The AAG was sad to hear of the passing of one of our best known members, Gerry Govett, in January. Gerry was a founding member of the Association of Applied Geochemists (formerly the Association of Exploration Geochemists), President from 1976 to 1977 and recipient of the AAG Gold Medal in 2009. Gerry was a major contributor to the development of the association, including the transition to the new name and broadening of its scope.

Gerry was born in Sully, Wales. He was baptized Gerald James Spurgeon Govett. His third name acknowledged his mother's high regard for that illustrious 19th Century evangelist, and which would subsequently be reflected in Gerry's equally keen commitment to research and teaching.

Gerry completed his first degree at the University of Wales followed by a …