David Ralph Lenat

David R. Lenat, 66, died April 28, 2016 from complications of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). He was born on April 17, 1950 in Boston, MA. In 1981, he married the love of his life, Georgia Kaye Hagen.

Dave completed undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University and graduate studies at the University of North Carolina. He enjoyed a distinguished career as a stream ecologist, retiring from the North Carolina Division of Water Quality and later working as a private consultant. Dave took great pleasure in collaborating with biologists across the country in the discovery of new species. He authored and co-authored 66 scholarly papers which have been cited more than 3,000 times.

Dave had many other interests including birding (with a life list of over 600 species), traveling, running and cycling. He was an avid book collector and rare book seller.

He was predeceased by his son, Christopher John Lenat. Dave is survived by wife Georgia, brother Richard Lenat and wife Marilyn of New Jersey, nephews Geoffrey Lenat (Sharon), Brian Lenat, Brian Collins (Jennifer), Blair Johnson; nieces Molly Chandler Hagen, Allison Hagen and great niece, Arwyn Collins.

Dave’s genuine warmth and unbounded kindness made him a dear friend to many throughout the years.

Dave and Georgia were most grateful for the expert care provided by the Duke Adult Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant medical team. The staff of the 9200 unit at Duke University Hospital showed an amazing ability to share love, compassion and kindness throughout Dave’s illness. Their efforts will be remembered forever.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM, Thursday, May 5th at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, 3313 Wade Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27607. There will be a gathering of family and friends in the reception area immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts honoring Dave may be made to the Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St., Raleigh.