in memoriam - Nyle C. Brady (1920 - 2015)

We wanted to let you know of the death of longtime member (68 years), former SSSA president (1964) and soils champion, Nyle Brady. There is an ASF Lectureship in his honor, the Nyle C. Brady Frontiers of Soil Science Lectureship.

Nyle C. Brady passed away on Tuesday, November 24th, at the age of 95. Funeral services were held at the Foxcreek church on Highway 17 in Foxcreek, Colorado on November 28th at 1 pm.

Nyle was born in Manassa, Colorado on October 25th, 1920 to Frank and Sadie Brady. He attended Brigham Young University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Bio-Chemistry.

He then received his PhD in Raleigh, North Carolina. He worked at Cornell University for over 20 years in several capacities including Assistant Dean of the College of Agriculture. Nyle’s scientific and administrative abilities then sent him to the Philippines where he was director of IRRI, the leading world institute on the improvement of rice strains for 3rd world countries. After 8 years at IRRI, Nyle returned to work for another 10 years under the direction of the Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C.

Nyle cherished his 22 grandchildren and 90 great-grandchildren. He had a passion for learning and always encouraged his family to do the same. But more importantly he taught them to love and serve others. His wonderful example of caring for those less fortunate is a quality that has guided and influenced the lives of his family and everyone around him.

Nyle is survived by his dear wife and sweetheart Martha, as well as his son Donald, and two daughters, Dorothy and Carol. He also is survived by his sister June Hunter of La Hara, Colorado. His oldest son Robert preceded him in death. Nyle will be greatly missed but his wonderful legacy will continue on.

By Sara Uttech (American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), Soil Science Society of America