Dr. Aubrey Steven Messenger, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2017 in Flagstaff, AZ at 85 years old. He was with his wife, his three children, son-in-law, pastor and close friends.
Steve will be remembered as a kind, gentle man who loved talking to and helping people without ever expecting anything in return. He loved his family and God's beautiful creations. He was an avid bird-watcher and lifetime member of The Audubon Society and The National Park Service.
Steve was born on March 9, 1931 in Palmyra, Virginia. After high school in Powhatan, Virginia, he attended Virginia Tech, graduated from North Carolina State and received his PhD from Michigan State University. In 1955 he met the love of his life, Els Weitzel (Hilversum, Holland), on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica, Rome, Italy.
As an associate professor, he taught earth science at Northern Illinois University (DeKalb, IL) and was a valued researcher at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois for over 30 years. In 1992 he received a Fulbright-Hays Award to do research in Costa Rica. In 1998 Steve and Els retired to Flagstaff, AZ.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, three children, Rose, Dawn (Ralph) and Scott (Dianna), his seven grandchildren (Austin, Lindsay, Amber, Emery, Griffin, Chris, Jenna) and one great-grandchild (Caden); his sister's children (Susan, Michael, Stefanie); and his in-laws (Guus, Anneke, Guus Jr., Lianne).
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Aubrey and Perle (Sanderson) Messenger, his sister and brother-in-law Idabelle and William Labe, his niece Karen and nephew Billy.
Steve's Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 11, 2017, 11:00am, at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church, 3600 No. Fourth St., Flagstaff, AZ. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Audubon Society, https://action.audubon.org/donate/make-tribute-gift , or 1.844.428.3826.