WATKIN -- Gayle Elizabeth Edmisten, passed away Thursday, August 31, 2006. She was born in Tulsa, OK, as the youngest of 4 children to Edward D. and Helen E. Edmisten. Survived by: father, Edward; sister, Karen E.; and brother, Daniel E. Edmisten; and husband, Geoffrey W. Watkin. Her Mother, Helen, and her sister, Nancy Jo, preceded Gayle in death.

Gayle graduated with honors from Memorial High School, and received a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Oklahoma State University and an M.S. in Zoology/Environmental Toxicology from OSU in 1979 and 1981, respectively. In 1982, she was recognized as an Outstanding Young Woman of America for professional achievement. Gayle had more than 27 years of experience in environmental sciences. While a student at OSU, she worked as a Research Associate/Research Scientist. As an environmental services consultant, Ms. Edmisten Watkin worked in the areas of risk assessment and risk management, regulatory analysis, ecological research, teaching and environmental sustainability. She attained the levels of Senior Scientist, Manager of Hazardous Waste Management and Risk Assessment, and Principal Scientist.

Gayle authored and co-authored many technical papers, led technical seminars and chaired or co-chaired numerous technical conference sessions. In 1992, she received a corporate-wide technical excellence award. Gayle was active in the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Chemistry, for which she held the offices of Chair for the International Programs Committee and Chair of the Committee on Sustainability. During 1994-1999, she operated Environmental Toxicology Associates, an environmental services consulting firm. Gayle continued her quest for knowledge and received an M.A. in Humanities and Leadership from the University of Creation Spirituality in 1997. She was adjunct faculty at Naropa Institute-Oakland and John F. Kennedy University and was lead faculty and student advisor for the Program in Culture, Ecology and Sustainable Community at New College in Santa Rosa, CA. Gayle was an active and significant member of the community groups that worked to keep a natural gas plant from locating on Mare Island in Vallejo, CA. In 2005, Gayle was a loving primary caregiver for her mother, Helen. Throughout her professional and teaching career, Ms. Edmisten Watkin was regarded for her intelligence, competence, and dedication. She was probably best known, however, for her warm, fun and friendly personality, as well as her beautiful singing voice. She made all her relationships special and all those that love her feel blessed. We will miss her bright eyes and sparkling laugh, her sense of humor and her wonderful expressions of friendship and love. Sweet Gayle had a beautiful heart, with a sacred tender vision of what could be.