ANOTHER GREAT VENEZUELAN GEOLOGIST DIES

1923-2007.

We are moved by the death of Venezuelan geologist Amos Salvador, a superb stratigrapher and teacher. He was 84 but never rested on his laurels, keeping active until the very last moment.

His obituary, as published in Texas, where he resided for many years, follow:
Amos Salvador.
Dr. Amos Salvador died December 2, 2007 of complications from pneumonia and a malignant brain tumor. He was 84. Amos was born April 14, 1923 in Madrid, Spain to Rosario Diaz and Fernando Salvador. He left Spain with his family in 1938 for Havana, Cuba where his father was stationed as First Secretary of the Spanish Embassy, which at that time was still that of the Republican government. When the Republicans lost the Civil War to France Amos and his family moved to Caracas, Venezuela where he lived until he graduated in 1945 from the Universidad Central de Venezuela with a degree in Geology. While in Venezuela he worked as a surface geologist with Mene Grande Oil Co (Gulf Oil) and had the good fortune to be guided and advised by Hollis D. Hedberg who was his friend and mentor for many years. With the help and encouragement of Hollis in 1948 he left Venezuela to attend Stanford where he received his Ph.D in Geology in 1950. He and his wife, Lynn Sherwood, were married in 1950 following their graduation from Stanford. From 1950-1955 Amos worked with Gulf Oil based in New York where he did work as a regional and surface geologist in North Africa, Europe and South America. In 1955 Amos left Gulf Oil and went to work for Creole Petroleum Corporation, an affiliate of Esso (now Exxon Mobil) in Venezuela and from then until 1980 worked for several Esso affiliates retiring as chief geologist of Exxon in 1980. In 1980 Amos and Lynn moved to Austin where he taught geology as the Alexander Deussen Professor of Energy Resources until his retirement. Since retirement Amos kept very busy with his geological interests, writing papers and collaborating with the many colleagues and friends he had in the geological community around the world. Among his many publications three are noteworthy: The Gulf of Mexico Basin, Vol J, Decade of North American Geology (ed); Energy: a historical perspective and 21st Century forecast; and several editions of International Stratigraphic Guide. Amos's life long interest in stratigraphy dates from his experience as a young surface geologist riding a mule in the back country of Venezuela. He believed that stratigraphy is a fundamental element of geology and its recent neglect disturbed him. Another abiding concern of his was the growing demand on the Earth's resources by its expanding population. In lieu of flowers those wishing to do so many make a donation in his memory to Planned Parenthood of the Texas Capitol Region (512- 275-0171) which serves 10 counties in Central Texas. Amos is survived by Lynn, his wife of 57 years and his children, Phillip, Michael and Rosario, and by his grandchildren Solomon, Leo, Claire, Lucas and Carla. He is also survived by his brother Miguel and wife Mari of Caracas, Venezuela, his very dear first cousin Lolita Ceballos of Birmingham, Alabama and by his niece Cristina and nephew Fernando, and by wonderful relatives in Spain and Canada. The family wishes to thank the 5th floor staff of St. David's Hospital, especially nurses Martha and Sheila who gave welcome support and advice at a difficult time. We also thank the staff of The Skilled Nursing section of Brighton Gardens and Al and Brandy of Heart to Heart Hospice for making Amos's last days comfortable. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, on Friday, December 7, 2007. At a later date Amos's ashes will be scattered at a private family service