Minter Jackson Westfall, jr

A short biography of Prof. Minter J. Westfall, Jr (28 Jan. 1916-20 July 2003), teacher, entomologist, and a leading odonatologist of his time, is presented. His odonatological bibliography post-1985 follows (1986-2000; 15 titles). An extremely sad moment befell the odonatological world this past summer, a moment that all those who study dragonflies were hoping would be postponed for a long time. Minter Jackson Westfall, Jr died peacefully at his home in Gainesville, Georgia on July 20,2003, at the age of 87. With Minter’s passing, a chapter in the history of odonatology is closed. He will be revered along with the likes of other great 20lh century odonatologists before him, such as Calvert, Walker, Williamson, Montgomery and Lieftinck, to name just a few. He touched the lives and careers of nearly all members of SIO (Societas Intemationalis Odonatologica), but his reach went to all comers of the globe as he corresponded with and assisted nearly the entire world dragonfly community; in short, he was a cornerstone and anchor for the science of odonatology. His strength faded only in the last couple of years. The last time most of us close to him greeted him was at Cades Cove, Tennessee, when at the age of 85 he came to help inventory the Odonata of the Smoky Mountains National Park. To say Minter was devoted to dragonfly study is an understatement, but he was even more devoted to his family and his Christian faith. He is survived by his son David, daughters Carol and Holly, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. I speak for all of SIO in offering condolences to each of them.