The Harvard Forest suffered a great loss in January with the death of John Torrey, Professor and Director, Emeritus. As a Harvard faculty member for 30 years and a member of the National Academy of Sciences, John led a brilliant scientific career in the field of plant development and microbial symbioses. More importantly, he was a great mentor and teacher who guided the personal development of students, colleagues and friends through his wise understanding of science and people and his balanced approach to life.
John’s last achievement in biology was an unexpected one. As Director of the Harvard Forest from 1984 to 1990, John reoriented the Forest towards field biology and ecological studies and served as principal investigator on the LTER proposal and project. John’s ability to work with people and the University administration provided the impetus and foundation for the interdisciplinary and multiple-institution program that has developed at the Harvard Forest. This accomplishment, in a field well outside his own, is one of many testaments to his special abilities.
Following retirement John directed his energies toward his other passion: art collecting, particularly 19th Century British and American etchings. His family, colleagues, and the Harvard Forest group were kept entertained and challenged by his new discoveries and writings until his untimely, though peaceful passing at home shortly after Christmas.