The Florida Institute of Oceanography is saddened by the loss of its former director and marine science icon, Dr. William (“Bill”) Hogarth, who passed away over the weekend. On behalf of the FIO family, we express our deepest condolences to his wife Mary, sister Virginia, son Brandon, daughter Shelley, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Dr. Hogarth was FIO’s Director for nearly 7 years after serving as Dean of USF’s College of Marine Science. Hogarth’s distinguished 50-year career included him being appointed by President George W. Bush as Assistant Administrator of NOAA Fisheries, serving as Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service, Vice Chancellor of USF St. Peterburg, and Chair of the International Whaling Commission. Dr. Hogarth also was instrumental in securing funding for the scientific response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010.
“Bill was an incredible advocate for ocean science in the Gulf of Mexico and the US southeast at a time when it was needed most,” said Dr. Monty Graham, FIO Director.
FIO, USF, and the state honored Dr. Hogarth’s illustrious career with a research vessel in his name in 2017. FIO’s newest state-of-the-art research vessel, the Research Vessel (R/V) W.T. Hogarth, is a 78-foot “floating laboratory” that takes hundreds of students and researchers to sea annually, ensuring Bill’s legacy lives on.
“It’s very hard to put into words, but knowing how much the students use this vessel, how much research is done with this vessel, makes you awfully proud to see your name on it and to know what it will be used for,” said Dr. Hogarth in 2017.
Please visit USF CMS’ Tribute to Dr. Hogarth to read more about his fascinating life, career, and accomplishments.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to the USF Foundation in memory of William T. Hogarth, PhD to The William T. Hogarth Fellowship in Marine Mammals (Foundation Fund Number 266012) at the Office of Donor Relations, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, ALC100, Tampa, FL 33620, Attn: Beth Corbin or online at https://giving.usf.edu/online/gift/f/266012/