Blackwelder

Brent Blackwelder

Brent Francis Blackwelder, a bold environmental leader for four decades, died on November 23, 2023 at Casey House in Rockville, MD following a fall and having battled dementia and Parkinson's disease. He is survived by Teresa Stotzer Blackwelder, his wife of 48 years, his children Matthew (Alysson) and Laura (Keith) and grandchildren Elizabeth and Winfield. He is also survived by brothers Blake (Diane) and Brion, cousin Rodney Eaton (Sue), sister-in-law Liz Stotzer Leupp (Skip), brother-in-law Rick Stotzer (Kim) and seven nieces.

Brent Blackwelder was born on January 4, 1943 in Buffalo, NY to Evelyn Hellen and the Rev. Francis Blackwelder. Brent attended John Eaton and St. Albans School. He graduated from Duke summa cum laude and earned an MA from Yale and a PhD from the University of Maryland. He was awarded the first UMD Arts and Humanities Alumni Achievement Award in 2001 and an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the Virginia Theological Seminary in 2014.

He was the founding chair of American Rivers, chaired the League of Conservation Voters, and was a founder of the Environmental Policy Center (EPC). In 1989 EPC/EPI merged with Friends of the Earth where Brent later served as president from 1994 until his 2009 retirement. An environmental trailblazer, Brent testified before Congress more than 100 times.

A service celebrating Brent's life will be held Friday, January 5, 2024 at 2 p.m. at St. Columba's Episcopal Church, 4201 Albemarle St. NW, Washington, DC.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Brent's name to Friends of the Earth or Potomac Riverkeeper Network.

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

Published by The Washington Post on Dec. 10, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Brent Blackwelder

6 Entries

Jim Barnes

January 16, 2024

I was privileged to work with Brent for years at the Environmental Policy Institute and Friends of the Earth. He taught me many things about planning campaigns, developing arguments that open doors rather than closing them, and looking at the long game. He introduced me to numerous US Senators and Representatives and taught his version of lobbying: each person is a human being, with whom you are having a conversation. I applied these lessons fully in my life. Brent was also very funny, sometimes wickedly funny, and his sense of humor was legendary.

Winsome McIntosh

January 4, 2024

I served for many years with Brent on the LCV board. Brent was an extraordinary leader in the whole environmental movement and my husband, Michael, and I were honored to share the 50 year growth of the movement along his side! Winsome McIntosh

Liz Raisbeck

December 31, 2023

Brent was one of the great leaders of the DC environmental community for decades. He was one of our visionaries who saw new threats on the horizon long before many orhers. Always generous of spirit.

Kris Moore

December 28, 2023

I knew Brent through St. Columba´s, particularly the Environment Committee. This man of great knowledge and influence was a joy to be with when he led groups on nature walks. A scientist and advocate who loved God´s creation.

Larry Phillips

December 11, 2023

Although I knew Brent for several years, our relationship was limited to one small aspect of his busy and successful life: Our mutual love for the game of squash. And while it may seem strange to draw inferences about an individual´s character based on how he or she behaves on a squash court, I believe you can tell a lot about a person from such interactions. Moreover, I believe Brent would have thought so as well.

While our racket skills were roughly comparable, I have no doubt Brent won more of our matches. He fought hard for every point and, frankly, was a wily competitor. But regardless of who won the match, Brent was equally gracious in victory or defeat. He was a consummate sportsman and a true gentleman.

My deepest condolences to the Blackwelder family and to his many friends.

Larry Phillips
Alexandria, VA

Carole Kammel

December 11, 2023

My deepest sympathies for the passing of Mr. Blackwelder. I am sending heartfelt prayers to everyone during this difficult time. Carole Kammel

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