Spring 2008

[ BACK ]

Bremner obituary in CSA News

John “Jack” Bremner, 85, Distinguished Professor Emeritus from Iowa State University, died on 27 July 2007 at his home in Palm Desert, CA.

Dr. Bremner was born 18 Jan. 1922 in Dumbarton, Scotland to Archie and Sarah Bremner. He was a research scientist at Rothamsted Experimental Stations in England from 1944-1959 and a researcher and professor of agronomy and biochemistry at Iowa State University from 1959-1992.

He authored more than 300 scientific publications and made seminal contributions to the fields of soil chemistry and biochemistry. He was a world leader in research developing methods of reducing environmental problems associatr3d with the use of nitrogen fertilizers.

Bremner was a 50-year member of ASA and SSSA. He received numerous national and international awards for his contributions to science, including Carnegie, Rockefeller, and Guggenheim fellowships. He was elected Fellow of ASA and SSSA in 1969, and received the Environmental Quality Research Award in 1990 and the Soil Science Distinguished Service Award in 1993.

Bremner received the Alexander von Humboldt Medal and Award in 1982, and an honorary doctor of science degree from University of Glasgow in 1987. He was elected to the National Academy of sciences in 1984.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary; son Stuart (Sarah) Bremner; daughter Carol (Mike) Einsidler; and two grandchildren. He was buried at Iowa State University Cemetery.

CSA News, January 2008 VE 53 NO 1, p18.