Brian Matthew McPhelim's Obituary
Brian Matthew McPhelim, 81, died peacefully at his home in Easton, MD on February 27. Brian leaves his wife, Patricia (Semple), his children, Susannah and Matthew, and a brother, Kevin. His parents, Matthew and Jean (McCrone), and his brother, David, predeceased him, as did many beloved pets.
Brian grew up in Cambridge, MA and enjoyed childhood summers along the shore in Ipswich, where he developed an affinity for natural history that shaped his lifelong intellectual pursuits and professional career. After serving in the Army and earning a degree in biology from Harvard College, he moved with his wife to Washington, DC to raise their family. Here, he worked on environmental research projects and later with the bird and fish collections at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History.
Brian was a lover of learning and enjoyed combing used bookstores for volumes to add to his vast collection. He also loved 60's rock and folk music, following sports, distance running, and the written word. Above all, he treasured all creatures great and small.
Services will be private. Donations in Brian's memory can be made to any local animal shelter or to the African Wildlife Foundation www.awf.org.
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