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Denny Bradshaw Obituary
Memorial service: a service to honor Dr. Bradshaw will take place at 5 p.m. Monday, May 5, in 108 University Hall on the University of Texas at Arlington campus.
Dr. Bradshaw was an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he was a member of the academic community for more than 16 years.
Dr. Bradshaw's earned academic degrees included a B.A. summa cum laude in psychology from Mankato State University and a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Iowa. He was awarded fellowships from the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi, the University of Iowa, and the University of Texas at Arlington.
After teaching at Memphis State University and the University of Kentucky, Dr. Bradshaw came to the University of Texas at Arlington as an assistant professor of philosophy in 1992. A specialist in metaphysics, the philosophy of language and cognition, and 20th century analytic philosophy, Dr. Bradshaw taught courses at the undergraduate and graduate level in metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, epistemology, logic, and critical thinking. He was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 1999, and served as chair of the Department of Philosophy & Humanities for eight years. His dedicated and thoughtful service was extended to students and faculty in the Department of Philosophy & Humanities, the College of Liberal Arts and the entire University of Texas at Arlington. He was a member of many organizations and committees, including Faculty Senate, Undergraduate Assembly, the University Academic Standards Committee, the Phi Kappa Phi Steering Committee.
His life was one of exemplary service to the discipline of philosophy, to education, and to the highest standards of behavior. His legacy inspires all of us. The faculty, staff and students of the Department of Philosophy & Humanities, the College of Liberal Arts, and the University of Texas at Arlington have benefited from his guidance, good humor, patience and thoughtful understanding. In Arlington, his family extended to his friends and neighbors, who held him in high regard. We will miss him deeply.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Denny Bradshaw
KImberly van Noort
June 23, 2021
13 years...
April 22, 2014
anthony goethe
April 22, 2014
I just wanted to take the time to remember the things you taught me. Even though I was silent and the most unlikely person to carry your memory on I still do, where ever you are you are not forgotten. The few of us will always remember.
Ben Travis
April 21, 2009
Tomorrow will be a year since his death. It's still hard to believe. I wanted to remind everyone that there is a Facebook page dedicated to his memory where people can share videos, pictures, thoughts, etc. It helps to know how much he impacted the lives of others too, I think. Here's the link to the Facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=13853631865
We miss you, Denny.
Tim and Carolyn Shiell
January 20, 2009
Carolyn and I just learned today of Denny's death. We are stunned. What a tragedy. Our deepest condolences to his parents and close colleagues and friends. Denny and I went side by side through graduate school as officemates and friends, prodding each other to do better--I am not ashamed to say I got the better of that deal. The three of us did so much together those five years, dinner, plays, foreign movies, county fairs, you name it. For many years after grad school we kept up by email and Christmas cards. We talked many times of rooming at a conference like the old days--Grant Sterling and others will remember those days--but it never worked out. Now I wish I would have worked harder at making it work out. Denny was top notch, not just intellectually but as a human being. Even that edge in his humor was endearing. It is tremendous to read the other entries here from his friends and colleagues and former students, but his death is going to take some time to accept. We miss you Denny.
Ryan Manning
January 9, 2009
I took a class from Denny about 4 years ago. He convinced me to combine some of my classes for a minor in humanities. And take a class from him in Philosophy of Mind. After that day, he became a great friend and a mentor. I hadn't talked or heard from him in some time. The knowledge and friendship that he bestowed on me is priceless. The method took me on a path into Architecture that I would of never even thought to go. He showed me a way of thinking and communicating that has taken me to a very special place that is exciting and inspiring. Last year, I created a project because of Denny. This year I will turn it in again, and I believe I will continue this project for the rest of my life because of him. I owe so much to the way I design because of that one class and his ability to inspire me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Denny. This tossed is to you. You'll always be missed.
Mary Losch
December 21, 2008
I learned of Denny's untimely death after I did not hear back from him following a recent email. Our contact in recent years was intermittent and I knew he was struggling last year. I am so very sad. Denny was my friend for 26 years. He was my first friend when I came to graduate school at UI in 1982. He was an extraordinary person of exceptional intellect and it was a priviledge to have known him. My heartfelt condolences to his family and other friends throughout the world.
Blake Jackson
December 15, 2008
Denny was a great teacher and an excellent mentor. I enjoyed the many discussions that we had in Philosophy club. I remember when I was in his logic class and I was failing to complete the exercises and he noticed that this was unusual for me. He asked me what was going on and I gave him a string of excuses for why I had not prepared. He told me so, "its just weakness of the will". That really got me pissed, but it was just what I needed to hear at the time. I remind myself of that whenever I am tempted to delay things that I really need to give my attention to. Thank you Denny you will be missed.
Chris McCord
November 4, 2008
Denny was a wonderful friend with a heart of gold. He did so much for me to help me along as a student when we worked together in Memphis, much more than I can list here. He was a friend, mentor, and inspiration. I will miss him.
Sally Friday
September 2, 2008
Denny was always one with the quickest wit. He was fun and was ready for adventure. Mankato State wasn't home for me, but my friendship with Denny and Mike certainly made it my home for the time I was there. His parents raised a good son. His friends surrounded him with love. I'm sure there is a huge hole in the lives of many of his students and colleagues. Blessed be.
Michael Staufacker
September 1, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to Denny's family, students, and fellow faculty. He, Sally and I met at Mankato State University in the fall of 1979 at a tennis class and became (and remained) friends over the years. I will miss his quick wit and sense of humor even though it has been from afar via email and telephone for the past several years.
Andrew Pappas
May 23, 2008
I just found out as well. Denny and I met in the late 80s and like many he has been teacher, mentor, but most of all a close and dear friend. We haven't kept in touch much over this last few years, but we did exchange the occasional email and phone call.
He has shaped so much of who I am. I have such wonderful memories of him and he meant a great deal to me. My thoughts are with his parents and everyone that knew this wonderful person.
Grant Sterling
May 10, 2008
I just now heard about Denny's death, and it comes as a shock. I met Denny in Grad. School, and he took me under his wing and gave me invaluable guidance and help. We have kept in touch since then, and I always looked forward to his letters with updates on Tiger Kitty, the flowers, the weather, his reading, and many other things. I will miss him.
Dayna Cocanour Morgan
May 7, 2008
I will always remember Denny Bradshaw as one of the most brilliant men I’ve ever known.
As a professor, he was impeccably professional, yet whimsical and even jovial (in the driest, most sarcastic possible way). His tongue was sometimes curt, but he was always witty and utterly, unabashedly honest. I loved him for it.
As my undergraduate thesis advisor, Denny was able to divest me of my youthful arrogance and compel from me the greatest academic effort I had ever put forth. Though my students will never know it, they have a better teacher today by virtue of my relationship to him. I hope someday I can succeed in touching just one of my students as profoundly as Denny touched me.
Foxes are unfriendly to fish, and life is unkind to genius. Farewell, Denny. You will always have my deepest respect, admiration, and gratitude.
Jon Olson
May 7, 2008
Denny was my friend, boss, professor and mentor while I was at UTA. I had the good fortune to have him as a professor for classes and to work under him as a work-study in the department. I learned a lot about excellency in all things from him. I always thought Denny was a guy who had his life together and I really admired his ability to maximize every moment of it- he never rested. I will miss going to philosophy reading group lunches with him and his strict adherence to the "Broccoli principle." I will miss our trips to Archer City to buy books. I will miss his emails.
Denny- I hope you were right and I was wrong about Platonism- I hope you are resting in a great Platonic Heaven right now.
Ben Travis
May 7, 2008
My name is Ben Travis, and I've known Denny since 1991 when I was his student at the University of Kentucky. His friendship has been a huge part of my life, and it's hard to believe he's really gone. I've created a couple of places online that people can join to keep in touch with each other and to honor his memory.
Myspace:
www.myspace.com/dennybradshaw
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1294956627
(or do an email search for [email protected])
Please join so we can all keep in touch more easily.
David Tripp
May 6, 2008
Denny reached out to me, and to the students of my Martin High School philosophy classes for years. He always sent personal invitations to us for public lectures at UTA. He never hesitated to introduce himself to my students when we attended. His loss leaves an enormous void in all of us. Our deepest sympathies to his family.
Michelle Young (Putnam)
May 5, 2008
I am in total shock about Denny. I graduated in 1980 and didn't meet Denny until the summer of 1981 and we formed a lifelong bond and friendship. He will truely be missed. I will miss all of those emails that half the time I didn't understand what his beautiful mind had written.
I will pray for his parents. I am thankful that Tiger Kitty will have a wonderful home. I'll miss you always Denny!
Brian King
May 5, 2008
Dr. Bradshaw was among the most professional men I've known. His academic life was a good example for his students to follow. His generous and kindhearted nature were good examples for all off us to follow.
He will be missed.
Prof. Andrew Gaupp
May 3, 2008
I extend my deepest sympathy to Denny's family. He will be greatly missed at the University of Texas at Arlington.
John Kral
May 1, 2008
Denny and I did Not meet until 6th grade, but we hit it off like we had known each other our whole lives. While I was into sports, Denny was into Star Trek. Seems funny that when I am channel surfing, I always pause when I see Spock. Only the good die young.
Bill Ostrom
May 1, 2008
Denny was one of the most intelligent and friendly individuals I have ever met. He was extrodinary and yet grounded. Hearing about his passing has left a empty void as he was one of the class acts of the graduating class of 1978 at New Ulm High School.
vishti
May 1, 2008
Denny was and will always be a great man of honor and intellect. I respected everything he had to offer those around him, he will be more missed than I can ever fathom.
Nancy (Backer) Genelin
May 1, 2008
I am deeply saddened by Denny's death. So often I would wonder what became of him... I graduated with Denny in "78. My last name was Backer, therefore, our lockers were by each other all those years... He always had the patience to help me with my Chemistry (probably was the reason I didn't fail!) and with Algebra... He was a kind and caring young man and by reading the entries in the guest book... it seems he continued being this wonderful and caring person. I certainly wish I could have visited with him through the years. I can still see his smiling face - even though it has been 30 years. My deepest sympathy to his parents. You had a great son who seemed to make a difference in so many people's lives.
Neil Herzog
May 1, 2008
I am sorry to hear about the tragedy about Dennis and I remembered him well. He was an easy person to get along with and he was a talented person. He was a Classmate 78. Herbie
Christopher Contag
May 1, 2008
Denny and I were friends and high school classmates, and in anticipation of our 30 year reunion coming up in August of this year I had been looking forward to reconnecting with Denny. Even in high school he had an amazing and creative mind that was fueled by a tremendous sense of humor. Reading the other entries I see that this mind continued to mature and expand reaching out to many of his students and influencing his colleagues. The footprint that he left on this planet touches all of us and we are all better people for having known him. He left this earth a little better than he found it, but with his passing the richness of this world has been greatly diminished.
Kevin Oklobzija
May 1, 2008
I am deeply saddened to hear of Denny's death.
He wasn't just a classmate (class of 1978), he was a friend. My gosh, I can't count the number of cold morning walks he spared me from by providing a ride to New Ulm High School when we were sophomores.
The fact he held some management position at HyVee in New Ulm while still in high school was a true indication of his motivation and dedication.
The truly sad thing is that I hadn't been in touch with Denny for years and years.
God bless.
Phil Daschner
May 1, 2008
Denny and I were close friends since our junior high school days in MN, and I am shocked and devestated by the news of his tragic passing.
Once the sadness passes, I will keep alive the memory of this bright, accomplished and funny friend with whom I shared and celebrated so many good times. My own world is such a poorer place without Denny to share it with.
My heart goes out to his parents and to all who were enriched for having known him. Take care my friend, I will miss you terribly.
Phil
Lori (Longworth) Ebert
May 1, 2008
Dennis was neighbor of mine when I was growing up in New Ulm, MN. We graduated high school together as well. I remember good times in our New Ulm neighborhood with all our friends. I knew Dennis would be successful in life and I'm sorry to hear about his passing. He will always be one of the people that I will remember, especially from my childhood times. Greeting to his parents, I remember them as well.
Panayot Butchvarov
May 1, 2008
I was privileged to serve as Denny’s Ph.D. thesis adviser. He was one of the very best young philosophers I have known. He also was one of the very best human beings. My wife still remembers him as the wonderful young man who, despite his heavy schedule as a student and teaching assistant, generously helped her with a mainframe computer twenty years ago; she was as shocked to learn of his untimely death as I was. I will always miss him. Many will.
Panayot Butchvarov
Denny's "share kitty" he named Tiger Kitty.
April 29, 2008
Lauren Grady
April 29, 2008
Denny Bradshaw was a wonderful mentor and friend. He is gone too soon from this earth- and his loss is deeply felt. I miss him more than I can say.
Logan Bowers
April 29, 2008
Logan Bowers
John Roberson
April 28, 2008
As a freshman at UTA I was unable to make any friends. I spent my first semester so alone that I was barely able to remember to eat. During my second semester I took Denny's logic course, and he took it upon himself to become my friend. I joined the philosophy club and we would watch movies and have dinner together. He was a good, kind, and silly friend. Even after I left Arlington he would send me updates about the department and the Tiger Kitty. Goodbye, D.
Marge Dunehew
April 28, 2008
Denny was teacher, mentor and friend to me. I cannot believe he's gone. I miss him terribly.
Richard Fumerton
April 28, 2008
I'll always remember Denny as one of the best and kindest graduate students we have ever had in the Iowa program. My family and I once travelled with Denny to St. Louis, and we all remarked over this past weekend how much fun we had together. He will be greatly missed.
Micah Adams
April 28, 2008
Denny Bradshaw was my professor, mentor, and friend.
I moved to Arlington Texas to complete my undergraduate studies in philosophy. I met Denny on my first day, when I stopped by the philosophy department for advising.
We connected immediately, and I felt an instant respect and admiration for him.
During my studies, Denny was always there to encourage and direct me. He oversaw and advised my undergraduate thesis. He helped me become involved in the department, and he served as an anchoring point for all of my educational efforts during this time.
Through his proactive involvement, I was able to turn around my previous academic failings in a matter of two semesters. When I left the University of Texas at El Paso, I had a 2.7 GPA. When I left UTA, I had an overall GPA of 3.5 and a stellar preparation for graduate school and invaluable training I would not have been able to receive elsewhere.
Dr. Bradshaw helped me believe I could earn a master's degree, and he helped develop confidence that I have used in both my professional and academic endeavors. I would not be the man I am today without Denny's help and guidance. I am truly blessed that he became a part of my life.
Dr. Bradshaw was smart, funny, earthy, and always challenging. His mind was impressively sharp, and he often baffled his colleagues with his stunning intellect. He enjoyed the films of Fellini and Woody Allen, and our mutual interest in film, art, and music were things we discussed often. He always had time for his students. His door was always open. If you wanted to know something, all you'd have to do is stop by and ask. He never spoke down to students, and he never expected anything short of their absolute best.
I last spoke with him in August of 2007. He sounded very busy, as usual. He was a tireless worker and threw himself into teaching, writing, and improving the department and his students. We chatted for a while, and caught up on the most recent developments in our lives. I had just begun the University of Baltimore's graduate program in Negotiation and Conflict Management, and I asked him for some advice in my efforts. As always, he was happy to offer some advice to a student in need.
I ask former students, colleagues, and peers to remember his life and honor his work. He was a hero to me in that he gave so much to the department, his friends, and most importantly his students. He impacted people with his love of philosophy and the high standards he set for those around him. I feel honored and privileged to have had my Baccalaureate conferred to me by this great individual.
It is with deep sorrow that I say goodbye to my mentor. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and students. May he rest in peace.
Ken Williford
April 27, 2008
Denny was one of our very best friends. Anya and I considered him part of our family. He helped us with so many things and for so many years. There are no words for the sadness we feel now. We will miss him terribly.
Ben Travis
April 27, 2008
I created a myspace account where people can leave comments or upload pictures or whatever might help bring some closure. You can find it at:
www.myspace.com/dennybradshaw
Pia Jakobsson
April 27, 2008
I have been trying for several days now to process the news that Denny is gone and it won't sink in. He was so funny and caring and always willing to stay a bit longer, talk a bit more, help you think on things and share his perspective. He was an awesome teacher and a role model as an instructor and mentor. I don't know that I ever told him how much he and the UTA philosophy department meant to me. My sincere condolences to his family.
Nathaniel Felts
April 27, 2008
This news just reached me; I'm absolutely floored. I've been out of touch with the philosophy dept. at UTA for about 18 months. After putting my degree on hold for training at my current job, I planned to soon drop in on Denny and plan my return. His brilliance and wit never ceased to amaze me. As a teacher, Denny always found a way to inspire excellence. I believe that he taught me more about clarity of thought and effective writing during my first class with him than I managed to learn in my entire life before that. I'm a lot better off for having known Denny.
Jesse Hodge
April 26, 2008
I was seven years old when I met Denny Bradshaw. My father was an undergrad at UTA. I even remember leaning into his office saying the first words I ever said to him ""Hey what are you doing?" He was an avid fan of human growth and loved the human spirit. He continually challenged me to learn new things and taught me to always do better than myself. he was my teacher, my mentor, my friend, and my second father. and those who knew him personally knew he was a loving, giving, thoughtful, intelligent man that always gave sound advice to those who came to him. He gave of his soul in his work and ambitions even when faced with grueling circumstances with this emotional virus he stood tall and spoke to me in the midst of it all telling me everything would be ok. Remember him as I do. The kind, gentle, loving spirit that invoked so many to stride for knowledge and growth all because a man challenged them to do so. My counselor, my friend, mentor and second father, may you rest in peace and for those countless people whom he taught and had the privelage of meeting him you met one of the greatest men I've ever known. He will forever be in my heart and in my thoughts. It is sad when good men die, but he was a great man, it's a tragedy.
Goodbye my friend, I will love you forever
Keith Burgess-Jackson
April 26, 2008
Denny was born to chair an academic department, and he was breathtakingly good at it. I will always remember his smiling face, his jocular language, and the many things he did for the department (both within and beyond the call of duty). It will be very difficult to replace him, but we will have to try. Rest in peace, Denny.
Olivia and Charlie Alexander
April 26, 2008
Denny was our most wonderful next door neighbor for the past 9 years. Along with his beloved Tiger Kitty, whom we will take care of for him, we and the whole neighborhood will miss him dearly. Our condolenses and sympathy are extended to his lovely parents, Ivan and Anne.
Mitch Hodge
April 26, 2008
Denny was a dear teacher, supervisor and friend. He has always had my deepest respect. He was also a dear friend to my son and I thank him sincerely for the generosity, kindness and friendship that he shared with us. He was truly loved, and he will be missed.
Tom Wilding
April 26, 2008
Denny was one of the first faculty members I met when I came to the University of Texas Arlington in 1993 as director of libraries. He was a supporter throughout my tenure there even when he didn't fully agree with me. He was a gentleman and a scholar. I'll miss him even though I left UTA a few years ago.
Stephen Denton
April 26, 2008
I am sorry to hear about this; it's very unfortunate.
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