Dr. Wilson, winner of the 2003 AHS Lifetime Achievement Award, passed away at home on October 22, 2011. Gray Wilson will be remembered for his warmth and compassion, and his contributions in advancing the science of hydrology He inspired many hundreds if not thousands of students and professionals during over 30 years as an educator, researcher, and mentor at the University of Arizona Department of Hydrology and Water Resources (HWR) and Water Resources Research Center (WRRC).
Following completion of his PhD degree in soil science in 1962 from the University of California, Davis, Gray came to Arizona as an Assistant Hydrologist in the Institute of Water Utilization, University of Arizona, Tucson. His research focused on the managing and protecting ground water in Arizona and he is nationally recognized for his seminal work in vadose zone monitoring. Over the course of his career, he has been the principal investigator of numerous groundwater recharge, soil aquifer treatment, and groundwater quality studies in southern Arizona.
Gray was also a devoted father and husband to his family, and loved our desert and its hidden waters. He did not want a memorial service to mark his passing—it was Gray’s wish that you might remember him during a walk in the desert.
Donations may be sent to: Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018
Remembrances
For Tucson Water’s Regional Recharge Feasibility Study in the late 1980s/early 1990s, CH2M Hill was associated with Montgomery & Associates and Gray Wilson. My task on an early phase of the project ( I was a hydrologist at CH2M Hill) was to work with Gray to accumulate his experience and library references relevant to the project. Far more than a typical project task, it was an incredible educational experience. I spent days with Gray as he condensed his vast experience for the project. I was essentially a note-taker compared to this grand master of understanding recharge and the vadose zone.
I can’t give enough praise for Gray’s warmth, sense of humor and immense professionalism. Gray was one of a kind. He studied recharge with a great mind long before Arizona realized how important it would become for water management. We are all indebted to Gray for his service to hydrology in Arizona.
—Peter Mock
Truly one of the nicest people ever to walk the planet. He hired me as a research assistant my first summer in Tucson and he was also on my dissertation committee. Worked with him, Dave Cline, and John Chabandour out at the Sweetwater recharge site. Spent some miserably hot days with him and the guys out in those basins. Never heard him say a bad word about anyone or anything. Always positive. I am a better person for having had the chance to work with Gray. He will certainly be missed.
—David G. Jewett, Ph.D.