Deceased June 9, 2021
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In Memory
Alan died peacefully at his Morgantown, W.V., home on June 9.
He grew up in Northampton, roomed with Paul Coon ’51 at Deerfield and, following receipt of his cum laude geology degree from Amherst, where he had a close relationship with Professor George Bain, Alan obtained his master’s degree in geology at UMass Amherst and his Ph.D. in geology at Penn State. He then established, in 1957, an expanded geology and geography department at West Virginia University. He served as chairman of that department from 1971 to 1995, when he retired, but continued to teach geology classes as a professor emeritus until 2005. He supervised those seeking advanced degrees in his chosen subjects, establishing bonding experiences with many that became the highlight of his career. His national reputation in research led to an invitation to contribute to the prestigious Geological Society of America’s Centenary Volumes on a Decade of North America Geology.
Alan enjoyed living in Morgantown. He served as an active member of its Planning Commission, Ward and Boundary Commission, and neighborhood associations. Alan is survived by his wife, Ruth Ellen Rapp, whom he met at Penn State and married as he journeyed to Morgantown in 1957. They have four children, all married and surviving, and nine grandchildren.
In our 50th reunion publication, “The Book,” Alan wrote, “Thank you, Amherst College, for the riches you provided me. I will always be grateful for the classmates and faculty there. I realized as a student how special Amherst was, and ever since, it has remained an internal standard for excellence in whatever I encounter.” Alan clearly had a happy life, contributing to his profession, teaching undergraduate and graduate students, enjoying his family surroundings and his community contributions. No doubt he left us with a smile.
Everett E. Clark ’51