It is with great sadness that we send word to all of you of Dr. H. Rich Lane's passing.

For the past 18 years, Rich has been an integral member of the EAR, GEO and NSF family, serving as program director for the Sedimentary Geology and Paleobiology Program, as well as helping lead the Advancing Digitization of Biodiversity Collections Program, Coastal SEES Program, and Genealogy of Life Program.

Prior to joining NSF, Rich was the Manager of Technical Services at Amoco Production Company for 28 years. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in the Geology from the University of Iowa. 

Beyond degrees and programs, Rich will be remembered for his easygoing ways and friendly manner, as well as his always-positive outlook.  In the face of health challenges these last few months, Rich still came in to NSF to do what he loved: shepherding progress in the geosciences areas he knew so well.

We extend our sympathy to Rich's family at this difficult time.  He will be greatly missed by all of us in GEO and at NSF.

Dr. Alexandra Isern
Section Head, Surface Earth Processes
Division of Earth Sciences
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA, 22230
p: 703.292.7581 | m: 703.314.2764 | e: aisern@nsf.gov