John McNeill Sieburth

SIEBURTH, JOHN McNEILL, 79, died on December 7 in West Kingston. He was the husband of Janice F. (Boston) Sieburth. They were married for 56 years.

He was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and is survived by his children: Heather L. Crumbaker of Vancouver, WA; Scott McNeill Sieburth of Bryn Mawr, PA; Peggy J. Sieburth of Winter Haven, FL; Leslie E. Sieburth of Salt Lake City, UT; and H. Clark Sieburth of Spring Grove, VA; 3 spouses and 6 grandchildren. His sister, Louise Anderson, lives in Las Cruces, NM.

John received a BSA from the University of British Columbia in 1949; an MS from Washington State University in 1951; and a PhD from the University of Minnesota in 1955. He was an Associate Professor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute from 1955-1960, and a Professor of Oceanography and Microbiology at the University of Rhode Island from 1960-1991. As an Emeritus Professor he continued research on his ship, R/V Melanita, moored in Wickford.

John pioneered ecological research on the role of microorganisms in pelagic food webs. Sailing with the Argentine Navy during the International Geophysical Year (1957-58), he discovered an antibiotic in the diet of penguins which resulted in a bacteria free intestinal tract. Further research around the world included marine microbial ecosystems and pollution studies in Narragansett Bay and the Narrow River. He was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1995. Locally, he was active in the Narrow River Preservation Association and the South Kingstown Conservation Commission.

He authored two books and 187 research articles. These efforts led to his recognition in 2004 as one of the top 250 most-cited scientific researchers in the world.

His many interests included boats, woodworking and amateur radio.

Contributions may be made in his memory to the John McN. and Janice F. Sieburth Endowment for the Pell Library.