This section is for those volunteers and staff members who are no longer with us for one reason or another. It gives special honor to those whose contributions to the observatory go beyond the call of duty and have a lasting effect on those of us who remain.

 

Philip Keenan, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy,
Ohio State University

Phil Keenan was here for almost as long as the observatory itself existed. Coming to Ohio State in the early 1930s, Phil's illustrious career spaned many decades. A contemporary of Hubble, Dr. Keenan developed the M-K Standard of stellar spectral classification (along with W.W. Morgan) that is still in use today. Although officially retired in 1976, Phil still continued to produce significant contributions in the field of Stellar Spectroscopy and also published papers on the history of Astronomy right up to his death on April 20, 2000. He also found time to maintain a lovely wild flower garden by a small stream near the observatory building. Although he is now gone, Phil will never be forgotten.

 

Bob Martino, Former Assistant Director

A former Air Force Sergeant, Bob Received a B.A. in Physics and Mathematics Education from Ohio State in 1992 and an M.A. in Public Policy and Management in 2000. As Assistant Director at Perkins, he developed many informative talks, including "Space Crud" (pertaining to meteors, comets, and asteroids). His other projects around the Observatory included designing exhibits (including the Mars Rover), reviewing computer software, preparing slides, opening and running the Perkins Gift Shop, Creating the World Wide Web Page you are reading right now. In 2002 Bob accepted a position teaching Physics in Tucson, Arizona.

 

Jean Garey, Secretary

Jean retired from a long and productive career in the Purchasing Department of Ohio Wesleyan University in 1990, when she immediately began a new career with us. Jean answered the phones, scheduled programs, sent out brochures and tickets, took care of our donations, maintained the mailing list, ordered supplies, acted as a liaison with Ohio Wesleyan, and basically kept the place running smoothly. She has now retired again. Jean and her very artistic husband now live in the Pacific Northwest.

 

Dan Grieser, CAS Volunteer

Dan was a retired Battelle Memorial Institute employee with 40 years of experience behind him as an Optical Engineer. Dan's interest in Astronomy dated back to the days of Sputnik and the earliest years of the space race. He was also President of the Battelle Astronomy Club for 25 years. Dan was instrumental in keeping our 32-inch telescope up and running, writing and troubleshooting software to control the telescope and to allow use of a CCD camera for astrophotography.

Dan Grieser died in March 1999 after battling a series of illnesses. His good humor, warm personality, helpful spirit, and extensive knowledge of astronomy will be sorely missed.

 

"Cat", Official Rodent Control Engineering Specialist

At first thought to be just a stray feline looking for food and shelter, "Cat" (as she is affectionately called) demonstrated over the years her extraordinary ability to protect the observatory from the infestation of unwelcome furry critters. Cat's hobbies included sleeping, shredding the rugs in the library, and dancing on the desks of staff members who were trying to do productive work.

Sadly, I must report that Cat has passed on. She died in January of 1999. Her death was unexpected, and we are all quite sad at her leaving us so soon. Please visit her tribute page.

 

If you wish to contact us, send e-mail at perkinsw (at symbol here) owu (period here) edu or call us at (740) 363-1257