Basil Balme

Returning to university in 1946 at age 23, Balme resumed his studies and graduated with First Class Honours in Geology in 1948.^[2] During his undergraduate years, he garnered several academic distinctions, including the Lady James Prize in Natural Science and the E.S. Simpson Prize in Mineralogy. Not only a dedicated scholar, Balme was also a prominent sportsman, representing the university in cricket and Australian Rules football. He was also involved in university governance as a Council Member of the Guild of Undergraduates.^[2]

Balme's foray into palynology commenced during his B.Sc. Honours year with a groundbreaking study of Permian miospores in the Collie Coalfield, near Bunbury, Western Australia. In 1949, Balme was presented with an opportunity to pursue a PhD degree at the University of Nottingham, but this plan shifted when his potential supervisor accepted a position elsewhere.^[2] Nevertheless, he ventured to England and secured a position at the National Coal Board’s Coal Survey Laboratories in Sheffield. Collaborating with Mavis Butterworth, Balme contributed to palynological studies of British Carboniferous coals.^[2]

Returning to Australia in 1952, Balme joined CSIRO as a Research Officer in the Coal Research Section, where he conducted research in both coal petrology and palynology. During this time, he and John Hennelly published a triad of papers which laid the foundations of Permian spore-pollen systematics in Australia.^[2][6] His 1957 monograph on Mesozoic spores and pollen of Western Australia further solidified his reputation in the field.^[2][7][8]

In 1957, at age 34, Balme transitioned to academia after accepting a Lectureship in Geology at the University of Western Australia.^[2] His impactful palynological research continued, focusing on the Upper Palaeozoic-Mesozoic stratigraphy, including floral reconstructions. His extensive collaboration with the petroleum exploration industry significantly shaped his career, as Balme's age determinations through palynomorphs were crucial for stratigraphic correlations and to find more oil deposits.^[2]

In 1968 Balme received a higher doctorate (D.Sc.) from the University of Western Australia, and was promoted to Reader in Geology in 1969.^[2] His contributions extended beyond research, as he served in various administrative roles at the university, such as Faculty of Science Dean and Department Head. Additionally, he demonstrated a commitment to the geological community by presiding over organizations like the Geological Society of Australia and the Royal Society of Western Australia.^[2]

Balme's aptitude with language was evident in conversations, letters, and scholarly writings.^[2] He was involved in university theatre, playing roles in plays like Capek's The Insect Play and Shaw's St. Joan, which showcased his diverse interests.^[2][9]

Balme married his partner Helen Cook in 1949, who worked at the Natural History Museum of London.^[5] After returning from the UK, the couple went to have three children, Stephen, Jane, and Mary. Balme's partner Helen died in 2008 after 59 years of marriage.^[5]

Balme died on 10 July 2023, in Perth at age 100.^[10][11]