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EDWARDS, JOHN DAVID
John (Jack) David Edwards.Born June 17, 1925 to Helen Davidson and David Edwards in Nyack, NY.
He is survived by loving wife Donna Hohmann Ewy Edwards, and beloved children, David (Lu), Fess (Noel), Heather (Charles Lalanne), Hope (Wanye Shourds), Nell (Hugh) Matthews and step children, Margot Love, Suzanne, Rodger and Leon Ewy and 19 grandchildren. His former wife Joan Fessenden preceded him in death in 1998 after 50 years of marriage.
Jack suffered a major stroke, which left him paralyzed on the right side and unable to swallow. Until his last days Jack, the tough Scotsman, could still tell his wife "I love you. We have had a great life." She told him she loved him and thanked him for the best ten years of her life. He died peacefully on December 24, 2007. His final words were "I have had a damn good life." We all know he is at peace and saving the last dance for us.
To his last day Jack loved life. Graciousness, generosity and goodwill were his greatest contributions. He cherished his role as a devoted father, grandfather and husband. He left a great footprint on his family, friends, students, colleagues and all who knew him. He was on the soccer team at Cornell. He loved skiing, hiking, water skiing and dancing. Jack and Donna took a safari to Africa for their honeymoon, they traveled to China, Egypt, Jordan, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Brazil, Macchu Picchu, Argentina, Chile, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Scotland, France, Germany, Antarctica, and the Arctic. Jack went down the Grand Canyon over seven times and was famous for his knowledge of the geological formations. He was an avid fan of the University of Colorado Buffaloes football team and the Women's basketball team.
Jack served in the US Navy during World War II. He received his PhD in Geology at Columbia University in New York, Masters of Science in Geology at Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, and Bachelors of Science in Engineering from the University of Cornell. In 2007, Jack had the honor of being awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Award by the National and International Association of Petroleum Geologists for his groundbreaking work on 21st Century Energy and his important contributions in global energy predictions that help in the public's education of energy policy. In 2002, he testified on the floor of the Senate about the future of petroleum and alternative energy directions that needed to be taken. Jack had widespread influence in petroleum exploration and development at Shell Oil from 1949 to 1987 including serving as their Chief Geologist. He discovered the largest oil field in Brazil. After retirement from Shell, Jack served as adjunct professor at the University of Colorado in Boulder and at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.
Memorial services will be held at 2 pm Saturday January 5, 2008 at the Academy, 970 Aurora, Boulder, CO. In lieu of flowers please send memorial gifts to the American Association of American Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) In Memory of John D. Edwards Memorial Scholarship Fund for geosciences graduate students P.O. Box 979 Tulsa, OK 74101-0979, or The University of Colorado Jack Edwards Scholarship Fund, Department of Geological Sciences University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0399.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jack was a great geologist, gentleman, coworker, and a friend through many years in Shell and Pecten; also, in retirement. Very sad to see him go.
Larry Gordon
January 5, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
We will all miss Jack on the ski slopes too and his wonderful wit and energy! He was a great person and did have an eventful, happy and exciting life.
Donna, do take good care!
BJ Crooks
January 1, 2008
Jack and I were neighbors on Norwood Ave. Always remember his passion for life. May you rest in Peace
Jim Young
December 31, 2007
Besides being very bright,he was a lot of fun to be with, especially enjoyed our field trips together. Jack and I, plus John Bookout, Cullen Thompson and others date back to "Shell University" in Houston in early 1950's. We will miss him.
Charlie Booth
December 30, 2007
We shared some of Shell Oil E.& P.'s greatest years. Nothing can surpass Jack's enthusiasm for geology and life as a whole.
Dave & Doris Shoemaker
David Shoemaker
December 30, 2007
Jack and I worked closely together at Pecten for many years. We traveled many thousands of miles together to South America and Europe. There was never a more enthusiastic professional as a geologist or teacher. I consider it an honor and privilege to have worked with Jack.
Dick Gardell
December 30, 2007
I worked for Jack in Midland from 1954 to about 1958 or so.I will always remember him as a first-class geologist with boundless enthusiasm who did so much to help me get started in my career. He was a real gentleman. May he rest in peace.
Dick Nicholas
Dick Nicholas
December 30, 2007
Jack was a Gentleman and a Scholar
Tom Velleca
December 29, 2007
Bessie & I were sad to learn of Jack's passing: we were longtime friends socially and professsionally. We were especially close during Jack's (and my) terms as Manager of Exploration Training at Shell. We (and everyone) will miss him.
Jerry O'Brien
December 29, 2007
I was at Pecten during those wonderful years of exploration, especiallly in Brasil. I remember Jack's presentations on both his work and travels. He was a great guy!!
Rick Waugh
December 29, 2007
Ann and I were deeply saddened to hear about Jack -- a good friend and fellow Shell geologist. This unexpected event explains why we were unable to reach Jack by phone during the recent GSA meeting in Denver. Please accept our deepest sympathy at this time of loss. We will all miss Jack and his boundless enthusiasm.
Sig Snelson
December 28, 2007
Herbert Scott
December 28, 2007
Jack and I started out together working for Shell in Pueblo, Colo. in 1950. Our paths in Shell crossed many times over the following years. I know that Jack and fellow geologist from the training progam Janie Taylor Thompson are probably discussing some statigraphic problem right now.
We will all miss Jack!
Cullen Thompson
December 28, 2007
Era Golian
December 28, 2007
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