Craig Schnell
Met Ray Stoll at Purdue University where he was in his doctoral studies and I came as a really new assistant professor. Ray was a truly dedicated student. He worked on problems with faculty other than his major professor. We worked on a problem unrelated to his doctoral studies--experiments which needed a lot of hands. Ray was the organizer--and we were incredibly organized. Everyone had a clear role. Experiments were successful and we got a publication from the work.
After Ray graduated, I served on his advisory board at Sandoz. His organizational skills created fear in his colleagues when they came into his office and found one wall covered in 3 x 5 cards depicted the details of experiments. Ray was extremely careful in his studies testing for toxicity in new compounds and he traveled to various companies doing the test studies, especially when sacrifice dates occurred to insure that the studies were actually done (some industrial problems occurred during this time period).
Going to the SOT meetings was a major annual event for Ray. He really worked the meeting, making new contacts, gathering newest study information, and planning for his new work.
Knowing Ray was a pleasure. He was straight-forward, honest, and clear where he stood on various issues. He backed his opinions with data evidence. He was totally engaged in his families. Everyone was loved and respected. He hired great people and inspired their development and growth in science. There was no problem that Ray was afraid to study and solve or gave it his best effort. He loved a challenge. He was not afraid to ask questions. He was a true mentor to numerous young scientists, thus, his spirit will live forever. Loyalty was a two-way street with Ray. He gave you his loyalty, but expected it from you.
Toxicology has lost a giant.
Craig Schnell
