For those who knew and/or worked with John Weymouth and admired/used his remote sensing expertise.  He was certainly a pioneer in the use of remote sensing in the prairies and plains.


John Walter Weymouth, 90, of Lincoln, died December 20, 2012, from complications of Parkinson's disease. John was born on Stanford campus in Palo Alto, CA, where his father and grandfather were professors. He attended both Stanford and Berkeley and earned a PhD in physics. He taught and did research in physics at the University of California, Vassar College, Clarkson University, and the University of Nebraska where he retired in l989. In mid-career John became interested in the application of scientific methods in archaeology and has worked with the National Park Service on many U. S. sites, for NATO sponsored work in Greece and other agencies. His pioneering work in the use of magnetometers and other remote sensing tools for subsurface mapping of sites has transformed geophysical prospection in North American from a type of special analysis to an invaluable and standard part of contemporary archaeology. His work was termed "unparalleled" and "groundbreaking." He has been recognized with awards from the Society of American Archaeology and Nebraska Historical Society and, most recently, The Geological Society of America for lifetime achievement in the field of archaeological geology. His family knew him as an exceedingly humble, thoughtful and gentle man, with a wonderful sense of humor; he loved puns, silly stories-we recall the exploits of Sir Basil Digmore, fabled and fictional archaeologist-and jokes. He loved his family, was a huge fan of opera and was super fond of his dogs.

Visitation: No Visitation/Cremation

Service: Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m. Saturday (1-5-13) at Unitarian Church, 6300 'A' Street with Rev. Fritz Hudson officiating.

Family Gathering: None

Cemetery: Unitarian Church Columbarium

Memorials: Memorials in John's honor may be sent to the National Center for Science Education or the Southern Poverty Law Center.

He is survived by his wife, Laura, sons Terry (Jacki) and Daniel (Deborah), daughter Evelyn, step-daughter Victoria, daughter-in-law Rae Ann; six grandchildren, one great grandchild and four step- greats as well as Josie, a small Spaniel.

Preceding him in death were his parents, two sisters and his first wife, Patricia.