I met Bruce on his first visit to Palmer Station in February/March 1987 when he was involved with biological research...at that time he was studying the energy metabolism of the local fishes. Lisa Crockett, who accompanied Bruce on the 1987 project, was on station again in the fall of 2011, continuing research on the project. Bruce was a good guy! Thanks to Neal Scheibe for the photo of the plaque!

This obituary was published in the Bangor (Maine) Daily News on 9 February 2011:

OLD TOWN - Bruce D. Sidell, 62, died Feb. 8, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 20, 1948, in Manchester, N.H., son of Michael and Annah (Burns) Sidell. Bruce received his AB in biology at Boston University in 1970, and his Master of Science degree and doctorate in physiology at the University of Illinois in 1972 and 1975. Bruce was a professor and founding director of the School of Marine Sciences at the University of Maine, Orono. Through his work as a researcher, educator and mentor, he traveled to Antarctica and received numerous awards for his work. Recently, the US Geological Survey and National Science Foundation named an Antarctic peninsula the "Sidell Spur," in honor of his many years of Antarctic research. His work and research were truly his passions in life and his contributions will live on in the scientific community. Bruce will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew him, especially his faithful canine companion, Barnum. Bruce is survived by his beloved wife, Mary (Keegan); three daughters, Amy Sidell and her husband, Greg St. Pierre, Jessica Kettell and her husband, John, and Amanda Sidell and her husband, Kevin Peterson; six grandchildren, Nicholas and Timothy St. Pierre, Mason and Fiona Kettell, and Soren and Boden Peterson; sister, Judy McLean of Goffstown, N.H.; and his uncle, Charles and Louise Ferazzi of Gloucester, Mass. In addition to his parents, Bruce was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Robert McLean. Family and friends are invited to call 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. In respect of Bruce's wishes, there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Bruce D. Sidell Scholarship, supporting students in marine science at the University of Maine, or the Sidell Family Fund, supporting the Holiday Gift Giving Fund through the University's Employee Assistance Program. Checks should be made payable to the University of Maine Foundation and sent to Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792. Kindly indicate which fund the gift should be designated. Memorial gifts may also be given to New Hope Hospice, P.O. Box 757, Holden, ME 04429. Notes of condolences may be left at www.birminghamfuneralhome.com.

Here's another obituary from Paula Dell, a teacher who accompanied the fish biology project at Palmer during the 2010-11 summer and fall as part of the PolarTREC program.