Geoffrey Steel Humphreys, 1953-2007

摘要

Geoff Humphreys died suddenly and unexpectedly in Sydney on August 12th, 2007, tragically early at 54 but surrounded by the bush he loved so much. As recently as two days before his death, Geoff was in the field at Blayney and Newnes Plateau (Blue Mountains) to introduce sites to a group of INQUA conference fieldtrip participants and was having a great time being outdoors, digging holes, talking about his research and engaging with people interested in understanding how landscapes function. Geoff's interest in the formation of soil and its management, and his breadth of experience and interests, brought him into contact with many in the geomorpho-logical, Quaternary and ecological communities. Geoff was born in Sydney in 1953 but spent his early childhood on the north coast of NSW at Murwillumbah. The early death of his father when he was only 7 years old had a large impact on Geoff's early years. Being the eldest of five children, Geoff was encouraged to be 'the man of the house' as he helped to care for his younger brothers and sisters. It was easy to see both the caring manner and no-nonsense authority that Geoff displayed as having their roots in that early experience.