Leonard C. Ferrington, Jr. (1948-2021): Chironomid cognoscente and modern-day Renaissance man

“Let’s look at some chironomids!” Many of Dr. Leonard “Len” C. Ferrington Jr.’s students heard this phrase as he walked into the lab with an excited smile on his face. Len’s enthusiasm for chironomid research whether it be time at the microscope or out in the field was infectious. Whenever a student came to his office describing a new or unique observation or an unknown midge, he would always drop what he was doing to check it out and provide his input. Once he saw these discoveries, he would give you an enthusiastic, but knowing smile and then often describe the localities where he had also made a similar observation or found the same midge. Usually, any interaction with Len would branch out into an extended discussion of some ecological or taxonomic topic and ideas for future research. He always had new ideas to contribute, and certainly had no plans to retire (“Why would I want to do that?!” was a common response when asked). Sadly, Len passed away unexpectedly, on September 11, 2021, while bicycling on the Root River Trail, near Lanesboro, Minnesota.