Gerard (Jerry) Wellington, Professor of Biology and Biochemistry, passed away on March 11, 2014, after 14 years with Alzheimer's.  Jerry received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1981, and was on the faculty at the University of Houston for 24 years where he taught courses in Ecology, Marine Biology, and Invertebrate Zoology. He also served on the Editorial Board of the journal Coral Reefs, and was a trusted Advisor to the Charles Darwin Foundation for many years.

Jerry leaves behind a rich legacy in coral reef science. Over his career, he published numerous journal articles on various topics of coral reef ecology, paleoceanography, and fish ecology. He was at his most enthusiastic when on the reef SCUBA diving and exploring the natural world. He was a dedicated teacher, touched the lives of thousands of school children through his participation in the Jason Project, and was a free-spirited mentor to his graduate students. His numerous graduate students continue his legacy through their current research in marine science. Jerry was especially devoted to issues of marine conservation in the Galapagos Islands. One of his proudest achievements was his 1983 book on the "Corals and Coral Reefs of the Galapagos Islands" that he published in collaboration with his mentor and friend, Peter Glynn.

Jerry is survived by his wife Patricia, and two daughters Simone and Katy. The family has requested that no flowers be sent but that instead contributions in Jerry's name be made to the Charles Darwin Foundation or the Alzheimer's of America Foundation.