Donald R. Shasky  (1925-2002)


It is with great regret that I report the passing of Dr. Donald R. Shasky,
M.D., at age 76.  Don died this morning, 25 February 2002, in Oceanside,
California from the complications of Alzheimer's disease, after a relatively
short period of failing health.   He his survived by his wife, Ursula, three
sons and their families.

Although his professional training and career was as a dermatologist, Don
was also a highly knowledgeable and dedicated malacologist, who during a 40
year period amassed a comprehensive collection of Panamic mollusks as well
as a formidable number of species from the tropical Pacific.  He had a
particular interest in the collection of micro shells and other cryptic
species, which he would gather either from grunge or by shaking loose
substrates into a large bag for later sorting.  The success of this method
influenced all who traveled with Don over the years.  Perhaps his greatest
contribution to the study of eastern Pacific mollusks was through a series
of ten expeditions he led to Cocos Island, Costa Rica from 1983 to 1997 (his
last collecting trip).  The result of this work is still to be fully
appreciated.

Don published extensively on his discoveries, described new species and had
several described in his honor. He was a great contributor to the works of
many professional malacologists throughout the world and materials from his
collection have been repeatedly cited in numerous monographs, published over
the last quarter century.  Readers of American Conchologist will recall Don'
s serialized reports of his extensive travels as "Wanderings of an Itinerant
Malacologist."

Don's collections, including his extensive library-archive of publications,
letters, historical photographs and journals are housed at the Santa Barbara
Museum of Natural History.


Henry Chaney
Director of Collections and Research
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History