Mr. Harry A. Marmer, former Assistant Chief, Division of Tides and Currents, Coast and Geodetic Survey, died on November 5, 1953, at George Washington Hospital, Washington, D.C. Mr. Marmer retired from the Coast and Geodetic Survey at the end of August after an outstanding career covering a period of 46 years.

Mr. Marmer was born in Proskurof, Ukraine (Russia) on June 21, 1885, and came to the United States in 1889. He was graduated from Rutgers University in 1907 with a B.S. degree in engineering and that year entered on duty with the Coast and Geodetic Survey where he devoted his entire professional degree. In 1931, Mr. Marmer received a M.S. degree from Rutgers University.

During his long years of service with the Bureau, Mr. Marmer won international recognition as expert consultant in the fields of tides, currents, tidal datum planes, and related oceanographic subjects. He served as Assistant Chief of the Division of Tides and Currents from 1920 until his retirement. Prior to that he was Chief Tidal Mathematician and Chief of the Section of Field Work of the Division.

Mr. Marmer was author of two books entitled, “ The Tide” and “The Sea,” recognized as standard texts. He was also author of the following Bureau publications: Tides and Currents in New York Harbor, Coastal Currents along the Pacific Coast of the United States, Tidal Datum Planes, and Chart Datums. Since his publications are authoritative in the field of oceanography, they have been used by the Supreme Court of the United States in cases involving riparian rights. Numerous articles written by Mr. Marmer on tides, currents, and general oceanography have appeared in various journals and magazines in this country and abroad. He established tide stations in the United States, South America, and the Pacific Islands. Two stations in which he took particular pride are those located in the Straits of Magellan and Guadalcanal.

Mr. Marmer was the recipient of many awards and citations, the most notable being the Alexander Agassiz Medal which was awarded to him by the National Academy of Sciences for original contribution in the science of oceanography. He also received the 1949 Department of Commerce Gold Medal for exceptional service to the nation.

Mr. Marmer maintained active membership in the following organizations: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Society of Civil Engineers, Assocation of American Geographers, American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, American Geophysical Union, Washington Philosophical Society, Cosmos Club, and the U.S. Naval Institute.

Mr. Marmer is survived by his wife who resides at 7106 7th Street NW, Washington 12, D.C. He is also survived by a daughter, Mrs. Nancy M. Thompson, and a son, Mr. Kalmon E. Marmer.

In: “The Buzzard”, Vol. 21, p. 4. November 10, 1953.