GLENN LELAND CONVERSE

1937-1974

Occasionally there is an individual whose presence is so strongly felt among his associates that his death is simply incomprehensible. Such a person was Glenn Leland Converse. After the avalanche on Nevado Huandoy which claimed his life, it seemed certain that he would momentarily come wandering back to camp. Most of those who knew him well still find it difficult to believe that Glenn isn’t just off on another junket, soon to return with enthusiastic accounts of his travels and excited plans for his next adventure.

Glenn’s life was lived to the fullest extent possible. Whether on a weekend excursion or ambling about the world for a year or two, his ebullience combined with humility gained him immediate acceptance by those he met and made his friendship especially valuable to many. Having many friends from all parts of the world, it was not uncommon for Glenn to encounter someone in the mountains and exclaim “I know you! Remember, we climbed together….” Such friends always remembered, and a warm reunion would follow.

Glenn enjoyed rock climbing in “The Valley”, and was equally enthusiastic about sometimes arduous mountaineering ventures that he frequently spearheaded. He always managed to find time to help a novice along, and was quick to invite new friends on many of his outings.

Born in Oakland, California, on January 4, 1937, Glenn went on to complete work through his Masters degree in mechanical engineering at California Institute of Techonology, and later earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University in aeronautical engineering. He did post-doctoral work in Japan in the field of Geophysics. His work at Stanford and in Japan was aided by grants from the National Science Foundation. He was employed at the USGS in San Francisco where he was doing earthquake research. Glenn will long be remembered by his many friends.

Brent W. Miller