Brian Jacobson, Principal Agronomist, a cherished friend and colleague, passed away on March 3, 2016, due to complications associated with pancreatic cancer. Brian had a distinguished professional career throughout his working life and Waterborne was very fortunate to have him as part of our team for over 20 years. Brian built a solid group of young scientists in our Missouri office and elsewhere in the company who he mentored and trained to manage FIFRA field studies with the same competency and professionalism that he displayed his entire career. Brian has long been considered by many in the industry to be the top field scientist in the United States due to his extensive experience, creative mind, and easy-going style.

Brian performed hundreds of environmental fate studies in his career throughout North America (US and Canada), addressing terrestrial and aquatic field dissipation, volatility, bioaccumulation, foliar wash-off, surface water runoff and dispersion in lakes or irrigation canals, and, more recently, pollen and nectar studies related to pollinator concerns. There were very few field study types that Brian did not have first-hand experience performing. His broad experience allowed him to work effectively with clients and colleagues alike to brainstorm on approaches to address a wide variety of regulatory concerns. Brian was highly regarded by his peers and always a welcome sight at the National Association of Independent Crop Consultants (NAICC) meetings he attended each year. Prior to his passing, Brian was very touched by the outpouring of care, admiration and affection that was expressed by his professional friends and colleagues in notes and letters sent to him once the word got out regarding his illness.