RMBL staff
In memoriam
In memoriam
Brooke Desposato Operations Assistant
Ward Belfield Watt RMBL Scientist and Leader
Bruce McLean RMBL Board Chair and Advocate
Ward Watt’s fascination with the natural world began in childhood, collecting seashells and butterflies around his Maryland neighborhood. That early passion led to a lifetime of inquiry into adaptation, a discipline he would call “the study of how evolution works.” His work — marked by both intellectual rigor and creative insight — spanned molecular biology, field ecology, and evolutionary genetics, with sulfur butterflies as his longtime study system. Ward first arrived at Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in 1962 as a graduate student from Yale University, launching a relationship with the lab that would last over 60 years. Through his decades of work, he helped shape RMBL’s scientific life and institutional growth. He was a critical leader for the organization, serving on the Board of Trustees for more than 20 years, with roles as both President and Vice President. During this transformative period, Ward helped secure funding for
Bruce McLean brought clarity, compassion, and principled leadership to every role he took on — qualities that made a lasting mark on RMBL, where he served as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Though best known for his distinguished legal career and sharp litigation mind, Bruce was also a champion of scientific research, conservation, and community building in the West. Born in New York City in 1946, Bruce graduated from Garden City High School before attending Indiana University. After an early career with the National Labor Relations Board, he joined Akin Gump in 1973, eventually leading its litigation practice and serving as Chairman for nearly two decades. Under his leadership, the firm grew, while maintaining a commitment to inclusiveness and excellence that reflected Bruce’s core values.
RMBL’s first modern laboratory and oversaw the hiring of its first development officer. He was instrumental in organizing graduate workshops and scientific meetings, including the 1984 Evolution Meetings and the 1998 International Symposium on the Biology of Butterflies.
He was a dedicated supporter of RMBL, where his strategic mind and steady leadership helped guide the organization through periods of growth and change. Bruce understood that science, like law, depends on institutions built on trust, rigor, and service. Bruce also served on numerous other boards, including those of Georgetown University Law Center, Indiana University School of Law, and local legal service programs in Washington, D.C. His contributions earned him accolades such as Georgetown’s inaugural Dean’s Award for Distinguished Service. But he remained modest, always redirecting praise toward others and the causes he cared about. Outside of the courtroom and boardroom, Bruce was an elite athlete and adventurer. He completed marathons, triathlons, and long-distance cycling races, and relished time outdoors — skiing, scuba diving,
genetics, evolutionary biology, and entomology. In total, he mentored more than 60 undergraduate students and 21 doctoral students. His research earned him election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Society of Naturalists, Sigma Xi, and the
field conversations into deeply engaging discussions. Ward and his wife, Carol Boggs, shared a 45-year marriage filled with scientific collaboration and summers at RMBL. In 2024, RMBL honored Ward with the Lifetime Distinguished Service Award. He passed away peacefully in October, survived by his wife, Carol, and his daughters, Jean and Laura. Ward was laid to rest in Crested Butte, a fitting final stop for a scientist whose heart and life were so deeply tied to the mountains, the butterflies, and the community of Gothic. On July 27, there will be a celebration of life for Ward at the billy barr community center in Gothic. Please let Carol know
boating, golfing, and hiking the mountains near Crested Butte. He equally treasured the simple joys of life: happy hour with friends, dinners with family, and quiet moments at home with his wife, Rachel. Bruce passed away peacefully on May 9, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by Rachel; his children Max, Emily (with husband Charlie), and Chris (with wife Lisa); and his six grandchildren. Over many years, Bruce gave generously of his time and energy to RMBL, helping to ensure its success for generations to come. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, integrity, and deep care for both people and place.
Brooke first joined RMBL in 2019 as a bachelor’s student. Since then, she has lived in the Netherlands and Sweden pursuing her masters and conducting research. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Biology and Plant Biology from Michigan State University and completed her master’s degree in Forest
and Nature Conservation at Wageningen University & Research. Her research has primarily focused on
landscape ecology, pollinators, and citizen science. In 2025, Brooke returned to RMBL as an Operations Assistant. This career move has felt like coming home to the place that first inspired her passion for ecological discovery. She is excited to be back in a place that blends science, community, and stunning natural beauty. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with Oscar the cat.
Ward Watt with his butterfly net
A sharp minded and generous mentor, Ward advised dozens of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers. At Stanford University, where he was on the biology faculty for decades, he earned medals and won awards for his classroom teaching in
California Academy of Sciences. Outside of science, Ward was a man of many interests: a jazz clarinetist, banjo player, accomplished photographer, and wine enthusiast. He was known for his dry wit, gracious mentorship, and a gift for transforming casual
if you plan to attend if you haven’t already done so (cboggs52@gmail.com).
In the Gunnison Valley, Bruce found both solace and purpose.
5 | SPRING 2025
SPRING 2025 | 6
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software