laila and Tabea Baenisch. Mike’s nieces and nephews held a special place in his heart, and he loved them as if they were his own children. He is deeply loved and will be missed by Melanie Newcomer DO; Michael Newcomer (Anjelica); Ross Newcomer (Jay Jamison); Kelly Guthrie Knutson (Grant); Andrew Guthrie; Elise, Annika, and Emma Carlson; Daniel and Michael Bennett; Zac and Ally Lynch; and countless cousins who were like family to him. Mike’s generous heart, unwavering faith, and zest for life touched everyone who knew him. He will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but for his ability to make every moment meaningful, sharing his joy with those he loved. His legacy will live on in our hearts.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at St. John's Catholic Church, 4230 St Johns Avenue, Duluth with a Visitation beginning at 9:00am. Interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at Northland Country Club in Duluth.

The Service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/dfhduluth/

In lieu of flowers a Memorial Contribution may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.