(Photo courtsey of Sonsoles González-Gil)

It was with great sorrow that our community learned of the death of Patrick Gentien on May 9, 2010. He was involved with the GEOHAB program from its inception and was its first chair (1999). Patrick played a major role in the organization, execution, and follow-up of the different initiatives within the GEOHAB program. In addition, he served as chair of the ICES-IOC Working Group on HAB Dynamics (1996-1998), and French delegate at the Intergovernmental Panel on Harmful Algal Blooms (IPHAB).

His sharp intellect and keen intuition went hand in hand with a deep understanding of oceanic plankton populations, and his curiosity about marine systems was infectious. His broad vision of oceanography contributed greatly to the integration of physics, biology, engineering and modeling, a synergy essential for advances in the understanding of phytoplankton dynamics, including HABs. Patrick’s generosity with ideas, his good sense of humor, and in particular his encouragement of young people, made him a wonderful collaborator.

He was active until his very end, and many of us had the chance to share with him a wonderful Modeling Workshop in Galway. Thanks, Patrick, for all your contributions to GEOHAB, thanks for your legacy, thanks for making us feel as friends working together. Adieu!