Harold Kelly Brooks, PhD, 86, of Florida and Puerto Rico, died on September 24, 2011 at E. T. York Hospice Care Center in Gainesville, FL. He is survived by his wife, Susan Robison Brooks and four children, Richard Brooks, Beryl Brooks, Philip Brooks and Ellen Williams. He has 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Kelly was born in Winfield, KS and attended public schools there. In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, Submarine Service and served in the Pacific during WWII. He received his PhD in Biology and Geology from Harvard University. He had an active professional career, teaching at several colleges in eastern US including the University of Cincinnati, and retiring from the University of Florida in Gainesville as Prof. of Geology and Prof. Emeritus and Adjunct Prof. in Civil Engineering. He has served as consultant for many companies and government agencies and received research grants from many agencies including NASA, National Science Foundation and National Geographic, and has published more than 80 scientific papers including a "Geologic Map of Florida and Physiographic Divisions of Florida". An avid pilot, diver and explorer, he performed research in North, Central and South America, Europe, the Caribbean, the Pacific and Antarctic. With his wife, Susan and friend, Judy Nelson, he developed an ornamental horticultural project in Puerto Rico in the beautiful mountains of Patillas and was a pioneer grower of Heliconias and other tropical flowers. Kelly was always interested in the world, its people, its plants and animals, and its geology. His family, many friends and former students will always remember this vital man.

Published in the Gainesville Sun, September 30, 2011