David E. Wildt

David Wildt was a young man of 14 years old when I began teaching music in Chandlerville. He was a trumpet player in the band while I spent three years teaching there. I remember his talent, his devotion to what he was doing and his wit. He was from a family that knew how to buckle down and get the job done whether it be on the farm or at school. I am sorry for his family to loose this young man at such an early age. He will certainly be missed by all those that knew him.

Susie, you and your families are in our Prayers and our Thoughts at this time. GODS SPEED.

It was a pleasure to work with Dr. Wildt helping administer his Smithsonian research grants and contracts in the late 1980s, knowing he was looking out for creation around the world. Years later I sought his good advice to help Spain protect the endangered Iberian Lynx from extinction. Grateful for his generosity and kindness. Vaya con Dios, Dr. Wildt!

Dave was one of this world's finest conservationists and his life's work was dedicated to making our natural world more abundant and our precious wildlife more resilient. His leadership brought countless species back from the brink, and his work on genetics has become the benchmark for all working in wildlife both now and forever. It was a Dave who launched an international effort to conserve giant pandas, starting work with his Chinese colleagues with only a simple wooden table as their...