Royal Dallas Suttkus, the legendary field collector and expert on the natural history of the southeast region of North America, who was born 11 May 1920 in Ballville, Ohio, passed away on 28 December 2009 surrounded by family in Decatur, Georgia. The Southeastern Fishes Council paid final tribute to Suttkus, its founder, at its 2012 annual meeting in New Orleans. The event featured a number of talks on Suttkus’ collecting and his professional contributions. After the meeting, a memorial for Suttkus was held beside the building that houses the Royal D. Suttkus Fish Collection, on the grounds of Tulane University’s Hebert Research Center in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. To view photos of the Suttkus Memorial, please click here.

Donations are being accepted for a fund, established in memory of Royal D. Suttkus, to preserve his lasting contribution to the study of ichthyology, the Royal D. Suttkus Fish Collection. Proceeds from this fund will be used solely to support the fish collection and an associated collection of ichthyological literature. Donations to the fund are fully tax deductible. Please click here to donate online (please type “Royal D. Suttkus Memorial Fund” in the box labeled “Other” near the bottom of the list of funds), or send a check, payable to Tulane University, with ‘Suttkus Memorial Fund’ in the memo field, to: