IN MEMORIAM
Severn P. Brown, CPG-1707 Canton, New York 1922 - May 4, 2019
Member Since 1968
Severn P. Brown, a member of AIPG for 51 years (1968- 2019), passed away on May 4, 2019, in the 97th year of what he referred to as a “heck of a good run”; he was a Christian gentleman of the old school.
Severn and his two brothers grew up in Evanston, IL, across from Northwestern University. Unlike his brothers, however, he chose to attend the University of Rochester where he was a member of Psi Upsilon and played on the basketball team. Graduating in 1943, as a geologist, he initially received a military deferment that he later resigned to serve as an officer in the military police.
After the war, he did his graduate work at Columbia University where he was elected to Sigma Xi. He then worked for the USGS in Alaska. He worked in Mexico and eventu- ally came to Gouverneur to work as a mining geologist for the then St. Joseph lead company. He began a lifelong association with St. Lawrence University in 1957, serving as an Associate Professor of Geology for four years. Leaving SLU, he and several partners founded a geologic consulting firm where he worked until his retirement.
In retirement, he indulged his passion for travel, enjoyed gardening, and worked to advance the science of geology. Severn was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Canton, serving as a Church Elder. Among his many other activities, he was an active member of Rotary and a founding member of the Canton Community Fund.
While in Gouverneur, he met and married Alita F. (Hunter)
Brown. They were married for 41 years until her death. He married Sarah (Sally) Street and they enjoyed some 20 years of marriage. Once asked for a longevity tip, he quipped, “if nothing else, I know how to marry well.”
Severn is survived by his wife, a son, and two beloved grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the United Helpers or the charity of your choice.
Dr. Robert “Bob” G. Corbett, CPG-4502 Normal, Illinois
March 13, 1935 - July 27, 2019 Member Since 1979
Robert, “Bob” Guy Corbett, CPG 4502, Martin C. Van Couvering Memorial Awardee in 2007 passed away in Normal, IL, on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at the age of 84.
Bob was born on March 13, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois to Thomas “Cy” and Dorothy Huttman Corbett. He married Gail Rushford on August 31, 1959 in Albuquerque, NM.
Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, their children, Jonathan (Charlotte) Corbett, Purcellville, VA; and Erica Corbett, Durant, OK; 1 granddaughter, Sarah-Jane Corbett; and 2 brothers, Dr. Thomas (Beverly) Corbett, Ann Arbor, MI; and William (Deb Holden-Corbett) Corbett, Traverse City, MI.
Bob attended Harvard College and the University of Michigan, majoring in Geology and earning a B.S. (1957), M.S.
Bob and Gail Corbett. in the College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame.
Besides his work at the University he enjoyed leading raft trips down the Grand Canyon for geology students and making several trips to Hawaii National Parks to study the Volcanos. When Bob wasn’t working, he was a member of First Christian Church, Bloomington and was a life-long Cubs Fan.
The family suggests memorials to be made to First Christian Church, Bloomington.
Ed Nuhfer, CPG 2808, writes: With great sadness, I write this brief memorial for Dr. Robert G. “Bob” Corbett who was past-president of AIPG and recipient of the Martin Van Couvering Award. Bob passed away on July 27, 2019, at his home in Illinois. The geosciences lost one of its most dedicated educators, and AIPG, GSA, Sigma Xi, and NAGT each lost one of their great contributing members. I lost a wonderful mentor for whom I have only happy memories.
My first encounter with Bob was as an undergraduate in Bob’s classes at West Virginia University. Later, he consented to serve as the advisor for my Master’s Degree and guided me in preparing my very first presentations for professional meetings. He was one of those rare professors who not only know their graduate students but also reached to know their families and parents. Happily, Bob and I were able to continue
(1958) and Ph.D. (1964) at the University of Michigan. Bob’s dissertation was the definitive study of the United States’ largest uranium mine at the time. He began his career as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography-Geology at West Virginia University. He later went on to be an Associate Professor and later a full Professor in the Department of Geography-Geology at the University of Akron. He became Chairman of the Geology Department, and also served as Coordinator of Research. In 1989 Bob moved his family to Normal, Illinois and worked at Illinois State University as a Professor of Geology and Department Chair of Geography- Geology. Bob retired from ISU in 2001.
After retirement he continued his relationship with the American Institute of Professional Geologists. He also served as an appointee to the State of Illinois Board for Licensing, Professional Geologists. In recognition of his hard work he received the Martin C. Van Couvering Memorial Award from the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) on October 9, 2007. Throughout his career he conducted con- siderable research and has published more than 60 profes- sional publications including co-author of “Geology of Casper Mountain, Wyoming, 1989”, a U.S. Geological Survey profes- sional paper. Bob was also recognized on April 18, 2015 for exemplary achievement at ISU, being elected to membership
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