Sad news from eBird

Roger L. Slothower, eBird’s GIS and mapping specialist, died suddenly on May 18, 2008, near his home in Ithaca while walking to work. Roger had been a member of the core eBird development team since the project’s inception in 2001, and is responsible for all the maps that appear within the eBird project websites, as well as those in many other Lab projects. He graduated from Earlham College, received a Master’s degree from the University of Oregon, and earned a PhD from Cornell University in 2001.

Roger brought a buoyant spirit to the eBird team and the entire Lab of Ornithology and was the organizer of the regular lunchtime volleyball games on the lawn outside. Roger loved people and the natural world, and generously shared his enthusiasm for what he loved with those around him. His loss has left a tremendous void in our midst, even though the memory of his welcoming smile, and enthusiastic, positive spirit lives on within each of us.

Roger is survived by his wife Cyndi, daughter Molly, and sons Sam and Peter.