Samuel Thomas Pees

Samuel Thomas Pees, 83, of Meadville, respected geologist, oil field historian, writer and lecturer, died Sunday, December 27, 2009 at the Meadville Medical Center.

Born November 16, 1926 in Meadville, Sam Pees was the son of Henry Chester and Dorothy M. Cook Pees.

A 1944 graduate of Meadville High School, Sam graduated in 1950 from Allegheny College with a BS in geology and in 1959 from Syracuse University with an MS in geology. He also attended Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO and the University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK.

He served in the US Army in the Philippines and South Korea during WW II. After the war in 1948, he worked in the Cape Yakataga area of Alaska with the United States Geological Survey.

Beginning in 1953, Sam worked as a petroleum geologist for leading petroleum and oil companies, traveling extensively to South America, including Venezuela, Peru, Argentina; southeast Asia, including Indonesia; Australia; and the South Pacific.

In 1978, Sam opened an oil and gas consulting company (Samuel T. Pees & Associates) in Meadville, which specialized in deep gas exploration in the northern Appalachian Basin. He retired in 1998.

Sam Pees was a prolific writer of geological and historical papers, which were published in numerous journals, including the Petroleum History Institute Journal, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, and Pennsylvania Geology. He also contributed numerous ideas, research and text for bronze historical markers placed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) commemorating significant individuals, events and landmarks in northwestern Pennsylvania. Sam enjoyed exploring the Oil Creek valley, where he documented and photographed the artifacts of the early oil industry that thrived around Titusville and Oil City. He served as President of the Drake Well Foundation for several years.

Sam Pees also shared his knowledge, insights and findings through lectures. He was an engaging speaker and educator, thanks to his passionate interest in his subject.

He was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and received their highest honors. In 1987 and 1996, he was awarded the AAPG George V. Cohee Public Service Award, which recognizes distinguished service and achievement. In 2000, he received the AAPG John T. Galey Memorial Award.

In 2003, Sam Pees was recognized for lifetime achievement in the oil and gas industry with the Col. Edwin L. Drake Oilman award from the Petroleum History Institute. In addition, Pees was a Senior Fellow of the Geological Society of America and a trustee of the Paleontological Research Institute.

He compiled an extensive international art collection. Portions of his collection have been exhibited in many institutions. Parts of his collection have been donated to Syracuse University, Allegheny College, and other organizations.

He is survived by Bradley Dixon of Poulsbo, Washington, a first cousin. His parents preceded him in death.

Calling hours will be Tuesday from 1-2 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville.  The funeral and committal service will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Greendale Cemetery.