John E. Rives

Dr. John E. Rives passed away on December 10th following a long and debilitating illness. He is survived by his wife, Diane Barret, his four sons, Joel Rives, John Rives, Stephen Rives, and Patrick Rives; his two daughters, Paula Rives and Becky Thompson; a daughter-in-law, Lynn Rives; four grandsons, James Rives, Michael Rives, Jason Bauer and Kyle Bauer; and his sister, Ann Rangel.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, John received his B.S. degree from Alabama Polytechnic Institute in 1955, and received his doctorate in physics from Duke University in 1961. In 1963 he began a distinguished 30 year career as a research professor in the UGA physics department. Retiring from teaching in 1996, he spent several years as co-director of the UGA Department of Physics and Astronomy's National Ultraviolet Monitoring Center in partnership with the EPA. His work took him all over the world to places such as China, Japan, Italy, Korea, and several national parks throughout the U.S.

John was an avid woodworker, a devout Catholic, and a wonderful family man. He enjoyed bird watching, trips to the northeast Georgia mountains, and doing "special projects" with his 17 grandchildren and step grandchildren.

A memorial mass will be held at the Catholic Center, Athens, Ga., on Friday, December 18th at 3 p.m. with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association.