Robert W. Decker of Mariposa and Kawaihae, Hawaii, died in Mariposa on 11 June 2005. He was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and graduated from MIT (MSc) and Colorado School of Mines (DSc).
A geophysicist and volcanologist, Bob taught at Dartmouth College for 25 years and then served as director of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory for the US Geological Survey. He studied volcanoes all over the world, especially in Central America, Iceland, Indonesia, and Hawaii. Together with his wofe Barbara, he wrote 15 books about volcanoes and about National Parks, and also authored more than 100 scientific papers.
Donations may be made in his name to the Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes, University of Hawaii, at Hilo, 200 West Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720—an organization he founded.
