In memorium: Leslie A. Viereck

Abstract

Leslie A. Viereck passed away at age 78 on 31 August 2008 in Fairbanks, Alaska. At the time of his death Les's knowledge and understanding of the vegetation of Alaska was second to none: he is sorely missed. His introduction to Alaska occurred during the summer of 1948 while he was still an undergraduate at Dartmouth College. He completed his graduate work (M.S. and Ph.D.) at the University of Colorado under the direction William A. Weber, the pre-eminent Colorado botanist, and John W. Marr, the founder and first Director of the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research. For his doctoral thesis he conducted a study of plant succession and soil development on gravel outwash of the Muldrow Glacier, Alaska. In 1959 Les permanently moved to Alaska as Assistant Professor of Botany at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks (UAF). Throughout his life Les conveyed an unflagging dedication and commitment to developing an understanding of the ecology of the Alaskan boreal forest. This understanding is the foundation of future work. Les as a friend and colleague will be greatly missed but his life story, our memories of him, and his legacy will remain.

Citation

Dyrness, Ted; Van Cleve, Keith; Yarie, John. 2010. In memorium: Leslie A. Viereck. Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research. 42(2): 236-237.