The Extraordinary Life of Cameron Bradford Kepler (March 22, 1938 – June 1, 2026) On June 1, 2026, Cameron Bradford Kepler joined his beloved wife Bonnie Joy in heaven. Dr. Kepler (Cam) retired US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) ornithologist, passed away peacefully in his Georgia home, attended by his two daughters, Sylvelin & Leilani. Cam was born on March 22, 1938 in Hollywood, California, to Leo Kepler and Esther Drake. As a keen scholar, he earned a BA in English Literature with honors in 1961, an MA in Zoology in 1962 at the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Ph.D in Vertebrate Zoology at Cornell University in 1968. His interest in the ocean blossomed after his acceptance as a Research Assistant for the Pacific Ocean Biological Program (Smithsonian Institute, Washington DC), a massive study of the distribution, ecology, and breeding biology of Central Pacific seabirds from 1964-1966. Cam’s primary research/conservation projects for the USFWS Endangered Species Program focused on: Puerto Rican Parrot (1968-1971), Whooping Crane (1973-1977), Hawaiian native birds (1977-1987), Kirtland’s Warbler (Michigan, Bahamas) and migrant birds of the southeastern US (1987-1995). Cam and his former wife Kay were also involved in high-end ecotourism vessels. In all, their private travels and professional research enabled them to appreciate ecological wonders of nearly 100 countries (including Antarctica) and all 50 states in the US. He and Kay authored and co-authored dozens of scientific publications and more than 20 books. Two of their other notable accolades were the unexpected co-discoveries of two new bird species: Elfin Woods Warbler (now Puerto Rican Warbler, Setophaga angelae) in a high cloud forest in 1968, and a subfossil rail (Porzana keplerorum) whose bones were unearthed from a subterranean lava-tube cave on Maui in 1984. 

Surviving family members are Cam’s daughters, Sylvelin Dawn and Leilani Kay, former wife Angela Kay, son-in-law Steve Brown, Sylvelin’s partner Chad McDade and cousins Terrell, Suzie, Stacey, Julie and Celia, stepmother Lillian and half-sister Maria Alejandra. He is preceded in death by both biological parents and stepfather Jack Woodhull, his sister Karen and his wife Bonnie. 

The family wish to convey their appreciation for the excellent medical attention provided by the University Cancer and Blood Center. Dr. Chang and his medical staff blessed the family with five more healthy years. Many thanks also to Lord and Stephens, who is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. 

Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, East, Athens, GA is assisting the family with the arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com