Sneed Collard Jr.

SNEED B. COLLARD, JR.,
HUMAN BEING
1939-2008

Sneed was passionate about life, a quality reflected in every aspect of his relationships, endeavors, interests, and profession. Born in Denver in 1939, he moved with his parents to southern California while still a youth. His parents' troubles ensured a difficult childhood and by the time he was fourteen, he was often on his own, playing hooky from school and reading books in storm drains along the L.A. River.
He attended Gardena High School where he did not succeed academically but boxed with the Golden Gloves and enjoyed playing football. He was especially proud that his team was runner-up in the Los Angeles city football championships one year. Shortly afterward, however, he dropped out of high school and joined the Air Force, where he became a meteorologist.
The Air Force gave Sneed direction and opportunity. Honorably discharged after four years of service, he attended Santa Barbara City College and then the University of California at Santa Barbara. Sneed had a fine mind for science and conducted original research on ocean parasites under the tutelage of Dr. Elmer Noble. Receiving numerous honors and scholarships, he completed his doctorate degree in record time.
After earning his Ph.D., Sneed embarked on a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard's Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, where he continued to conduct original research. Afterward, he accepted a tenure-track position as an assistant professor at the University of West Florida in Pensacola.
During his career, Sneed served as chief scientist on dozens of research cruises in the Gulf of Mexico and elsewhere. He became one of the world's leading authorities on the Gulf and published important papers on sea turtle dispersal and open ocean ecology. His research into the "dead zones" that have plagued the Gulf received national attention in recent years. He also conducted important studies about ocean health at Tyndall Air Force Base.
More than his achievements, however, what made his life stand out was his passion for the world, his humanity, and his sensitivity. Throughout his remarkable career, he inspired hundreds of students to pursue careers in biology and environmental science. Many have become important players in protecting our planet's resources. When he retired as a full professor, his departure left a huge gap in expertise and teaching at the University.
Sneed once wrote, "I find spirituality in the natural world: the sea, forests, mountains, rivers; all of the creatures who live." His happiest times were spent exploring the world and discovering its many amazing mysteries. He always had a book in hand and enjoyed scuba diving, traveling, hunting, and looking for turtles on rainy days. Even in his last weeks of life, his curiosity about science and world events did not diminish.
Sneed was a good friend, father, and grandfather and will be sorely missed by the many people who love him. When asked how he wished to be remembered, he wrote, "I had a rich life. Though flawed, I was a fundamentally decent, caring man who loved and was loved by his heroes." Sneed died peacefully in Tallahassee, Florida, surrounded by family, after months of tender and compassionate care from the staff of Big Bend Hospice, to whom his family shall always be profoundly grateful.
Sneed is survived by his four children, Sneed, Dennis, Meghann and Tyler and grandchildren Braden and Tessa; sister and brother in law, Holly and Don; brother Ron; nieces Teresa and Kim and nephew Scott; aunt Carolyn; cousins, Lisa, Lynn and Laura, and their children; and his loyal dog and companion, D.J. Memorial information is to be announced. The family asks that donations be made to Big Bend Hospice at www.BigBendHospice.org.