Mark Bain (‘80 M.S. in fisheries science) of Lansing, N.Y., passed away on Feb. 8, 2012, at the age of 56 from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Bain, who earned his bachelor’s degree at West Virginia University and his doctorate from the University of Massachusetts–Amherst, went on to serve on the faculty at Cornell University for 22 years.

While at Cornell, Bain served in the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, as director of the Center for the Environment, and as professor of systems ecology in the Department of Natural Resources. During his storied career, he was voted by the Cornell student body as one of the university’s top 15 professors and received several awards.

Although Bain’s research in aquatic systems focused primarily on the Great Lakes ecosystem and the Hudson River, he developed collaborations around the world. “Mark took a systems approach to his research,” said Eric Hallerman, head of the college’s Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation. “He integrated hydrology and aquatic ecology in studies of fishes and invertebrates, especially in Lake Ontario and the Hudson River. His contributions to our field are well noted, and he will be missed.”

For Bain’s colleagues, the most memorable aspect of his personality was his optimism and upbeat disposition. He was passionate about his many hobbies, especially fishing, traveling, and cooking. Bain is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jane (Barden) Bain (’78 B.S. in fisheries and wildlife science), and his two sons, Paul and Gary.

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