NIA Alumnus Warner Mourned
Dr. Huber Warner, a biochemist who led the National Institute on Aging’s Biology of Aging Program, died on Sept. 12 in St. Paul, Minn. He was 83.
He joined NIA in 1984, managing the Molecular Biology Program while also serving as chief, Biochemistry and Metabolism Branch. In January 2000, he was named associate director of NIA’s Biology of Aging Program. Warner played a large part in expanding the scope and scale of aging research at NIA while helping to mentor a new generation of scientists. His research interests included oxidative stress, molecular mechanisms of apoptosis, functional genomics and stem cells.
“Huber was not only a well-respected scientist and leader in our field, but also his gentle nature made him beloved by both the community and his colleagues,” said Dr. Felipe Sierra, director of NIA’s Division of Aging Biology (DAB).
Dr. Dick Sprott, Warner’s predecessor at DAB, said, “Dr. Warner served with diligence and great scientific acumen. While his insights were important for the biology of aging field, we will remember him for leadership and common sense. I, like many others, will always treasure his sound advice and friendship.”
NIA director Dr. Richard Hodes said, “The entire NIA family is saddened by the loss of Dr. Warner. He helped guide and grow the study of aging biology at the NIH and NIA with a steady hand and curious mind. He will be deeply missed.”
Warner was born in 1936 in Glendale, Ohio. He received a doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Michigan in 1962, and following postdoctoral work at M.I.T., he joined the faculty of the department of biochemistry at the University of Minnesota in 1964. He was a member of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America.
After leaving NIA in 2004, he returned to the University of Minnesota, where he served as associate dean of research until his retirement in 2010. He spent his later years at the university’s independent living community and returned often with family to his beloved Cawaja Beach in Ontario, Canada.
Warner was known for his many athletic interests and as an enthusiastic volunteer coach for youth sports. He played hockey growing up and tennis in his later years and was a member of the NIH Tennis and Sailing clubs.
He is survived by sons Geoffrey and Peter; daughter-in-law Dawn; and 3 granddaughters: Chloe, Laurel and Alexandra.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Huber Warner Fellowship in Molecular Biology, University of Minnesota Foundation, 200 Oak Street, SE, Suite 500, Minneapolis, MN 55455-2010.