Albert Ghiorso at the Berkeley Farmer's Market
Here’s a link to an Lawrence Berkeley Labs (LBL) story about Albert – “With a round dozen elements to his credit, more even than his great friend, mentor, and colleague Glenn Seaborg, Albert Ghiorso holds the world record for the discovery of transuranium elements — and possibly for elements of any kind. It’s an astonishing achievement for someone who found his true calling almost by accident.”
I just received this from Dr. Robert Schmieder, Albert’s Biographer.
27 Dec. 2010
Dear Friends-
I have the very sad duty to inform you that Albert Ghiorso passed away the day after Christmas, at the age of 95. I was informed by his son Bill Ghiorso and daughter Kris Pixton that his passing was natural and gentle; they asked me, as his biographer, to let his friends know.
As yet, I do not know about plans for a service, or where or how to send expressions of sympathy and support. As soon as I know any relevant information, I will pass it along to you.
I will continue work on the biography, tentatively titled Insanely Clever: The Amazing Life of Albert Ghiorso, the Ultimate Alchemist. You can see the project at www.schmieder.com/ghiorso. I expect it to take about a year from now to complete. I have already talked with some of you, and will be asking others to share their recollections of Al to enrich the book.
Thank you for your presence in Albert’s life, and your reflections now on this great scientist. Twelve new chemical elements…more than enough for a place among the immortals…
Bob
Dr. Robert Schmieder
Walnut Creek, CA
robert@schmieder.com
(925) 934-3735