Back row: Jack Tseng, Li Qiang. Front row: Xiaoming Wang, Feng Wenqing, and Gary Takeuchi Will Downs ash-spreading ceremony, SW Tibet, September 2006.

While working in the basins of the northern Tibetan Plateau shortly before he learned that he had terminal cancer, Will Downs expressed a keen interest in going to the Zhada Basin in the remote corner of southwestern Tibet. Lack of funding prevented us from granting his last wishes while he was still alive, but his persistent interests in that part of Tibet provided an early impetus that culminated in a fully fledged expedition in the summer of 2006. It is thus gratifying that we were able to carry some of Will’s ashes to the Zhada Basin, where we spread them in our first field season there. We chose a very fossiliferous site on top of a scenic hill just west of the Xiangzi Farm, overlooking the Langqinzangbu River at the northern foothill of the Himalayas (photo). We know Will would love this spot with its spectacular exposures and tranquility. A brief ceremony was performed on September 6th, 2006 under Tibetan prayer flags and silk scarves (“hada”), along with Will’s favorite Chinese liquor (Erguotou baijiu) and cigarette. In brilliant sunshine under a deep blue Tibetan sky, Xiaoming Wang led the ceremony attended by Feng Wenqing (a long-time friend and admirer of Will’s and a fellow awardee of the Morris Skinner Prize), Gary Takeuchi, Jack Tseng, and Li Qiang (photo). We are sure Will is at peace now that he has reached the beautiful Zhada Basin. The Langqinzangbu River ultimately flows into the Indus River and we hope the mighty river will carry remembrances of Will to his colleagues and friends downstream in Pakistan… Xiaoming Wang home