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IN MEMORIAM
Gerry Lynch, 1941–2022

The moose management and biology world 
lost another pioneer on June 21, 2022 with the 
passing of Gerry Lynch at the age of 81.  Gerry 
died peacefully at his home near Raleigh, North 
Carolina with his family at bedside, having 
dealt valiantly with a serious heart condition for 
several years.  For many years, Gerry was a highly 
regarded regional wildlife biologist with Alberta 
Fish and Wildlife in Edson, Alberta.  Eventually, 
he became the provincial moose manager based at 
the Edmonton headquarters where his management 
skills flourished.  As an “early” moose manager, 
Gerry was progressive and innovative, designing 
management initiatives and developing long-term 
data sets that were uncommon at the time, yet are 
now the basis of sound moose management in 
Alberta and elsewhere. His exemplary efforts and 
leadership were recognized by his receiving the 
Distinguished Moose Biologist Award (2000) 
from the International Alces Working Group.  The 
current cohort of moose biologists and managers 
in Alberta continue to marvel about Gerry’s 
dedication and productivity in the “early days” and 
the wisdom still evident in those ‘old programs’ - 
such good data and ideas remain valid and ageless.

Gerry was born and raised near Madison, 
Wisconsin. After completing his Bachelor of 

Applied Science Degree in Natural Resources and 
Conservation at University of Wisconsin – Stevens 
Point (1963), Gerry completed a MS in Wildlife, 
Fish and Wildland Science and Management at 
the University of Wisconsin – Madison (1965–1967).  
His MS research involved aspects of skunk 
predation on waterfowl in Manitoba, after which 
his studies, research experience, and motivation 
set the tone for a productive and highly respected 
career.

Gerry was the consummate professional – a 
hard-working, kind, and considerate man 
throughout his life.  Much of his work took 
place in the rugged and bog-filled boreal forest 
of the Swan Hills where he used innovative 
techniques to trap and track moose.  He also 
built innovative all- terrain vehicles to aid his 
efforts long before ATVs became common in 
fieldwork. Always willing to help others, he 
assisted Dr. Bill Samuel in his pioneering work 
with winter ticks and moose.  

Gerry loved outdoor recreation, was an 
avid hunter, and true friend of many.  Often 
described as “the best moose hunting partner 
ever”, he cherished the comradery of moose 
hunting with friends who considered him a 
great “mooser”. 



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Beyond his professional dedication, Gerry’s 
family and their spiritual lives were foremost 
in his daily thoughts and actions. He and Janet 
were married 59 years and raised three children. 
Unfortunately, yet again, the moose world loses 

another early leader in the short history of moose 
management. 

With deep admiration and respect for our 
friend,

Bill Samuel and Margo Pybus