Birth date: Nov 6, 1933 Death date: Jan 30, 2014
Walter R. Courtenay, Jr. died at Gainesville, Florida, on January 30, 2014 at age 80. He was born in Neenah, Wisconsin, on November 6, 1933, son of Walter Rowe and Emily Simpson Courtenay, both deceased. The family moved to Nashvi Read Obituary
Walt was always a great source of help to all his colleagues, especially when beginning our careers. I will miss the flashing of his strobe light during our Ichs and Herps meetings. A true historian of the scientific world.
Steve Bortone
I noticed Walt's absence from the aquatic invasives discussion group, but just assumed he was busy (as usual!) with other projects. I am sorry that was not the case. We will miss him!
Margaret Dochoda
Former President, AFS Introduced Fish Section
Ann Arbor, Michigan
We will truly miss our wonderful friends and neighbors! Walt and Pat were friends to many in our neighborhood and we were lucky to live on the same street. We wish comfort and peace for Cathy, Barry and Caitlin. You were dedicated care givers and we admire your strength and love for Walt.
The Meling Family
Walt was a wonderful colleague.
I miss his presence at FAU.
With sympathy to his family,
Patricia Snyder
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Walt was a true pioneer at FAU and source of valued wisdom and counsel. He was a friend and mentor to so many.
Condolences to his family,
John Wiesenfeld
Walt was a great colleague and a valuable member of the FAU community, a great person who we all shall miss.
Peace,
Len Berry
I am saddened by the loss of a good friend and mentor. I served as Walt's TA in Animal Physiology at FAU in Boca Raton in 1971-2 and always enjoyed learning new things. His love of the environment and chagrin at the stupidity of others bringing in a releasing exotic species got me involved in the anti-exotic pet mindset that I now have.
Good bye my friend.
Dr. Bill Louda
Senior Scientist
FAU
I am very saddened to learn of Walt’s passing. I worked with Walt for many years and he was a wonderful scientist and colleague. He was one of the first Florida scientists to recognize the threat of invasive non-native species to Florida’s environment. All recognized Walt and his work as a leader and expert in the field of invasive non-native fish, not only in Florida, but in North America too. I particularly liked having conversations with Walt and he always called it as he saw it. It has been my absolute pleasure and privilege to have worked with him and he will be greatly missed.
Don C. Schmitz
I first saw Walter Courtenay speak at the American Fisheries Society conference in San Antonio, TX. It was my first large scientific conference, so I was kind of overwhelmed with the whole thing, but the one thing that I remember well, more than 25 years later, was Walt's impassioned talk on aquatic invasive species. I don't actually remember much of the talk itself, but I remember well the passion and strength with which he spoke, and how he obviously felt strongly that the issue was an important one for the aquatic resource and for the nation. Walt became a hero to me at that time, and has retained that heroic status throughout the intervening decades. I felt incredibly honored to share authorship with Walt on one of his several books, and to work closely with him on the Asian carp issue. He is very much missed.
I knew Walt from many professional meetings, including Desert Fishes Council. He was always fun to talk to, encouraging of our work, and an outspoken champion for native fishes. He will be missed by many but his work and memories live on to inspire us all.
Kevin Bestgen
