Kansas University chemistry department colleagues and former students are mourning the death of the man they affectionately called “Buzz.”

Ralph Adams, who died Thursday at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., was revered in KU’s chemistry department and worldwide for his easygoing demeanor and passion for learning.

“Ralph was an inspiration to everybody,” said Craig Lunte, professor and chairman of the department. “I’ve never known a scientist who was that dedicated to knowledge.”

Mr. Adams’ love for science and enthusiasm for academia influenced countless students during his life, Lunte said.

“Adams inspired an entire generation of chemists,” Lunte said. “There are Adams students all over the country. I myself am a second-generation Adams student.”

Lunte said he still remembered his first encounter with the world-renowned neurochemist more than 20 years ago by chance in Indianapolis.

“I was already in awe of the man, I knew his reputation and we talked,” Lunte said. “The fact that he was a world-renowned scientist and would talk to a mere graduate student is what made the greatest impression on me.”

In addition to numerous awards and fellowships bestowed upon him by the scientific community, including being among the first scientists to receive a Higuchi Award for excellence in basic science, Mr. Adams was nominated for a Nobel Prize in 1997.

“He was a magnificent scientist and an exceptional human being,” said Ted Kuwana, a KU distinguished professor of chemistry who nominated Mr. Adams for the Nobel Prize.

“He lived what he believed in ” uppermost was his integrity and belief in values.”