Professor Geoffrey G.E. Scudder, early 1990's. Photo courtesy of the Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
July 13, 2023
We are sad to relay the news that Dr. Geoff Scudder has passed away. Geoff was an enthusiastic and dedicated member of the Department of Zoology between 1958 and his retirement in 1999, during which he served as the Head of Department for 15 years (1976-1991). He was a world-renowned entomologist who greatly contributed to our understanding of insect biodiversity in British Columbia and determined how some insect species could be used to track the effects of global climate change and environmental degradation. Geoff was also a Director for the Nature Trust of British Columbia. Geoff received numerous honours and awards over the years, including being named as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a Member of the Order of Canada. Over the course of his career, and long into retirement, Geoff was a prolific author having published over 200 peer-reviewed papers, edited two books and contributed numerous chapters to various books. Here is a really wonderful tribute article that outlines his history and incredible contributions to science: Geoffrey G.E. Scudder: zoologist, conservationist, educator by Robert A Cannings.
Nature Trust - British Columbia, September 21, 2023: Remembering Geoff Scudder, Champion of Conservation