GIA Memorial Honors 'Father of Modern Gemology'
Staff -- JCK-Jewelers Circular Keystone, 11/1/2002
On Aug. 24, 2002, nearly 500 family members, colleagues, and admirers from across the United States and around the world gathered at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Carlsbad, Calif., to honor Richard T. Liddicoat—"The Father of Modern Gemology"—who passed away July 23. The observance began in the atrium with a display of memorabilia and documents (left) depicting Liddicoat's achievements and highlights of his career at GIA. Then, in a two-hour memorial tribute, participants viewed a video biography describing Liddicoat's contributions to gemology and the jewelry industry. As the sun set, the service closed with a military honors ceremony in recognition of Liddicoat's four years of service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Pictured at the memorial tribute are (below, left to right) Thomas C. Yonelunas, CEO, GIA Gem Trade Laboratory; Glenn Nord, former GIA president and current board of directors member; Robert Crowningshield, vice president, GIA Gem Trade Laboratory; Thomas Moses, vice president, Identification Services, GIA Gem Trade Laboratory; and William E. Boyajian, president, GIA.
