Date: 6/12/26 12:50 pm From: Greg D. Jackson via groups.io <g_d_jackson...> Subject: [ALbirds] FW: sad news
AL Birders:
Just received these sad tidings about long-time Alabama birder Dr. Ken Marion, well known to many in AOS.
Greg
Greg D. Jackson
Birmingham, AL
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that our friend, avid birder, fisher, and herpetologist Dr. Ken Marion passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday morning. Ken was a longtime contributor to Birmingham Audubon/Alabama Audubon, serving various capacities on the Board. It was on Ken’s recommendation that I joined the Board. Although he stepped away from Board service a couple of years ago, he remained active with the organization as a valued reviewer of the Walter J. Coxe proposals. He had formally retired from UAB’s Biology Department and was granted emeritus distinction in 2011, but he never really stepped away, remaining a genuine and active part of Biology's teaching and research missions right to the end. His departmental office is right next to mine and post-retirement he would be in many days of the week, even weekends – usually to feed crickets to his lab’s array of herps.
Ken's wife, Vicki, has shared a few wishes. There will likely not be a formal funeral, but she is considering options for a gathering to celebrate Ken's life and memory in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, she has asked that those who wish to honor him consider a gift to one of two scholarships established in his name at UAB in support of our students:
* The Ken R. Marion Endowed Scholarship — for students who demonstrate promise and commitment in pursuing a career in some aspect of ecology or environmental science.
* The Ken R. Marion Scholar Awards — for students who demonstrate promise and commitment in pursuing teaching and/or research in biology as a career.
It may take the UAB Development Office some time to set up the mechanics of this memorial gifting. I will share details, once available, in a follow-up message.
Do feel free to share this with others you think would want to know.”
