Wilfred Bryan Jr. ’54

Wilfred Bryan Jr. ’54 formerly of Falmouth, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on February 4 at home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. At Dartmouth, where he majored in geology, Bill was a member of the Dartmouth Outing Club, Cabin & Trail, Dartmouth Geological Society, and Mountaineering Club, which he served as vice president. A global expert on volcanology, he spent his career exploring the world to advance knowledge of the earth’s geological history. Bill imparted that knowledge to his scientist colleagues around the world and to his family and friends on frequent wilderness excursions. He was a world explorer, accomplished artist, expert sailor, and skilled boat builder. In addition to his contributions to earth science, he’ll be remembered by his creations, which include many works of art, from his Herreshoff-inspired sailboats to oil and watercolor paintings. With his wife, Carolyn, he traveled the world, partnering on geological research expeditions. They enjoyed the great outdoors and stayed active well into later years, exploring the Maine coast in Ariadne, their 29-foot trawler, and hiking and skiing across the mountains of the Southwest. He was involved in numerous nature conservancy efforts, including the Friends of the Coronado Monument in New Mexico. He was predeceased by Carolyn, his wife of 68 years, and is survived by children, Richard, Phil, and Cyndi; their spouses; and five grandchildren.