In Memoriam: Hamilton Mack Laing, 1883-1982

Abstract

tary during World War II, was second and first Vice President, and was a representative of the Wilson Ornithological Society on the Council of the AOU and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was elected a life member of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Brooks Bird Club. He served eight years on the West Virginia Conservation Commission and four years on the Blennerhassett Historical Park Commission. He received honorary degrees from West Virginia University, Davis and Elkins College, West Virginia Wesleyan, Susquehanna University, and Salem College. In 1979 Maurice Brooks was the Charleston Gazette Mail's West Virginian of the Year; and in the same year, the West Virginia State Legislature named him West Virginia Man of the Year. In 1970 West Virginia bestowed on him its highest honor for service with the University-the Order of Vandalia. In the January 1984 issue of Audubon, Maurice Brooks was honored with a biographical article, fittingly entitled Dr. Appalachia. Maurice Brooks was a unique scientist, conservationist, writer and teacher who had a tremendous impact on thousands of individuals and students for more than half a century. In future years he will be acknowledged as the foremost naturalist ever to live and work in West Virginia.