[Nhcoll-l] FW: Sad News: World-renowned curator Dr. Richard L. Hoffman dies following heart surgery

[Harris, Jill (VMNH)]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Ryan Barber
(276) 634-4163
ryan.barber at vmnh.virginia.gov<mailto:ryan.barber at vmnh.virginia.gov>

World-renowned curator Dr. Richard Hoffman dies following heart surgery
Dr. Richard Hoffman, 84, was curator emeritus of recent invertebrates at the Virginia Museum of Natural History


MARTINSVILLE, Va. (June 11, 2012) - Dr. Richard L. Hoffman, curator emeritus of recent invertebrates at the Virginia Museum of Natural History, died at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital on Sunday, June 10 following a recent heart surgery. Hoffman was a world-renowned scientist in the field of myriapodology, and was instrumental in the founding of the Virginia Museum of Natural History.
"We lost a true scholar, gentleman, and mentor," said Dr. Joe B. Keiper, executive director of VMNH.  "However, his life's work will inspire us to learn more about the world around us, and teach others what we have learned."
Hoffman was a native Virginian who devoted most of his life to the natural history of Virginia and the southern Appalachians, while also earning an international reputation as the leading authority on the world's milliped fauna. Beginning in 1944 at the age of 16, he published over 500 scholarly papers and books, and more than 50 popular articles on such diverse taxa as millipeds, amphibians, reptiles, worms, mollusks, arachnids, beetles, and true bugs. He described more than 600 new taxa and had nearly 50 taxa named in his honor.
"I was deeply sorry to hear the news of Richard's death," said Dr. Nicholas Fraser, keeper of natural sciences at National Museums Scotland, and a VMNH research associate. "It is a great loss to the museum and of course to the natural science community in general. He was a formidable scientist with an extraordinary range of knowledge and while we shall all miss him greatly, we must also remember the warmth, kindness and richness he brought to all of our lives. His thirst for knowledge was infectious and he instilled a desire to better understand our natural heritage in all fortunate to be 'taught' by him. Mere words cannot convey our appreciation of his achievements: He has left a great legacy and if we can all carry on in the traditions and philosophy he followed, then VMNH will go from strength to strength."
Hoffman staunchly supported the concept of a Virginia Museum of Natural History for many years prior to its existence, and was appointed as curator emeritus in 2009 after his retirement as curator of recent invertebrates, a post he held for 20 years. Hoffman also served as director of research and collections from 2007 to 2009.  Prior to working at VMNH, he was a professor of biology at Radford University for 29 years.  Hoffman pursued undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia, and earned a master's degree in entomology from Cornell University, and a doctorate in zoology from Virginia Tech.
"Richard was a real Virginia gentleman," said Dr. Judith Winston, curator of marine biology at VMNH.  "He was a wonderful teacher and a great person, as well as a world-renowned scientist."
In celebration of his 80th birthday and his career achievements, a symposium and banquet was held in his honor at VMNH in September 2007.  Numerous colleagues, co-workers, friends, and family participated in the event. In honor of the event, the museum produced the special publication "A Lifetime of Contributions to Myriapodology and the Natural History of Virginia: A Festschrift in Honor or Richard L. Hoffman's 80th Birthday".  The publication honors the lifetime achievements of Dr. Hoffman. This collection of 32 papers from 41 authors on four continents is representative of Hoffman's broad taxonomic interests, and includes species ranging from salamanders, millipeds, centipeds, and crustaceans to insects, plants, and fossil mammals. Several of these species occupy highly threatened habitats and are potentially threatened with extinction.
"VMNH has lost an irreplaceable icon," said VMNH Trustee Pamela A. Armstrong.  "Dr. Richard Hoffman was more than an internationally renowned entomologist. He was a passionate advocate for the insect world and took every opportunity to teach children, interns, and adults their importance to our existence. Dr. Hoffman was horrified one day when I told him that I was disgusted by roaches and would kill one any chance that presented itself. I'll never forget that he looked at me and said to just remember, if the insects disappear, we're next. Enough said; he was the best."

About the Virginia Museum of Natural History
The Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville seeks to increase understanding of and appreciation for the natural history of the Commonwealth through education, research, collections, publications and exhibits. The museum - an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution - is accredited by the American Association of Museums, a distinction earned by fewer than 10 percent of museums in the United States. The museum is a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers, Virginia Association of Museums, Heritage Preservation, and is an agency of the Secretary of Natural Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Now through September 2, the museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.  The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. For more information about membership or volunteer opportunities, please call 276-634-4141 or visit www.vmnh.net<http://www.vmnh.net/>.
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