Godfrey Miles

Godfrey Preston Miles passed away on May 10, 2024, in Leland, Mississippi. He was born on September 10, 1962, in Oakland, California and was raised on a small farm in Bellingham, Washington by his parents, George and Marie (Zentackos) Miles.

Godfrey grew up with a love of the natural world, horse riding, antiques, and sci-fi. After graduating from Meridian High School, he joined a traveling Lipizzan troupe, performing across North America. Later, he joined the Army as a medic, helping him pursue his education.

Godfrey received his Bachelor of Science in cell and molecular biology, organic chemistry, and Classics from Western Washington University. During his time at Western, he got married and had his daughter, Zoe. After receiving his PhD in plant sciences from the University of British Columbia, he moved to England to complete his postdoc at Cambridge University.

He later returned to the US to work for the USDA. Godfrey’s research helped us better understand the impact of ozone pollution on plants, develop genetically modified grasses that can provide sustainable and efficient biofuel, further our search for potato and citrus disease solutions, and discover a virus infecting invasive fire ants that may unlock new paths to reduce their destruction while protecting our bee colonies.

Godfrey is survived by his daughter, Zoe Miles, his siblings, Art and Eddree Miles, and his adorable dog, Gwenny.

A private graveside service was held at Greenwood Cemetery in Lynden, Washington.