BETHESDA, Md., June 5, 2014 – It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the loss of a respected and long-time member, Past President, friend and mentor, Carolyn Jean Merry, PhD., retired Professor and Chair of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering at The Ohio State University.
Merry was tragically killed on Tuesday, June 3, 2014, in a highway automobile crash in her home state of Ohio. The vehicle she was driving was struck from behind by a tractor trailer that failed to stop for traffic backed up due to an earlier crash.
ASPRS officers and staff members who worked with Merry remember her warmth, calm demeanor and friendliness and were grateful for the reasoned advice she readily provided. “She was caring of officers and members of the Society, very willing to participate in student sessions, and gave selflessly of her time for the benefit of the Society and its members” said Stewart Walker, ASPRS President.
Merry joined ASPRS in 1975 and became involved in its governance when she was elected Vice President in 2008, succeeding to President-Elect in 2009, President in 2010 and Past President in 2011. During her years of involvement with the Society she was instrumental in forming relationships with various other organizations for which she held leadership positions. Her service and leadership to professional societies and agencies included: President, University Consortium for Geographic Information Science; President, American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE) Central Ohio Section; and President, Coalition of Geospatial Organizations (COGO). Her leadership positions at the national level are: Chair, ASCE Civil Engineering Department Heads Coordinating Council; Member, National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC); and Member, National Academy of Sciences, Mapping Science Committee.
After leaving office, she continued to be involved with the Society. “We are all saddened by her passing and thankful for all Carolyn contributed to ASPRS over the years” said Michael Hauck, PhD., ASPRS Executive Director.
Merry was a world-renowned scholar in remote sensing and geographic information systems, she retired in May of 2013 after 25 years of distinguished service at The Ohio State University. “When I think of Carolyn, I see her radiance, energy and contagious enthusiasm, loyalty and dedication, and highest of personal and professional integrity. Carolyn’s untimely death is an unspeakable loss to her family, Ohio State and the professional community, and to countless people, who had a privilege of knowing her and calling her a friend” stated Dorota A. Grejner-Brzezinska, Chair of the College of Engineering Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering at the Ohio State University in a release Thursday, June 5, 2014.
Merry is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) Redfield of Hilliard, Ohio; sister, Patricia Merry; brothers, James Merry (Kim) and Donald Merry (Amber); several nieces, nephews and great-nieces. Services will be held at Schoedinger and Co. Funeral-home, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH 43221, (614) 457-5481 on June 6 and June 7, 2014 for friends and family.
Additional information and a guest book are available at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dispatch/obituary.aspx?n=carolyn-j-merry&pid=171235890&fhid=8704
A private service for the immediate family will be held separately. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in her memory be made to the Carolyn J. Merry Engineering Scholarship Fund, Fund Number 664695 at the Ohio State University.
To send a check by mail, please make check payable to The Ohio State University Foundation.
Checks may be mailed to the following address: The Ohio State University Foundation, 1480 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, OH 43221.
Online gifts may be made at the following website: give.osu.edu/DrCarolynMerry
Founded in 1934, ASPRS is an international professional organization of 6,000 geospatial data professionals. ASPRS is devoted to advancing knowledge and improving understanding of the mapping sciences to promote responsible application of photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographic information systems and supporting technologies. For additional information about ASPRS, visit our web site at www.asprs.org.
