Professor Andrew “Andy” McIntyre

Andy McIntyre, 87, died peacefully on March 2 from complications of pancreatic cancer. He was a long-time resident of Washington, VA and an academic transplant from NYC.

Andy was a scientist. Born in NJ, Andy was a graduate of the Steven’s Hoboken Academy, Columbia College, U.S. Army (Korean Conflict) and Columbia University. He earned his PhD in oceanography and reinvented himself every few years, going from studying oceanic nanoflora to becoming an expert on climate change. In Andy’s long and successful career at Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory, Columbia University’s Earth Science research institute, he produced more than 80 scientific papers and helped establish the new fields of paleo-oceanography and paleo-climatology. As a Full Professor at Queens College of the City University of New York, Andy inspired the next generation of scientists through his wit and superb lectures.

Andy was a keen observer, a fine thinker, and an adamant supporter of our constitutional rights. He did not suffer fools gladly. He loved his family and he loved science (not always in that order). He thought Truth was its own reward. His two guiding mottos were “Be succinct!” and “Add to, do not subtract from, the sum of Human Knowledge!” His favorite quote came from Horace Walpole, 1776, “Those that think find life a comedy, those that feel a tragedy. ”Andy was always amused.

Andy is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Kate, son-in-law Scott Trager and granddaughter Catriona Trager, as well as by relations scattered worldwide. A celebration of his life is planned at Trinity Episcopal Church, Washington, VA, on June 29 at 11 a.m., with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests all donations be made to the Rappahannock County Library, 4 Library Road, Washington VA, or the Trinity Episcopal Church, 379 Gay Street, Washington VA 22747.