David Pimentel

I remember Dave and Marcia so well. My mother and Marcia were dear friends from childhood. Marcia went to Cornell and my mom went to DC to George Washington. I remember them from the few visits and one when I was actually spending a weekend at Cornell when I was applying to college. Marcia picked me up and I had breakfast with both Dave and Marcia...and of course all those bug cases on the first floor. I remember all those cases. I loved the stories my mom would tell of her school days...

I was one of the many undergrads who benefitted from even briefly working with Dr. Pimentel, in my case as a TA, a great opportunity. I thought of him from time to time over the next 40 years, and continued to learn from his generous example. Condolences and warm wishes to his family, and thanks, for sharing him with so many of us over the years!

Dr. Pimentel's papers inspired me to pursue a PhD in Entomology - at a time when I was not sure what I wanted to do, I read some of his papers, and I realized that there was an interesting movement in entomology toward finding alternatives to insecticides and bringing ecology into pest management. I was then fortunate to go to graduate school at Cornell, to have him on my graduate committee, and to be an author on one of his papers - as another student described, he would bring a group of...

Dr. Pimentel was one of my favorite professors at Cornell and he sat on my MS and PhD committees from 1965 to 1967. I so enjoyed knowing him, studying with him, and knowing his wife. A truly special individual. Alice Chabora Tobias

David Pimentel was the delightful grandfather to my children. I am so proud of his relentless work and all that he contributed to this world of ours.

David and Marcia Pimentel were dear friends of my parents, Firth and Nancy Perryman. Their friendship began in the 1940's at Cornell, and continued for many decades thereafter. My father was particularly in awe of Dr. Pimentel's sheer brilliance. His life was a gift to the world. The Perrymans extend their deepest sorrow at news of his passing.

Professor Pimentel was my PhD advisor at Cornell (1982-1985). He was one of the titans of 20th century ecology, and published some groundbreaking studies, notably in the area of stability-diversity theory in population and ecosystem ecology. The fame that he achieved never "went to his head," and he remained a warm and down-to-earth human being. He was an inspiration to me, a mentor and friend. I mourn his passing.

David Pimentel was my first boss at Cornell, from 1978 to 1981. He was a great guy to work for, very kind and patient. I was proud to type (yes, on an IBM Selectric II) his papers on population control, soil and water conservation, and other important topics.

I worked for Dr. Pimentel in 1974, typing the book Insects, Science and Society. He was kind enough to include me in the acknowledgments - a rare gesture for this then-student-typist. A wonderful boss with whom to begin my career.