Dale M. Coulson's Obituary
Dale Marcel Coulson (born May 20,1922 in Erwin, South Dakota) passed away peacefully August 10, 2009 in Menlo Park, CA at the age of 87. He is survived by his three children, Florence Coulson Tarbox, Barbara Lynn Coulson, and Eric Wayne Coulson; four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his dear friend Virginia Nissen. Dale spent forty years doing analytical chemistry research at SRI International in Menlo Park, CA. His pioneering research enabled the previously unattainable detection of parts per billion of pesticide residue. He translated his research into the development of instruments used by government and industry in the detection of pesticide residue in the environment, improving the safety of our food, air, and water. He is the author of fifty publications. In 2001 he was inducted into the SRI International Alumni Hall of Fame. In 1974 he was awarded the Harvey W. Wiley Award in Analytical Chemistry recognizing his contributions to the field of pesticide detection, where he revolutionized trace analysis by permitting the rapid detection and measurement of most of the common pesticides in a single operation using gas chromatography. He will be remembered for his love of his family and friends, for his passion for research, for his enjoyment of golf and tennis with his friends, and for his gentle, generous and loving temperament. He most recently enjoyed many years in the loving care of the Nazareth Classic Care Community in Menlo Park, CA. Donations may be sent to Odyssey Hospice, 1500 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 212, Campbell, CA 95008.
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