Dave Varnes, an internationally renowned USGS scientist, passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2002. Dave's long and distinguished USGS career began in 1941. Early in his career Dave studied mineral deposits in the Silverton District of Colorado where he became interested in the mechanics of rock failure in underground tunnels, leading to a remarkable analysis of plastic deformation of the rocks. He conducted the engineering geologic assessment of the future site of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. His long interest in landslides and engineering geology resulted in his seminal works on landslide classification, the mechanics of giant landslides, large-scale gravity-spreading, creep-to-failure phenomena, fractal theory, and the logic of geologic maps. Virtually every project he undertook in a sixty-year career became a classic. Dave was twice the recipient of Geological Society of America's Burwell Award, recipient of the Department of Interior's Award of Merit, Meritorious Service Award, and Distinguished Service Award, the International Association of Engineering Geology Hans Cloos Award (the highest of IAEG), several other international awards, and was knighted by the French Government for his work for UNESCO. He was a fellow of both GSA and the Geological Society of London. Dave served as chair or member of international working groups, professional committees, and national advisory boards throughout his career, feeling it was his obligation and responsibility to his profession. Even though Dave retired about four years ago, he continued to come to the office each day to pursue his science, offering advice and counsel to his colleagues, and generally adding energy and challenge to those around him. For the past few months he has been battling advanced cancer. He recently expressed how very fortunate he felt to be immersed for the past 60 years in scientific discovery at the USGS. His colleagues and friends around the world will miss his wit and wisdom. Regards, Dr. Randall G. Updike Associate Regional Geologist for Programs U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado To USGS Colleagues: On behalf of the IAG (International Association of Geomorphologists), I remember with sorrow the outstanding scientist and the dear colleague Dr. Dave Varnes. With my deepest sympathies Prof. Mario Panizza (President of the IAG) © 2002 International Association of Geomorphologists All rights reserved