Erdogan Oray

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Erdoğan Oray was an exceptional intellect, sportsman, and family man whose life took him across the world. From Istanbul and the shores of the Black Sea, he excelled in his studies and was given a rare opportunity to study in England in Sheffield and London. He then continued to the United States to pursue his PhD in geophysics at Michigan State University. It was there that a chance social encounter introduced him to Teresa Ann Wells who became his love and partner for over 55 years. This young and exotic academic captured Teresa’s heart and the two were married in January 1971. Together they returned to Turkey with a vision of a new career and starting a family. Their son Serkan was born in Ankara in November 1974 and Erdoğan ultimately headed the Geophysics Department of the Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (abbreviated MTA in Turkish). Even with this exceptional start, the geopolitical and economic uncertainty of the time led Erdoğan, Teresa, and Serkan to return to the US in December 1980 where they ultimately settled in Lakewood, Colorado and where their second son, Ayhan Mehmet was born in July 1986. Erdoğan had a love of soccer and played for the Besiktas Junior league in Istanbul and then on the Sheffield University team in England and ultimately took up tennis as his sport of choice. He was well-known at Meadow Creek Tennis Club where he developed deep and life-long friendships. Erdoğan encouraged his sons and set high standards for their achievements in school and sports, giving each an ambition of their own. He loved the title of Dad, but when grandchildren came along Grandpa was great too. He was a steadfast supporter of Besiktas soccer team, Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, and the Colorado Avalanche. With a rapid decline in his health, Erdoğan passed away on January 29, 2026, at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Teresa, his sons Serkan (Sylvie) and Ayhan (Korri), his five beloved grandchildren, Nolan, Evan, Léa, Callen, and Leighton, extended family members in Turkey, and countless friends across the globe. A celebration of life will be held for friends and family.