Richard Ellis
Richard Ellis—artist, author, conservationist, and great friend of AWI—died in May at the age of 86. Ellis grew up in Belle Harbor, on the Rockaway Peninsula of Queens, New York, and spent much of his...
Please see the below obituaries from past editions of the AWI Quarterly.
Cynthia E. Wilson
Longtime AWI board member Cynthia Wilson died in August at the age of 83. Cynthia served on AWI’s board for over 50 years, chairing the board for the final 20 of those years following the...
Dr. Michael Tillman
Dr. Michael Tillman, a long-time advocate for whales and conservation, died in July at the age of 80. Dr. Tillman was born in Seattle, but his roots extended northward: Through his maternal family, he was...
A Life Among Whales: Roger Payne’s Legacy in Patagonia, Argentina
On Saturday, June 10, 2023, Dr. Roger Payne, 88, passed away, surrounded by the love of his family at his home in Vermont. Roger maintained his clarity and wisdom until the final moment. He always...
David Kirby
David Kirby, an award-winning investigative journalist, died on April 16 at the age of 62, after a series of health setbacks that began in late January after a fall. David had been active in the...
In Remembrance
Along with so many in the marine animal protection community, AWI is grieving the loss late last year of three outstanding advocates. Each of these professionals played a role in helping to shape the careers...
Thomas Lovejoy
The life and career of Dr. Thomas Lovejoy—who coined the term “biological diversity”—was dedicated to the protection of the planet. After Lovejoy obtained a bachelor’s degree and PhD from Yale, an interest in birds led...
E.O. Wilson
Born in Alabama, Dr. E. O. Wilson spent his formative years exploring forests and tidal pools, an activity that inspired a lifetime of inquiry and discovery. After completing his studies at the University of Alabama...
Honoring Senator Robert Dole, a Staunch Champion for Animals
Senator Robert Dole (R-KS), who died in December at age 98, was a steadfast and skilled advocate of federal protection for animals. As a member of the House of Representatives in the 1960s, he served...
Paul Hoetjes: Defender of Caribbean Wildlife and Environment
The Wider Caribbean Region has lost a wonderful conservation champion. Paul Hoetjes of Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands, died in November after a short illness. AWI was fortunate to have worked with Paul over the past two...