Glen Sanderson passed away Saturday, March 22, 2008. Born January 21, 1923, in Wayne County, Missouri, Glen is survived by his wife of 60 years, Beverley, his son, Bill Sanderson of Champaign, and daughter, Laurie Sanderson (Doug Crossman, Sr.) of Bloomington, three brothers, John, Hugh, and James Sanderson, and one sister, Marie Beckendorf. Two brothers, Walter and Paul Sanderson preceded him in death.

He served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army in Okinawa during WWII. After the War, Glen received Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees at the University of Missouri and a Ph.D. in reproductive physiology from the University of Illinois.

His career began as a game biologist with the Iowa Conservation Commission. He joined the Illinois Natural History Survey in Champaign in 1955. Prior to his retirement in 1990, he served as Director - Center for Wildlife Ecology, where he led the section overseeing wildlife research for nearly a quarter of a century. In 1989, he was promoted to the rank of Principal Scientist. At that time, only three other scientists had held that title in the Survey's 133-year history.

His research on the raccoon led to his recognition as leading authority on this mammal. His studies on the biology and ecology of the raccoon, rabies in mammals, and lead poisoning in waterfowl were particularly significant in bringing him national and international recognition in wildlife research.

His laboratory research on the toxicity of the ingested copper and lead shot in waterfowl and field research on the use of steel shot for waterfowl hunting provided important information for the implementation of nontoxic shot regulations.

These studies and other resulted in more than 90 scientific publications. He edited the Journal of Wildlife Management for two years, "The Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America", and also edited books on furbearer and migratory shore and upland game bird management.

In recognition of his dedication to wildlife research he was presented the Oak Leaf Award of the Nature Conservancy, the Conservationist of the Year Award from American Motors Corporation, the Golden Glow Award from the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers, the first Gaylord Donnelley Nature of Illinois Foundation Award, and the Aldo Leopold Memorial Award, the highest honor bestowed by The Wildlife Society. He provided leadership on the preservation of the greater prairie chicken in southeast Illinois and for many years was an official measurer of trophy wildlife for Boone and Crockett. He was inducted into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame in 2007.

Over the years he advised numerous candidates for advanced degrees, taught classes in wildlife ecology at the University of Illinois and lectured at Southern Illinois and numerous other colleges and universities. For most of his career, he helped pave the way for others to conduct research and protect endangered species. Another notable aspect was his work in developing innovative approaches to habitat conservation through land acquisition and management that became used nationally by The Nature Conservancy.

He was a 50-year member of the First United Methodist Church in Champaign.

There will be no visitation or service. Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the University of Illinois/INHS Waterfowl Research Station and mailed to Illinois Natural History Survey, P.O. Box 590 Havana, IL 62644.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.