Dr. Alex Shigo dies from a fall

[Tom]

I received permission to post this here from the About Forestry website.  Some of you will appreciate knowing what happened.  Those who don't know of Dr. Shigo, do some googling.  He was a rather famous studier of trees.

Steve Nix, none on the Forestry Forum as member "Guide" suggested that we might like to read an article he wrote for his homepage.

http://forestry.about.com/b/a/256532.htm





Dr. Alex L. Shigo, former research Project Leader in Durham, NH, died
this
past Friday at his summer home in Barrington, NH. Alex was a "Super
Scientist" that led a Pioneering Research Unit and retired from
government
service in 1985 and continued his own publishing and education business
until his death. He earned a number of other titles within the FS,
including "Chief Scientist" and "Chief Mycologist" as well as many
awards
from the tree care industry. Alex also received the "Century of Service
Award" from NE during Forest Service Centennial observances. He was a
fellow of the American Phytopathological Society and the Mycological
Society of America.

More than this, he inspired many of us to help people and society
through
the questioning of established understanding and practices. In my
opinion,
he has had a greater effect on the day-to-day work and understanding of
more people than any other worker in Forest Service research.

A memorial celebration will be held this coming Wednesday from 4-7 PM
at
the Sugar Shack function room on Route 4 in Barrington, NH. If you need
directions, please let me know.

Thanks,
Kevin.


Kevin T. Smith, Ph.D.
Plant Physiologist and Project Leader, Research Work Unit NE-4505
USDA Forest Service
271 Mast Road, Durham, NH 03824
Voice: 603.868.7624   Fax: 603.868.7604    Email: ktsmith@fs.fed.us

[beenthere]

Thanks Tom.
I am shocked at the news.

[Don P]

That is sad news  :'(.
I've always enjoyed reading his articles. He probably did more to change and broaden my understanding of trees and how they work than any other individual. He will be missed.
http://www.shigoandtrees.com/

[rebocardo]

Wow, to die with a broken neck from falling down steps. You can worry about a tree killing you and be taken out in a car or house accident. The bright spot is he has a daughter that loves trees that can carry on his work. Sort of like Steve Irwin I guess.

[mdvaden]

I was bummed-out for almost two days after I heard about that in the Arborist's internet news highway.

At least I have his books and his resources under me for a foundation.

What a great teacher. :P