In memoriam: 
(1931–2021)
Prof. em. John Graham Ramsay the pioneer in Structural Geology, – passed peacefully away in Zurich Switzerland on January 12th 2021, only a few months short of his 90th birthday. John’s passing is felt by so many of us with a heavy heart and great sadness. He will be remembered not only as a brilliant scientist and musician, but also a warm-hearted teacher, inspiring mentor, respected colleague, wonderful friend and family man.
John Ramsay leaves an academic legacy that defined the fundamental concepts of Structural Geology as we know it today. John’s defining work, “Folding and Fracturing of Rocks” which was published in 1967 laid the foundation for the analysis and mathematical description of rock deformation based on observed structures. Comparable to revolutionary concepts of Plate Tectonics, which were developing in the same era, John’s rigorous approach provided the base for quantitative structural analyses in context with crustal deformation. The landmark publication was followed by many articles and by three volumes of Modern Structural Geology (1983, 1987, 2000). John’s exceptional talent as a tutor and author enabled his work to elegantly connect observation taken from natural outcrop examples with the underlying mechanical theorem of rock deformation.
To this day, John’s outstanding scientific citation record exemplifies the profound and lasting impact of his contributions, which continue to influence researchers and students in Earth Sciences and Structural Geology. His achievements were recognized through a multitude of awards and honorary membership. Among those are the Wollaston Medal of the Geological Society, London, the Prix Lutaud of the Académie de Sciences, Institute de France, the Holmes Medal of the European Union of Geosciences and the Science Excellence Award of the International Union of Geological Sciences. John was elected honorary fellow to the Geological Society of America, the American Geophysical Union and Geological Society London and foreign fellow to the Indian National Science Academy and the United States National Academy of Science. In 1992, H.M. Queen Elizabeth II recognized John Ramsay’s achievements and services to science with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
Beyond all John’s contribution to Structural Geology, he leaves a lasting memory for a unique talent and magic in sharing his passion for the observation and analysis of natural rocks with students and colleagues. The enthusiasm that John brought to field excursions is legendary. His ability and clarity in analyzing structural geometries and connecting these with processes revealed a passionate Geoscientist, simply enjoying and exploring the beauty of nature.
John had a profound sense of mathematical structure and patterns that he deeply admired in nature as well as in music, – his second passion. Being an outstanding scientist as well as an excellent cello player and music composer, gave him the unique perspective defining him as a professional and as a person.
John was a strong and steady advocate in his scientific causes, though his students and colleagues remember him as a humble and open-minded man. He would listen and give everyone’s argument equivalent respect. There was always room for inspiring discussion and ideas that led to exciting results, which more than 170 students of his enjoyed. All of us are grateful for the time with John and his gentle guidance when sharing his passion for Geology.
John was very loved by his family, his wife Dorothee and his daughters, to whom we extend our sincere condolences. He has touched so many lives through his work and passion, he will not be forgotten.
Drs. Catalina Luneburg & Hermann Lebit (John’s last PhD students)