Nick Melcher, recently retired from the USGS Water Resources Division in Tucson, died on April 9, 2009 from complications related to a staph infection at the age of 58.
John Hoffman at USGS provided the following bio material: Nick retired in 2007 after 34 years with the USGS; 13 of those years were served as Director of the Arizona Water Science Center. He began his career as a staff hydrologist in Montana, later became subdistrict office chief in Kentucky and district chief in Iowa before coming to Arizona. In Arizona, Nick was lauded for having one of the strongest Data Programs in the country and for having developed one of the broadest and most innovative ground-water programs in the USGS.
Known fondly as "The Banker" by his Center Director peers, Nick managed his office as effectively and efficiently as any Water Science Center in the country. He took an Arizona office in deep financial trouble and turned it into a highly performing organization with soaring morale.
Nick is survived by his wife, Paula, his two sons, Clifton and Henry, their wives, Barbara and Katherine, and four grand children. His family is having a memorial to honor Nick on April 17th, 2009 at 5:00 PM at Reid Park, in Tucson, Arizona.
Notes of condolences can be sent to:
Paula Melcher
6095 Black Bear Loop
Tucson, AZ 85750
note: I corrected the zip code this morning (4-11-09)