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Wendell Weart Obituary

Wendell D. Weart

Wendell Weart was born September 24, 1932 in Brandon, Iowa to Mary and Everett Weart. He died September 26, 2024 at home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Wendell was preceded in death by his sister Marjorie Stephens, brother Richard Weart and Stepson Scott Henderson. Wendell is survived by his loving and loved wife Leanne, his children Brian Weart, Kathleen Williams and her children Jeffrey, Johnathan (Maureen) and Jennifer and by Craig Weart and his children Alana and Ruth Weart. He also is survived by his stepchildren who he cherished as his own, Randy Henderson (Tawni), and by Heather Briggs and her children Tyler and Emily. He also leaves behind Scott's children Drew and Dylan as well as 14 Great-grandchildren.

Wendell lived his early life in Brandon, Iowa and attended Cornell College in Iowa where he majored in geology and mathematics, receiving the honors of valedictorian and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He attended graduate school at the University of Wisconsin receiving his Doctor of Philosophy in geophysics and membership in the Sigma Xi science honor society.

During a three-year stint working at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds (1957-1959) Wendell was introduced to the Nevada Nuclear Test Site where he worked on measuring effects of underground nuclear tests conducted in tunnels. Wendell then joined Sandia National Laboratories in 1959 to study the seismic effects of underground nuclear detonations. During the next fifteen years Wendell would study the containment of underground nuclear detonations and the seismic ground motions caused by these tests. For 20 years he was Chairman of the Department of Energy's Seismic Evaluation Committee that was responsible for predicting the effect of nuclear test created seismic waves on structures surrounding the Nevada Test Site and the high-rise buildings in Las Vegas. As staff member and later as a Division Supervisor he was responsible for ground motion and seismic studies on such nuclear tests as Project Gnome, conducted near Carlsbad, New Mexico and high yield tests at the Nevada Test Site, the Central Nevada test (Faultless) and the Milrow and Cannikin megaton tests at the Amchitka Alaska test site. In 1975 he became manager of the Sandia effort to select a site and direct the design of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). He managed the Sandia effort to conduct environmental site studies and underground experiments in the salt beds excavated for eventual waste disposal. These studies and information were used to predict the 10,000 year performance of the WIPP and demonstrate compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency standard for this nuclear repository. For twenty-five years Wendell was the principal interface of the WIPP project for issues of scientific relevance with the State of New Mexico Environmental Evaluation Group and with the National Academy of Science and numerous other peer review groups. He also made himself available to explain WIPP to numerous groups around New Mexico. In recognition of his contributions to Sandia's activities in nuclear testing and the WIPP program he was the third Sandian awarded the title of Sandia Fellow. After the WIPP began receiving nuclear transuranic waste Wendell retired from Sandia in October 2000 with 41 years of Sandia service. He often said that his career at Sandia was all he could have wishedstimulating challenges and the personal relationships that made it all so enjoyable.

After retirement Wendell continued to enjoy his hobby of taking photographs of his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Wendell desired that there be no public services. If friends wish they may donate to Animal Humane of New Mexico (https://animalhumanenm.org) or to the Albuquerque National Museum of Nuclear Science and History (https://www.nuclearmuseum.org) in memory of his life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albuquerque Journal on Oct. 6, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
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Patsy Jones

November 10, 2024

Wendell was a great friend to so many. I count myself fortunate to have been one of them. Aloha and Godspeed my friend.

Batina Nolan

November 8, 2024

He was a great mentor and friend. Heaven has gained another angel.

Dee Armstrong

October 14, 2024

Wendell was a great international ambassador for WIPP. I was so privileged to work with him and learn from him. He was the big brother I always wish I had. He was my professional mentor and personal friend for decades. He literally saved me from the horrors of corporate employment. He was so kind to share his wonderful family with my husband and me. We had such a wonderful time in Washington DC. with him, his stepdaughter, Heather, and his granddaughter, Emily. I'll never forget this great man and wonderful human being.

Dori Ellis

October 8, 2024

Wendell was not only a scientist, but a statesman. Supported by a team of hundreds, he paved the way to the opening of the only US repository for transuranic waste - an accomplishment that required decades. He was a good friend and steady colleague. My sincerest sympathies to his family.

Dan Balduini

October 7, 2024

I fine man and scientist. Working with Wendell at WIPP was a joy. I will never forget him.

Gordon Hom

October 7, 2024

Brian, My sincere sympathies on your loss. You are often in my thoughts. I miss making music with you.

Single Memorial Tree

Gordon Hom

Planted Trees

Mark Bollinger

October 7, 2024

Thank you to Wendell and his family for everything you all did for America and WIPP!

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Kathleen Williams & Family

Planted Trees

Craig Weart

October 6, 2024

Thank you Dad for a wonderful life. You'll forever be in my memories. Rest in peace. Love Craig

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