The ACA community mourns the loss of Dr. David Duchamp, who passed away peacefully at home with his family on August 15, 2025, at the age of 85.

David earned Bachelor of Science degrees in both chemistry and mathematics from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and went on to complete a Ph.D. in physical chemistry at the California Institute of Technology, where he was recognized as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow and a National Science Foundation Fellow. He then began a distinguished career at The Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he served for more than three decades, retiring in 1996 as Executive Director of Information Technical Research and Development.

A dedicated member of the ACA, David provided exceptional leadership as President in 1990. His service reflected a lifelong commitment to advancing crystallography and supporting the broader scientific community, including through his work as a National Institutes of Health reviewer and his involvement in numerous professional organizations. Beyond his professional accomplishments, David was deeply devoted to his family, community, and many personal passions.

Within the ACA, David will be remembered not only as a past president and accomplished scientist, but also as a generous colleague and friend whose legacy will endure.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 13, 2025. Details may be found at Betzler Life Story.

We invite members of the ACA community to share their memories or tributes in the comments below. Those who would like to contribute a remembrance piece for a future issue of RefleXions are encouraged to contact Kristin Stevens, ACA Executive Director.