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PAXTON -- Hugh C. Paxton passed away in Albuquerque on December 25, 2003. Born on April 29, 1909 in Los Angeles, California to Charles and Grace Dorn Paxton, Hugh enjoyed a life filled with many diverse experiences. His interests ranged from his work with colleagues in the field of nuclear physics to bird watching excursions with friends, observing wildlife, writing, photography, and treasured reunions with his brothers and sister and their extended families. Growing up in California, Hugh graduated from Inglewood High School in 1924, was awarded an A.B. degree from UCLA in 1930, and in 1937 earned his doctorate at UC Berkeley under Professor E.O. Lawrence. He married his sweetheart, Jean Nellis Thomson, soon after. Hugh's early work in nuclear physics included cyclotron technology at the College of France in Paris and Columbia University. Following were jobs involving wartime support in New York, Oak Ridge and Philadelphia. In 1948 he accepted a position as leader of the critical assemblies group at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, where he worked until his retirement in 1976. His responsibilities involved development of peaceful uses of nuclear energy and nuclear reactor safety standards. Hugh is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jean; son Alan and wife Merideth; daughter, Susan and husband Joseph Gomez; granddaughter Jennifer and husband Gustav Verhulsdonck; granddaughter Carrie; brother Donald D. and wife Pat; brother Norman L.; sister Grace and husband Alfred L.(Les) Whear; many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. Hugh was preceded in death by his brother Charles N. and by sisters-in-law Anna and Dorothy. A memorial service has been held by the immediate family, and cremation has taken place. Memorial contributions may be made to the Academic Scholarship Program; American Nuclear Society; 555 North Kensington Ave.; LeGrande Park, IL 60526. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd, NE 843-6333
        Published on: Sun December 28, 2003