▸ Obituaries Philip Coppens Philip Coppens, 86, died on June 21 in West Grove, Pa. “Philip was a giant in his field and pioneered the technique of time-resolved X-ray crystallography, which has become a major area in X-ray science. He was renowned for promoting the discipline, organizing international meetings, and mentoring younger colleagues in his field. Philip taught countless students and researchers at the University at Buffalo and mentored many faculty, myself included. Philip had a dry wit and a great sense of humor.”— David Watson, friend and colleague
Most recent title: distinguished professor, University at Buffalo
Ph.D., organic chemistry, 1970, Brigham Young University Survivors: wife, Karen; daughters, Cristy Abbott, Mandy Gibbs, and Traci; sons, Brent, Brad, and Matt
Charles P. Knop Charles P. Knop, 89, died on May 21 in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Harold A. Nash
“Dad was a great husband and father first, but science, especially chemistry, was always a love. He spent much of his last 20 years visiting schools and putting on demonstrations. At family reunions, we were entertained with various demonstrations. While cleaning out his home where he died two days short of his 90th birthday, we found an entire laboratory setup in his basement. He was still conducting experiments and perfecting his craft as a presenter of the wonders of chemistry.”—Maria Weber, daughter
chemistry, 1960, University of Amsterdam
Most recent title: professor of chemistry
Survivors: wife, Marguerite; sons, Alon, El-
and chair of the chemistry department, Grand Valley State University Education: B.S., mathematics, Aquinas College, 1952; Ph.D., inorganic chemistry, Michigan State University, 1958 Survivors: daughters, Jeanne Pritula, Maria Weber, Mary Margaret Utess, Mary Catherine McNamara, Maureen Hoogerhyde, and Rose Mary Worm; sons, Anthony, Joseph, and Martin; 31 grandchildren
Richard H. Hales Richard H. Hales, 74, died on June 17 in West Jordan, Utah. “Richard worked for a year at the University of Utah as a postdoctoral research fellow and then taught chemistry in Mérida, Venezuela, for two years. After returning to the U.S., he spent the rest of his working life in Utah as an industrial researcher in the areas of biomedical test development, organic chemical synthesis, industrial explosives, and military propellants. Richard loved first his God, second his family, and third the people, culture, and language of South America.”—Karen Hales, wife
Most recent title: scientist, ATK Thiokol Propulsion
Education: B.S., chemistry, 1967, and
36
C&EN | CEN.ACS.ORG | AUGUST 7, 2017
mac Sciences
Education: B.Sc., organic chemistry, 1961, Ph.D., organic chemistry, 1964, and D.Sc., organic chemistry, 1972, Queen’s University Belfast Survivors: wife, Clare; daughter, Henrietta; sons, Ronan and John; two grandchildren
Education: B.S., chemistry, 1954, and Ph.D., dad, and Daniel; three grandchildren
Most recent title: technical director, Al-
Michael A. McKervey Michael A. McKervey, 78, died on June 24 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. “He is remembered as one of Ireland’s most distinguished scientists, an inspirational leader in his field, and a wonderful mentor to so many students over the years. He is also remembered as a much-loved husband, father, and grandfather and will be sorely missed by family, colleagues, and friends.”— Henrietta McKervey, daughter
Harold A. Nash, 97, died on April 22, 2016, in Woodcliff Lake, N.J. “His early research was focused on biologically active compounds from plants and microorganisms as an employee of the Pitman-Moore Co. and the Dow Chemical Co. Later, he led a research team focused on the development of contraceptives such as the subdermal implant known as Norplant.”—family of Harold Nash
Most recent title: staff scientist, Population Council
Education: B.S., chemistry and agriculture, Oregon State University; Ph.D., biochemistry, Purdue University, 1947 Survivors: wife, Mary; daughters, Sharon Bisaha and Janet Geldert; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren
Harold G. Weiss Harold G. Weiss, 94, died on March 31 in Santa Monica, Calif. “In 1966, Hal founded West Coast Technical Services, the first analytical lab in the U.S. to have an instrument that could do combined gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. He retired after selling West Coast Technical Services in 1984, but he stayed in touch with all his ACS friends. He saw the world through the eyes of chemistry. He loved life to the end.”—John Beard, son-in-law
Most recent title: founder, West Coast Technical Services
Education: B.S., chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 1947
Survivors: daughter, Sheryl (Weiss) Beard; son, Michael; four grandchildren
To recognize your late loved one or colleague, submit obituary information at cenm.ag/obits.
CR E D I T: N A N CY J . PA R I S I ( CO P P E N S ) ; CO URT ESY O F KA R E N H A LES ( HA LES ); CO U RT ESY O F M AR I A W E B E R (K N O P ); H E N R I E T TA M CK E RV E Y (M CK E RV E Y ); CO U RT ESY OF JOH N BEARD (WE I SS)
ACS NEWS
