As a water quality scientist, Roger Bannerman worked on big problems. But he preferred small solutions.
Bannerman, a tireless champion of water quality who helped spur interest in rain gardens, died Oct. 15 from complications of prostate cancer. He was 75.
"He has done more than anyone to improve water quality in Wisconsin," said Ken Potter, a retired professor of civil and environmental engineering at UW-Madison. "And he always did it with a smile."
As an environmental specialist for the Department of Natural Resources and a volunteer on countless boards and committees, Bannerman brought a unique combination of curiosity, energy and an ability to connect with people.
"Roger wanted his work to benefit people and the environment," said Jim Baumann, who worked with Bannerman for more than four decades. "That applied to his professional work and his volunteer work. At times there wasn't much of a line between (them)."
Bannerman's strength was not the science, Baumann said, but his ability to coordinate research and communicate it in ways that could be used to solve problems.
"Roger's strength was connecting science to policy," said Bill Selbig, a research hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey. "Roger was the one who helped put the science behind it."
While his research informed policy decisions nationwide, Bannerman liked small projects - like rain gardens - that anyone could do in their yard.
"He was always trying to find practical ways he could get some movement on these complicated issues," said Jane Bannerman, his wife of 49 years.
Locally, his work led to a ban on coal tar-based driveway sealants, training for people who spread road salt and an effort to keep streets clear of leaves, a major source of the phosphorus that causes algae blooms on urban lakes.
"He was committed to working with individuals and neighborhoods and showing them how easy it is to improve environmental quality," said David Liebl, stormwater outreach specialist for UW-Extension. "That's where he had his largest impact."
Casey Hanson, executive director of the Friends of Lake Wingra, where Bannerman served on the board for nearly a decade, described him as "the Bill Nye of stormwater management" for his enthusiasm and ability to communicate complex information.
"He almost has that wow jazz hands - this is so exciting," Hanson said. "Even if you did find the content boring, you'd have to find the presentation endearing."
Coming to AmericaThe son of an American serviceman and a British mother, Bannerman was born in London in 1945. His family eventually settled in Pacific Grove, California, where he graduated high school.
After earning a degree in chemistry from Humboldt State University, Bannerman moved to Madison to study water chemistry at UW-Madison, where he met his wife, Jane.
Bannerman joined the DNR in 1975 in the early days of the Clean Water Act. He was one of the first to study pollutants coming off urban streets. After his retirement in 2012, Bannerman continued working as a contractor for USGS and in numerous volunteer positions.
When not working, Bannerman loved being outdoors, paddling, hiking, biking, taking photos, or collecting water samples from Lake Wingra. He and Jane made annual trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for the past three decades, often taking friends to introduce them to a place Jane said he considered magical.
"Roger had energy to burn," Jane said. "And a lot of enthusiasm, and a lot of knowledge."
Capturing rainwaterBannerman was an early champion of rain gardens, small depressions to capture rainwater so that it can infiltrate into the soil instead of running into storm sewers.
He built five in his own yard starting in 1999 and offered guidance to anyone who asked.
In 2005, Bannerman helped start a pilot project that eventually became a citywide initiative for the city of Madison, which this spring named it in his honor. He wrote a manual for homeowners that is still available from the DNR and gave hundreds of talks on rain gardens.
"There would not be thousands of rain gardens without Roger's efforts," Baumann said. "Very few people can leave that sort of legacy."
Why we careBannerman was also a skilled communicator who enjoyed talking about his work.
"He was able to explain to anybody almost about stormwater and the science behind it and why we should care," said Caroline Burger, a stormwater engineer with the city of Madison.
Early in her career, Burger said anytime she had a question about the computer program used to evaluate stormwater controls she would call Bannerman, who would spend a half hour or an hour explaining the background.
"He was such an approachable person," said Paul Dearlove, deputy director of the Clean Lakes Alliance. "He was happiest when people would ask him questions."
Photos: Lower Wisconsin Riverway
"He has done more than anyone to improve water quality in Wisconsin. And he always did it with a smile." Ken Potter, a retired professor of civil and environmental engineering at UW-Madison"He has done more than anyone to improve water quality in Wisconsin. And he always did it with a smile."
Ken Potter, a retired professor of civil and environmental engineering at UW-Madison
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Ed and Liz Gardella
December 15, 2020
Just read about Roger, Jane, and I'm sure his passing leaves a big hole in your family's hearts. I was nice to read about all his accomplishments and the expressions of gratitude others wrote about him. Roger knew how to enjoy life and added a lot of fun to every gathering. We send our sincere condolences to all of your family. We are glad he lived long enough to enjoy his grandchildren. With love and sympathy, Liz (and Ed)
Jeff Schimpff
October 23, 2020
Roger was very helpful with an EIS project I was directing at WDNR. He provided a lot of technical references that helped my EIS team develop a proposed alternative that was eventually adopted by the Town of Mount Pleasant for reducing flooding on the Pike River. He was always pleasant to greet as we sometimes arrived at the DNR bike rack at the same time in the morning.
Peter Shedivy
October 22, 2020
Early in my career as an engineer, I would pick up the phone and have conversations with Roger and he was always open to answer my questions. I will always remember that he took the time to do that and sorry to the family for your loss.
Phillip Taylor
October 20, 2020
Roger was a pleasure to work with and I learned a great deal from him. My greatest sympathies to all his family.
Joan Hamil
October 19, 2020
I am sorry for your loss Gillian and family.
Steve Dressing, Alexandria, VA
October 18, 2020
I'm very sorry to hear of Roger's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting Roger years ago when I was working in the nonpoint source program at USEPA in Washington, DC. During a ~15-year period, I would see him annually at national workshops and interact with him often between workshops. He was a true professional who added immensely to our field, but he was also kind and generous. After I left EPA, I had less frequent interactions with Roger, but did talk with him a couple of years ago when he once again gave me his time to help with a project. Roger Bannerman was a very good man who will be missed by many. My thoughts go out to his family.
The Staff of Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
October 17, 2020
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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