I just learned of Frank Leavitt's passing. He was absolutely instrumental in the life path I have taken as a geologist. I went to Talcott Mt. Science Center's summer science program back in 1968, not knowing exactly why, it just sounded interesting for the inquisitive girl I was coming out of Simsbury High School (class of '68). I though I would be taking some kind of class at the center, but no -- Frank grabbed me and three other teens and introduced us to geology and to field research. I remember him driving us around to see various field sites, scaring us a little with his attention to everything but the road as he drove :) I did a study of the "esker" of Avon. Frank's enthusiasm and encouragement, along with that summer experience of being a historical-geology detective, mentored by Mr. Leavitt, led me to declare a geology major the day I showed up at the Barnard College campus that fall. I went on to a long and productive career as a geology professor at the University of Washington. I owe my career path to Frank Leavitt. I visited him a few times while he was still at Avon Old Farms and last corresponded in 2012 via e-mail. I let him know how important he was in my life. I have made a donation to Talcott Mt. Science Center in his memory. He was an amazing force.