DR. DAVID CHRISTIAN GERLACH Ph.D.

Einan's Funeral Home

Dr. David Christian Gerlach, Ph.D., age 55, died Sunday, May 8, 2011, at 5:00 a.m. at UW Medical. David was born June 29, 1955, in Del Rio,Texas, but has lived all over the world. David resided in Richland, Washington, for the last 18 years with his registered domestic partner, John Stark. David was raised in a loving home by Oscar and Mary Elizabeth Gerlach, who were both active in the U.S. Army. During his youth, David was involved in the Boy Scouts of America and achieved the status of Eagle Scout. David received his Ph.D. (Geochemistry) in 1985 from MIT, a proud moment for his parents. David was preceded in death by both parents.

Dr. Gerlach published 32 times with 42 abstracts of his research. His awards and honors include the University Scholar Award, Trinity University; Geological Society of America Penrose Grant, 1979; NERC postdoctoral fellowship, University of Leeds; and three Outstanding Performance Awards, PNNL.

At PNNL, Dr. Gerlach performed research and held responsibilities in support of national/homeland security; nuclear safeguards, arms control, and non-proliferation programs; as well as funding/sponsorship from both national and international sources. David also worked at Charles Evans & Associates, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), DTM (Carnegie Institution of Washington, DC), MIT, University of Leeds (England), and Rice University.

David and John loved to travel throughout Europe and spend time on their property in Whidbey Island. David also donated time and energy to Vista Youth Center in the Tri-Cities. David and John donated to the Seattle Men's Choir.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Memories at Sunset Event Center in Richland, WA. Viewing will be held prior to the funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m.

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