Dr. Charles F. Park, Jr. enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a mining engineer, economic geologist, educator, and mineral economist. As Dean of the School of Earth Sciences at Stanford University, Professor Park rebuilt the mineral sciences program after its depletion during World War II.
Not only an outstanding scientist, Dr. Park was a kind, warm-hearted humanitarian, an excellent motivator and teacher who helped his students in becoming professionally successful, and a recognized leader in the mining industry.
He authored over 75 publications and is best known for his text on Ore Deposits, first published in 1964 and revised in 1970 and 1976. His last publication was a totally revised Ore Deposits textbook coauthored with John Gilbert in 1986. His books, Affluence in Jeopardy (1968) and Earthbound (1975) were an expression of his concern for the well-being of his fellow man and his love of our world.
Born in Wilmington, Delaware, his interest in geology was stimulated at age 14 when he found a mineral collection that had been discarded by a widow in his neighborhood. By the time he had identified each specimen, he was hooked. Park obtained his B.Sc. in mining engineering from the New Mexico School of Mines in 1926, his M.Sc. in geologic engineering from the University of Arizona in 1929 and his Ph.D. in geology from the University of Minnesota in 1931. Later he received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota.
His professional career started as a field surveyor in New Mexico. He joined the U.S. Geological Survey in 1930 as a junior geologist and left the Survey in 1946 as Geologist in Charge, Section of Metalliferous Deposits, in Washington, D.C. Joining the Stanford geology faculty, he advanced to Dean in 1950 and served in that post until 1965. Dr. Park continued his Professor Emeritus until retiring in 1975.
Dr. Park served on the boards of Homestake Mining Company, Golden Cycle Corporation, and Freeman, Copper & Company. He testified before the U.S. Congress and was often called upon as an expert witness. As a geologist and consultant, he served on every continent except Antarctica.
Honors and professional responsibilities came his way in abundance, including President of the Society of Economist Geologists and President of the International Association of the Genesis of Ore Deposits.
A distinguished teacher and academic statesman, Dr. Park is an inspiration to future generations of mining professionals.
