Obituary for Jon C. Boothroyd, State Geologist of Rhode Island

 Jon Cushing Boothroyd, Ph D
(August 4, 1938 - October 15, 2015)  

Jon C. Boothroyd, Ph.D., 77, of South Kingstown, RI, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 15, 2015, at home. Born in Littleton, NH, a son of the late Kenneth I. and Mabel (Cushing) Boothroyd. Jon joined URI in the mid-1970’s as an Assistant Prof. of Geology, where he specialized in Coastal and Environmental Geology. He quickly progressed through the ranks to become a Full Professor. Much of his fervor for geology was heightened by his early field studies of the Malaspina Glacier in southeastern Alaska. His early research focused on Planetary Geology as related to the surface features and processes on the Moon and on Mars. He, perhaps, was best known for his study of coastal processes, especially in Rhode Island and coastal New England. Jon involved many students, both graduate and undergraduates, in his research, and was greatly admired by these students and colleagues. He was a strong believer in giving students experience in the field, and, as a consequence, he ran frequent field trips to Cape Hatteras, NC, the Bay of Fundy, Kentucky, and many parts of New England. He was a fellow of the Geological Society of America, a contributor to the New England Intercollegiate Field Conference, and active in Friends of the Pleistocene.

Jon was a loyal and contributing member of the Narrow River Preservation Association, the RI Natural History Survey, the Friends of Canonchet Farm, and other environmental groups. Shortly before his death he was selected as a recipient to the URI Hall Of Fame. Jon was constantly trying to balance his love for Rhode Island and his compassion for New Hampshire, all his family, friends, and skiing which he shared with everyone.

Jon is survived by his siblings, Judy Perrier and her companion Dennis Caldwell of Gilford, NH, Jim Boothroyd and his wife Linda of Merrimack, NH and Jane Jesseman and her husband Steve of Lisbon, NH and many nieces and nephews. His funeral and burial will be private. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to your favorite charity in Jon’s name.