By CDM Board Member Rick Ross
It is with much sadness we note the passing of Dr. Rolf Ludvigsen on December 10, 2016.
Rolf was an amazing person, a world renowned trilobite Paleontologist, a teacher, an author, and to many, a friend.
I first met Rolf in the early 80’s in the old Paleo Hut across from the current Courtenay Museum. He was sorting through fossils and holding court to many and all who came by. As avid amateurs, he patiently answered our questions and with dry wit pushed us to know more about fossils and their science.
He will be remembered fondly by many volunteers who assisted him in excavating the Elasmosaur found by Mike and Heather Trask on the banks of the Puntledge River. He was a resource and mentor to many who attended the British Columbia Palaeontological Association (BCPA) symposia and edited the BCPA newsletter. Rolf was a founding member of the BCPA giving a voice to the province’s fossil heritage.
As an author, Rolf published numerous scientific papers on his favorite subject–trilobites. Rolf also produced a newsletter for various trilobite researchers around the world from his home on Denman Island. His popular book, West Coast Fossils, co-authored with Graham Beard, is still sought after by worldwide collectors. Rolf also wrote Life in Stone: A Natural History of British Columbia’s Fossils.
