Dr. John D. Bredehoeft

February 28, 1933 - January 1, 2023

Dr. John D. Bredehoeft died quietly on January 1, 2023 at home in Sausalito with his wife Beth Garbutt, daughter Martha and beloved dog, Buddy at his side. Born on February 28, 1933 in St. Louis, Missouri, John is survived by Beth and his four children John F., Martha, Paul, and Chris. His family, friends, colleagues, and students, will miss him dearly.

John received his undergraduate education at Princeton University and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Illinois. John was an accomplished geoscientist who was at the forefront of many important developments in hydrogeology during a distinguished career with the U.S. Geological Survey. He also taught and mentored students as a visiting professor at the University of Illinois, and at Stanford, UC-Santa Cruz and San Francisco State. John also co-founded The Hydrodynamics Group, a consulting company specializing in groundwater problems.

John was a mentor, supporter, and friend responsible for the careers of numerous leading groundwater scientists. He wrote extensively and received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to hydrogeology, including the storage of nuclear waste and the development of groundwater resources. John was an Emeritus member of the National Academy Engineers and a member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences. He received the California Groundwater Resources Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 and the Legendary Geoscientist Award from the American Geosciences Institute in 2013 “for his lifetime of contributions to the scientific, engineering, and water management aspects of hydrogeology that are unique and groundbreaking.” Other professional recognitions included the Penrose Medal, Horton Award, M.K. Hubbert Award, O.E. Meinzer Award, and the USGS’s Hydrogeology Division’s Distinguished Service Award.

John was a multifaceted individual with passionate pursuits who loved exploring the world. He was once an avid sportsman, skier, fly fisher, and golfer. John and Beth traveled to Russia, Georgia, Italy and France as well as many places in the United States. One of John’s other passions was good wine which led to owning a vineyard and making wine. He was also a generous friend and colleague who touched the lives of many.