In Memory: John D. Somich (1966-2017)

LES was saddened by the sudden loss of John Somich in Katy, Texas on August 30. He was an excellent teacher in many LES courses and seminars including IP Strategy and IP Business Basics 101. Most recently John taught IP Strategy (PDS 252) at LES University in Chicago on July 18. He was also an active member of the LES Houston Chapter and participated in many LES meetings and events.

LES Past-President Ada Nielsen recalls, “John was an outstanding team member in BP’s Upstream Intellectual Asset and Strategy Team—and a wonderful co-teacher within BP as well as at many LES (USA & Canada) courses and seminars. He was so liked, loved, and appreciated by those of us who worked with him. We benefited from his many contributions to work and to his spirit of collaboration, friendship, and caring.”

John was a 1989 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, who enjoyed traveling, golfing and cycling—having participated many times in the MS 150. John has resided in Katy, Texas, for the past nine years. He worked at BP in Technology Commercialization Upstream Technology. He had been a part of Amoco/BP for 28 years. He started plants in China, Belgium, and the U.S. He also worked tirelessly and successfully on the Deepwater Horizon response.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Julia Somich; sons, Jack and Joel Somich; as well as other family members and friends. To leave a condolence message and for more information, go to: http://www.schmidtfuneralhome.net/memsol.cgi?user_id=2003564.