With a heavy heart, I pen these words in remembrance of Dr. Harry Roberts—my dear friend and Boyd Professor Emeritus of Geology at Louisiana State University (LSU). Dr. Roberts passed away on the 26th of March 2025, at the age of 85, marking the end of an era in the field of marine and coastal geology.
Several years ago, when Harry invited me to join him in writing the obituary for Dr. Greg Stone, little did I know that I would one day be writing his. It is a moment I never imagined, and one I hoped would be far in the future.
Harry’s passing leaves behind a profound legacy—one built on decades of groundbreaking scientific discovery, an unwavering dedication to education, and an unmatched contribution to our understanding of Earth’s everchanging systems, particularly the complex dynamics of river deltas. His influence stretched far beyond the academic world, shaping coastal management practices and inspiring generations of geoscientists.
Dr. Roberts was the former director of the LSU Coastal Studies Institute and a distinguished member of the Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences, where he held the title of Boyd Professor Emeritus. Although he began his academic journey in physics at Marshall University in West Virginia, his lifelong interest in geology drew him to LSU in 1963, where he pursued a master’s degree before earning his Ph.D. in 1969. He joined LSU’s Department of Geology in 1970 as an assistant professor and quickly became a revered faculty member, known for both his research insight and his unwavering commitment to students. His expertise in marine and coastal geology and sedimentology earned him widespread recognition across the globe. He worked on a broad spectrum of issues, ranging from nearshore processes to deep-sea dynamics, for more than 50 years.
His seminal research on delta systems, conducted in close collaboration with the late Dr. James Coleman, brought international acclaim, as well as the most coveted Boyd Professorship. Their groundbreaking work on river deltas, particularly the Mississippi River Delta—affectionately referred to by Dr. Roberts as “his laboratory”—set a benchmark in the field. His career took him not only across the United States but also to numerous countries around the world. One of the most exhilarating aspects of his work, as he often recalled, were the submersible dives he took over nearly two decades—including aboard the legendary Alvin—to study deep-water oil and gas seeps and their geological impact on the seafloor off Louisiana’s coast. He received multiple professional awards throughout his career, including the most coveted Shepherd’s Medal in 2003 for excellence in marine geology.
A prolific and visionary researcher, Dr. Roberts stood at the forefront of critical studies in coastal and marine geology, sediment management, and the restoration of coastal Louisiana. His research not only deepened scientific understanding of deltaic processes but also provided compelling support for sediment diversions as the only viable long-term solution to the severe land loss in Louisiana’s coastal zones.
Dr. Roberts was not only a scientist par excellence but also an exceptional human being. Beyond his remarkable scientific achievements, it was his warmth, humility, and modesty that left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. He was a rare scholarly persona—a unique combination of a brilliant mind and a gracious spirit. Well-dressed, well-mannered, soft-spoken, honest, and upright, he embodied the very best qualities of both a scientist and a gentleman.
Dr. Roberts spoke with clarity and purpose, and when he did, people listened. His dedication to his work was unmatched; even after retirement, he continued to spend weekends in his office, driven by a tireless commitment to inquiry and discovery. He was, in every sense, a good person and an honest soul—an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Dr. Roberts is survived by his son, Dr. Andrew Roberts, a spinal surgeon; his daughter-in-law; and his sister, along with the many colleagues, students, and friends who were fortunate enough to have known him. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the vital work he championed. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
