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David Styris
04/21/1932 — 10/09/2019
From Richland, WA | Born in Pomona, CA
Celebration of Life
Reception
David Styris
David Lee Styris passed away on Wednesday, October 9th in Richland. He was born April 21st, 1932 in Pomona, California, the only child of Eli and Mary Styris. He was raised in Reno, Nevada. He was an avid outdoorsman his entire life, starting in his youth with trapping rabbits and coyotes in the rugged hills around Reno. He loved fly fishing, skiing, backpacking, windsurfing, kayaking—anything that allowed him to be outside in nature.
David graduated from Reno High School in 1950. After high school, he went on to serve in the Army, earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Pomona College, and Masters and PhD in Physics at University of Arizona in Tucson. He did post-doctoral work at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and then was a professor of physics working with undergraduate and graduate students at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. In 1974, he began working as a research scientist at Battelle (PNNL) in Richland, Washington. He loved his work and got to travel the world lecturing and collaborating with scientists from many different countries.
After retirement, he remained extremely active, traveling with his wife Pat, cross country skiing in the winter and kayaking in the summer. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Pat, their daughter Ahn Lee Horn, son-in-law Douglas Horn, grandson Nathan Horn and granddaughter Nina Horn.
The family would like to thank the staff and patients at Chinook Davita Dialysis in Richland for the loving care and camaraderie David received there over the last five years.
A memorial service and reception will take place Saturday, November 2nd, 2:00pm at Events at Sunset, 915 Bypass Highway, Richland.
I knew David. I attended the University of Arizona at the same time. Later I met David and Pat in Ithaca NY and enjoyed skiing with him and Pat. Pierre Grimes
It was a honor to know Dave. When I came to PNL (now PNNL) I joined a small group with Dave and Tom Thomas. We each had our own forms of relaxation. Dave fished, Tom played the cello and I ran. Sorry I could not attend the service as I am currently in Japan.
Dave, you have always been such a supportive and kind person in my life. Thank you for being a strong presence growing up. And giving me Ahn Lee as a sister. You will be missed.
Pat and Ahn, I’m thinking of you all and wishing you grace in this hard time.
To have known Pat and Dave over many years has been a privilege. While we have not seen each other in several years, we have kept in touch at the holidays. I have many fond memories of sharing time with them at numerous meetings around the world, in Washington and in Florida. Dave touched so many people with his generosity of nature.
Dear Pat and Ahn Lee,
My daughter Melanie Crusselle and I are thankful that we were blessed to know your family. Melanie was on Dave’s soccer team. I was a single working Mom of 2 children at the time. You graciously offered to pick Melanie up after school and take her to soccer practices. Dave was a caring and skilled coach. Remember the chocolate you gave the girls Pat- for that extra energy!
You also generously invited me to a Christmas party at your home, I think in hope that I would click with one of the young engineers- that didn’t happen but you made me feel accepted at a time when divorced Moms were looked down upon. I later married a wonderful man – 33 years now. Melanie lives in Kennewick happily married with two boys. We are saddened at your loss of Dave and offer our deepest sympathy. Thank you for being a great family and reaching out.
Arlene Bergam (Crusselle)
Dave was a long-time friend and true gentleman; I am saddened by his passing. I always admired his and Pat’s zest for life, their adventures in heli-skiing, ocean kayaking and board sailing amongst others. They enjoyed sharing time together. Dave was also a remarkable yet unassuming and sharing experimentalist at PNL and developed a following in the analytical chemistry community for his pioneering work. I was privileged to have him as a guest in my home so many years ago and to have had the same welcoming experience in his home when I visited his laboratories. He left me with a single, not new, but more well appreciated word at that time…”bummer”. It’s a bummer that you have left us Dave and we all wish the best for Pat and AnLee.
I met David and Pat during the eighties during a scientific conference. Thereafter, we were both attendees at numerous Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy meetings. He was a very sharp and critical scientist and I recall many discussions with him during which I was very aware of his fundamental understanding of the issues. He was more than a scientist who enjoyed a good laugh. Although I am not part of that special group of spectroscopists any more, I will miss him.
Guestbook for
David Styris