Society News Archive

29 November 2004

Dr. Lauriston TaylorDoctor Lauriston (Laurie) S. Taylor passed away quietly in his home on November 26, 2004, at the age of 102. Born on June 1, 1902, Laurie is a pioneer in the radiation safety profession. His accomplishments include serving as President of the Health Physics Society, President of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (an organization he helped found), Chairman of the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements, President of the International Conference on Medical Physics, Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, and Special Assistant to the President of the National Academy of Sciences. On the occasion of his 100th birthday in June 2002, Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) rose to give him a tribute from the Senate floor.

At his request, there will be no service for him. His body will be donated to science and he will be buried next to his first wife, Azulah, in Virginia.

This portrait of Dr. Taylor is an original work of art, based on a photograph of Dr. Taylor, by Kenneth L. Miller, a Health Physics Society Fellow. The original painting was donated by Miller to the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements and is displayed in its offices.