In Memoriam, Dr. Helmer Ode, by Tina Petway
        Well known Conchologist Dr. Helmer Ode, born August 30, 1918, after
a long illness, passed away on March 16, 2009.  His contribution to the
study of Texas' micro mollusks was one of huge proportions.  His research on
the "Mini's" was recorded in "The Texas Conchologist", and has become
recognized worldwide.  Much of what we know today is a result of his
extensive work.
        Helmer was a geophysicist working for Royal Dutch Shell when he and
his wife Wiets were moved to Houston in 1950 where he worked for Shell Oil
until his retirement in 1982.  His interest in sea shells brought him
together with the Houston Conchology Society which met at what was then "The
Houston Museum of Natural History" which in turn introduced him to Dr.
Thomas Pulley, who was Director of the Museum.
        Helmer became part of the team put together by Dr. Pulley for a
project to assemble a study collection of material from the Northwest Gulf
of Mexico. This project included extensive dredging and diving in the Gulf
of Mexico and was conducted over several years.  This important research
collection is housed at "The Houston Museum of Natural Science" (HMNS), and
Helmer's contribution to the identification of the micro-mollusks is
maintained there.  This huge collection owes its contained knowledge of
micro shells to Helmer.  It is known as "The Northwest Gulf Survey" and has
been used in recent years by many researchers resulting in the publication
of several papers and in the research contributing to the writing of several
books concerning the molluscan fauna and the Gulf of Mexico.
        I met Helmer while I was still in High School here in Houston as a
member of the "Houston Conchology Society".  He was truly amazing and his
knowledge of Texas'shells inspired me to learn all I could about the shells
I love. Helmer will be missed, but his contribution to Texas Conchology will
remain to inspire a new generation of young Malacologists.

Tina Petway is the acting Curator of the Dept of Malacology at HMNS.
FROM: The Epitonium XVL (10): 3, May 2009. Houston Conchology Society,
www.HoustonShellClub.com

Another article on Dr. Ode
www.legacy.com/can-victoria/obituaries.asp?Page=Notice&PersonID=125265544

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