Nationality British Awards Lyell Medal Known for Graptolithina | Education University of Hull Name Barrie Rickards | |
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Fields PalaeontologyStratigraphy Died November 5, 2009, Cambridge Books Modern Lure Fishing, The Great Modern Pike Angl, Nile Perch: The Ultimate, Fishing for big tench, Big Pike | ||
Professor Richard Barrie Rickards, (1938–2009), was Emeritus Professor in Palaeontology and Biostratigraphy at the Department of Earth Sciences, Cambridge University and Life Fellow of Emmanuel College. He was best known for his work on Graptolites. He is also a well-respected angler and was President of the Specialist Anglers' Alliance and the Lure Anglers' Society.
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He died from cancer on 5 November 2009, but was active to the end, writing books on fishing and papers on graptolites from his hospital bed and pursuing new research when at home in remission.
Education and Academic Career
Barrie Rickards grew up in Leeds and Goole in Yorkshire. He held the following degrees: BSc, MA, PhD, ScD, and a DSc from the University of Hull.
Research
Barrie Rickards' work concentrated on the systematics and biodiversity of graptolites in the Palaeozoic. This led to a better understanding of their palaeobiogeography and evolution, the manner of their recovery from mass extinctions, and a more precise understanding of Lazarus taxa, refugia and relict faunas.
Fishing
Barrie Rickards was one of the best-known and most successful pike anglers in Britain. He was a Founding Fellow of the Pike Anglers' Club, and was past President of the Pike Society, the Lure Anglers' Society and the Specialist Anglers' Alliance.
Selected publications
Barrie Rickards had written over 250 academic papers, 700 articles on fishing and some 30 books related to both fishing and palaeontology.