Word has reached the Island of the death of noted researcher and part-time Bermuda resident, Arch Scurlock.

Dr. Scurlock, a pioneer of solid-propellant rocketry and founder of the Arlantic Research Corporation, died on December 9 at his Arlington, Virginia home at the age of 82.

He was a leading scientist in the era of rapid technological progress after the Second World War and into the 1960's.

In 1949, Dr. Scurlock co-founded Atlantic Research Corporation (ARC) in a warehouse, but by 1960, it grew to be the leading research and development company.

In 1985, Dr. Scurlock was honoured by a citation on the floor of the US House of Representatives for his outstanding accomplishments as an "engineer-scientist and inventor..."

While he lived in Bermuda, Dr. Scurlock enjoyed boating in Castle Harbour and skin diving on the reefs along the South Shore.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, seven children and numerous grandchildren.

Funeral services for Dr. Scurlock are to be held on Monday, December 16 at the Bethlehem Chapel in Washington, DC.