NJEDL Remembers Patrick D. Huey
May 17, 1973 - February 2, 2004.

The New Jersey Enviornmental Digital Library's success could not have been obtained without the help, support and leadership of Patrick Huey. From development prototype to a full service digital library project, it was Patrick's contributions, ideas and stewardship which has given the NJEDL its direction. Even now, various aspects of the NJEDL site, from the look and feel, interface and the underlying source code through which thousands of vistors each month gain and contribute knowledge, bear a great deal of Patrick's guidance and influence.

Patrick began working for the NJEDL in February, 2001, while a student at the School of Communication, Information and Library Studies (SCILS) at Rutgers University. He rapidly rose up and contributed valuable ideas to the project, and was named project manager and web developer when he obtained his MLS degree in May, 2002. During this time, he worked hard to improve the useability of the site, enhance features, and find ways for the project to reach out to its users and encourage them to help expand the collection through submissions and feedback.

But beyond input and guidance, Patrick touched every member of the project staff, past and present, with his wit, charm and warmth. Patrick was dedicated not just to a project, but to the people who were involved and contributed. Patrick was more than just a project manager or a web developer; he was a dear and trusted friend, a member of our family. Without question, we were deeply saddened when Patrick was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease in October of 2003.

Patrick's life was tragically cut short in February of this year, after a brave fight with the disease. It is a great loss we continue to feel today, and we know in our hearts that we will miss Patrick, even as the results of his sincere dedication live on.

Patrick's contributions will also live on in a number of other locations online. He started preliminary work on designing the web site for the New Jersey Digital Highway project, and the look and feel of the site continues to follow Patrick's design concepts. He is survived by his wife, Heather Huey, who has maintained their website (www.heatherandpatrick.com) in Patrick's memory.

The NJEDL, in conjuction with staff members of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Projection (DEP), and with support of Patrick's family, are seeking to preserve Patrick's memory. In addition to continuing the work he contributed to and led, we plan to memorialize and celebrate Patrick's life through the New Jersey Memorial Tree Program. Our donations to the program will go towards planting a tree in the Rutgers Ecological Preserve. We thank everyone who has contributed donations to make this memorial a reality.