Dr. Benjamin (Mo) Moseley Waite, PhD, Scientist, Educator, Conservationist, Dies at 80

Dr. Benjamin Moseley (Mo) Waite, a native of Western North Carolina, died February 3rd, 2017.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Helen; his daughters Noni Waite-Kucera (Greg) and Meggan Hartman (Brody); his son Alex Waite (Kelley); his grandchildren Walter, Cecilia, Solomon, Emory and Addy; and his brother-in-law Joe Huber (husband of Mariella Davidson Waite) and many beloved extended families members.

After spending his early childhood in Winter Park, Florida, Dr. Waite graduated from Rollins College in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He continued his studies at Duke University, and in 1963 he obtained his Ph.D. in biochemistry. After postdoctoral fellowships at Duke University and in The Netherlands,  he joined the faculty as an assistant professor at Bowman Gray School of Medicine in 1968.  He became the chairman of biochemistry in 1978, a position that he continued to fulfill until his retirement in 1998. He made tremendous contributions in the field of lipid biochemistry, including a landmark publication, "The Phospholipases". He trained and was a mentor of numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who have subsequently established successful research careers in both academics and industry.

To his 5 grandchildren, he was known as MoMo, a gentle mountain of a grandfather, who was always ready with a big-armed hug, a meaningful question, a heart-to-heart discussion, or a bristly-bearded kiss.

In 1950 Mo's parents Dr. Alex and Hannah Waite chartered Eagle's Nest Camp, originally founded in 1927, as a non-profit educational organization in Pisgah Forest, NC. Mo continued the legacy by serving on the board of trustees for over 35 years. He also helped found Carolina Camps for Children with Diabetes, providing life changing opportunities for children to learn to manage their illness in a camp setting.

He loved returning to his summer home in Maine to tend to his "deer-loved" vegetable garden and his relationships with friends and community. Mo loved the natural, bold beauty of Maine and together with Helen, committed theirselves to protecting and conserving its natural habitats. Moseley served on the board of Directors of the Downeast Coastal Conservancy for over 10 years, which, since its founding, has protected 6,330 acres of land, watersheds, islands and 62 miles of shoreline in Washington County.

Scientist, ceramicist, furniture maker, gardener, pickler, blueberry farmer, white water paddler, world traveler, bibliophile; Mo's interests and talents ranged as wide as the circle of people who respected and loved him.

Together Mo and Helen crafted a beautiful ship of life—each taking a turn as the mast and the rudder. Thousands of campers, students, faculty, professional peers, friends, extended family will continue to be touched by their joyful and inspiring journey through life.

A celebration of his life will be held on February 25th in the Brevard, NC area. For details visit   http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/MoWaite/homepage.aspx

Gifts in his memory may be made to Eagle's Nest Foundation, Pisgah Forest, NC or The Downeast Coastal Conservancy, Machias, ME.

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