Mark Gerger, KACS chair in 1997 passed away on October 14, 2023. Mark was a willing and regular volunteer in outreach events during his years in Kalamazoo.
Roger Williams, A 57-year ACS (KACS) member passed away on July 30, 2023. Roger was an analytical chemist at The Upjohn Company and Pfizer.
Marvin Grostic, KACS chair in 1996 passed away on November 6, 2022. Marvin Retired from the Upjohn Company.
Charles (Chuck) Coverdale was a 64 year member of the Kalamazoo Section of the American Chemical Society and worked his entire career at the Upjohn Company.
Robert (Bob) Charles Kelly was a 62-year member of the American Chemical Society and spent ten years as Editor of Organic Reactions. Bob was the Kalamazoo College Senior Independent Project Coordinator for 17 years.
Mike Barcelona was a faculty member and department chair of chemistry at Western Michigan University as well as a 48-year ACS member passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2022.
Thomas Houser was a faculty member at WMU from 1964-95 and a KACS member for over 50 years.
Eldon G. Nidy was a 55-year member of the ACS, WMU alumnus, and chemist at the Upjohn Company.
Joseph Thorstenson passed away on 23 September 2020. “Dr. T” was a well-loved chemistry teacher at KAMSC who over the years encouraged his students to participate in our Chemistry Day at the Museum, as well as in our HS Competitive Exam program.
Harold Hart passed away on 17 November 2019 at the age of 97. He was a 77-year member of the ACS, emeritus professor of chemistry at MSU since 1987 and since then a member of our Section. He received the ACS Award in Petroleum Chemistry in 1962 and served as editor of Chemical Reviews from 1967-1977.
Robert Nagler passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2019. Robert served as chair of the Kalamazoo section in 1971.
Bill Van Meter passed away on Saturday, October 6, 2018. Memorial contributions in Bill’s name can be made to Animal’s Best Friend Fund or a charity of your choice.
David G. Martin, 62-year member, passed away at home on Saturday, December 29, 2018 surrounded by his family.
Ingemar Forsblad, avid chemist and skiier, passed away on 22 August 2016.
Kalamazoo area chemist and WMU alumnus Douglas Rector passed away on 21 June 2016.
Donald Eugene Harper passed away 5 May 2016. Next year would have marked his 50th anniversary as a member of the American Chemical Society.
Bob Garlick passed away on 27 March 2016. Bob, along with his son Neil, used to help at our Chemistry Day at the Museum; in 2003 they received the Section Volunteer award for their contributions.
Long-time teacher, chemist and KACS member Wally Hines passed away on 31 October 2014. He contributed enormously to the chemistry community as the director of chemistry labs at K-College, a 67-year member of the ACS, as well as holding various positions within the local section. Whatever Wally did he pursued with a passion.
Louis L. Skaletzky, 81, a retired organic research chemist, died on May 25 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Skaletzky’s colleagues remember him as a skilled and determined chemist. His family describes him as a devoted father and a quiet soul who had a passion for literacy.
E. Louis Caron passed away on 6 July 2014. He has a long history in Kalamzoo and with the Kalamazoo ACS section. He was a faithful attendee of meetings and events up until he was no longer able.
William (Bill) Struck passed away on Thursday 6 March 2014. He was a long-time section member as well as holding many position at The Upjohn Company, an insitution of Kalamazoo’s history. During World War II, William helped determine the structure of what became known as the “wonder drug”, penicillin.
James Howell passed away on Saturday 16 November 2013 at the age of 81. His legacy as a chemist and teacher will be remembered fondly.