Lucybelle Bledsoe—1923–1966
Miss Lucybelle Bledsoe, Technical Publications Editor of U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, lost her life tragically and prematurely in a fire in her apartment on 29 September 1966. She was born in Pocahontas, Arkansas, and attended Hendrix College, Arkansas. She received an A.B. degree in English at the University of Arkansas in 1944 and a Master’s degree in English from Columbia University in 1945. Miss Bledsoe was a member of Phi Beta Kappa Society.
She joined the staff of the Geological Society of America as an Editorial Assistant in 1946. Her outstanding ability attracted the attention of Dr. A. L. Washburn, then Director of the Snow, Ice and Permafrost Research Establishment (SIPRE), and she joined SIPRE at Wilmette, Illinois, in 1956. She later moved to Hanover, New Hampshire, in 1961 when SIPRE became part of the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL). During the period of time she was associated with SIPRE and CRREL, she personally edited almost every report printed in both the internal report series and outside journal-publications. In developing a style and setting the standards for these reports, she was the unlisted co-author of hundreds of reports and informal teacher of many scientists.
Her editorial work extended far beyond grammatical corrections and adherence to style. She could spot incorrect equations, slipshod terms and desultory sentences. One of her unique talents was her ability to recognize faulty logic even on very technical matters. Many researchers (both young and old) have seen their raw, sometimes confused manuscripts transformed into beautifully simple, well-presented reports. She was always willing to be of service to others with no thought for personal prestige.
Lucy, as she was known to us all, was warm-hearted and friendly with her associates and possessed an easy-going, sophisticated sense of humor. She had the rare ability to make her editorial comments without causing irritation or resentment. This was due in part to her own tact and good humor, but was also due to her recognized mastery of her special field.
We who had the pleasure of knowing her and working with her have suffered a very personal loss, but the high standards of excellence she set and the influence of her teachings on report-writing will endure.
Mr. Bender also writes:
Too often we, as authors of scientific reports, take for granted the careful work of good technical editors and seldom do we give them the proper credit which they so rightly deserve. So it was with Lucybelle Bledsoe. Although you will not find her name listed as author or co-author of any research papers, she has been a full-time worker in the field of glaciology for the last ten years. We believe that she contributed a great deal to the field of glaciology, especially in the all-important aspects of written communications.
