Memories
Wes has one the great pioneers of volcanology and petrology of the last several decades, with seminal contributions already superbly described in the obituary by friends and colleagues. His passion for geology, volcanoes and understanding magmas were hallmarks and, when combined with his great intellect and flair for making new connections out of observations and commitment to producing the highest quality data, led to seminal research that mark him out as a truly great scientist. I enjoyed his good natured company, quiet approach, ability to see through poorly made arguments and the quest for truth both in science and broader human affairs that made him an inspirational colleague.
-Steve Sparks, University of Bristol
Wes is sorely missed and will long be remembered for his tremendous contributions to geology as well as his kindness to those around him. I appreciated his readiness to talk about work in common as well as to answer science questions, all in the context of chatting about whatever was going on at the time. Simply irreplaceable.
- Dave Miller, USGS
I first got to know Wes while participating in friends of igneous petrology (FIP) meetings at Gail Mahood's and Wes' home as one of Gail's grad students in the early 80s. At one of those meetings, I was discussing some of my findings on the Bandelier Tuff, which I studied as the subject of a Master's thesis at the Colorado School of Mines. At some point during that discussion, I happened to look over at Wes and saw him with a somewhat bemused expression and arched eyebrow which I couldn't tell as either approbation or disapproval. But what is clear are his writings on volcanic phenomena, typically integrating meticulous geochemical and isotopic data with solid geologic mapping. This marriage of field and analytical data made his contributions all that more compelling and elucidating. I always knew I'd be rewarded to learn much when reading a paper authored or coauthored by Wes and his collaborators.
-Dave Boden, Stanford University