Frank T. Awbrey, professor of biology at San Diego State
University from 1964 to 1996, died of melanoma cancer of the
liver on May 31st at the age of 65.

Dr. Awbrey specialized in bioacoustics, the effect of sounds on
animals, and participated in studies ranging from killer whales
to gnatcatchers. He grew up in Carlsbad, New Mexico, spent four
years in the Navy, attended Ventura College, and received his
Master's degree from the University of California Riverside and
his doctorate from the University of Texas.

Frank was very concerned about the environment, and was one of

the founders of the San Diego chapter of Zero Population Growth

way back in 1968. From the early 70s until his death, Frank and
his colleague Dr. Bill Thwaites spent a great deal of time
answering creationist arguments against evolution in the form of
speeches, debates, and articles in various journals. For their
efforts in educating the public about the value of science and
the danger of pseudoscience, Drs Awbrey and Thwaites were
presented with the National Humanist Award in 1996 by the
American Humanist Association.

Frank will be remembered by those who knew him as a person of
vast knowledge and constant good humor. He is survived by his
wife Kathleen, three children, and one grandchild. Donations are
suggested to the Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute, 2595
Ingraham St, San Diego CA 92109 or The Environmental Trust, 7879
El Cajon Blvd, La Mesa CA 91941.

[Jeff Wells (jfwells@juno.com) is a member of the San Diego Association for Rational Inquiry.]

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