This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to spend a couple of days at the Pacific Northwest Lepidopterans conference in Corvallis Oregon. This is another outstanding group of people who share our love of Butterflies and Moths.

Indeed many members belong to both groups and it is a natural fit for them to do so. It also provided us a chance to see the OSAC (Oregon State Arthropod Collection) which held an open house containing about 3 million arthropod specimens. This brand new, eye-popping facility proudly showcased over 100 years of specimens and records from all over the world.

As the meeting progressed and the group convened to discuss all that has happened since the COVID 19 pandemic hit, a portion of the discussion centered around the passing of a great but relatively quiet legend that was Don Rolfs. Many of us have known Don on different levels for many years and we all will miss him. It was mentioned by a number of our members that, as a group, our work was built upon the Giants of our field. Those who came before laid a solid foundation of knowledge, ethics, and concern for our beloved insect neighbors.

I felt that this was indeed high praise coming from this group. WBA founding members Bob Pyle and Jon Pelham, also founding members of the Pacific Northwest Lepidopterans, spoke most reverently of those who had contributed to our knowledge base and had passed. I looked about the room, mainly made up of gray, white-haired or balding folks and I thought “On the Shoulders of Giants indeed.” These folks are known both Nationally and Internationally as experts in the field. I was encouraged that while the years they have spent in the field investigating Butterfly behaviors has physically taken a toll on their health and vitality, their minds and souls were very much still as sharp and full of life as could be.

I think we need to express to these gentlemen our thanks and appreciation for what they have achieved. With Don’s passing, we were reminded that ours is a finite time upon the planet. Not only had our Giants dedicated so much of their time to learning, they were equally glad to share their knowledge with the rest of us. They have given countless hours of their time to help us rookies and advanced amateurs identify and appreciate the complexity of the lives of these creatures. Thank you, gentlemen!

And who are these greats? I am mentioning WBA associates but our neighbors to the south have an equally amazing set of Giants. Bob Pyle, Jon Pelham, and David Nunnallee all come to mind. And those that have passed, whom we all miss so much such as Idie Ulsh, Thea Pyle, Bob Hardwick, and Don Rolfs. We thank them all deeply and most respectfully.

It was said this past weekend that each of these Giants needed to recruit a new generation to carry forth their work. For a while we were in fear of losing that connection, that we needed younger folks to pick up the torch and carry on the traditions. We need to appreciate those who have stepped up and done so. The new set of Giants include David James, David Droppers, Caitlin LaBar, Melanie Weiss, Ben Mous, and undoubtedly several others that my mind was not able to come up with.

To the new generation of Giants, I, for one, thank you and we are already in your debt for your contributions.

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