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PATRICK CULBERT Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for PATRICK CULBERT
STEPHEN COLBURN
March 26, 2021
Happy MEMORIES always!
STEPHEN COLBURN
March 26, 2021
Pat, wonderful friend from our NM years. Happy mories always.
Phil Alldritt
December 30, 2020
Pat got me on the phone with Dr, Hammond in his office and signed me up personally with the Cuello Field school in 1987. He was very helpful and his love for the Maya was contagious. After 33 years in the field, Pat,Dr. Hammond, and Dirk Van Turenhout gave me opportunities that cannot be measured with a 3 meter tape. Rest in Peace Pat.
Steve & Marlee Sabo Colburn
March 4, 2014
Hello Bobbi; Of all things, I was in a conversation sat. aft. w. our daughter in law's father & Mayan Civilization came up. I immediately googled Pat (TPC) and was stunned and deeply saddened to learn of his passing. I shared the news w Marlee on the ride from Mnpls to MKE and we are both in mourning for our dear & delightful friend of so many years ago during happy summers at Santa Fe Opera. We are thinking of you & your beautiful family with our sincere sympathy and heartfelt, warmest affection.
Allan Pearson
July 4, 2013
Dear Bobbi,
Allan Pearson here. Went to the opera last night - La Grande-Duchesse de Gerolstein (7/3/13) and is my habit, I was reading the program this morning cover to cover, and discovered the notice of Pat's death. Somehow I missed the obituary in the New Mexican, which is unusual for me, for that is the column I check out first.
Called you this a.m. and left a message on your answering machine. My deepest sympathies to you and the children. Wish I had known about the memorial, so that I could have attended. Please give me a call. Cell phones only: 505-603-1421, 505-204-8628. E-mail: "[email protected]"
Love, Allan
Joseph Lischka
April 22, 2013
Pat Culbert took an eminently rational approach to archeological research at a time when the histrionic excesses of the “new” archeology had taken center stage. His encouragement was a major factor in my decision to switch from applied anthropology to archeology in 1966 at the University of Arizona. A season spent in his ceramics lab at Tikal further revealed his human side and his balanced approach to life. I also appreciated his quick reaction time when, at the dinner table at Tikal, he used his fork to spear a large scorpion that was hiding under my coffee cup and which was heading for my lap when I turned over the cup. He also uncharacteristically took a midnight swim in the pond at Tikal which was home to a middling-sized crocodile. Another time, he compassionately released a small, yellow, extremely poisonous serpent that the Puleston brothers had kept for several weeks in a mason jar on a shelf in the Sala just above our heads. Our lives are the richer for knowing Pat and Bobbi.
Tina Ritter
April 17, 2013
I will always remember when he took us to the desert by San Xavier Mission and we found pieces of broken pottery. I still have mine. He asked us to point to where the water was most likely to have been while looking the other direction. I think all of us pointed to the way he was looking. We got it wrong. He turned around and pointed to where there was a dry river bed and told us that was where the indians likely got their water. I ended up with a degree in Water Wastewater treatment and distrubtion.
Mitch & Becky Oomens
April 14, 2013
Bobbi,
Becky and I were saddened to hear of Pat's passing. I know you have had some hard times recently, and hope that your many years together will give you comfort in the coming months and years. Pat was such a gentle and kind man his place here on earth will forever hold a special place in everyones heart that he touched.
Greg Blackburn
April 4, 2013
On behalf of the NASA family here in Houston connected to Pat via Chris, we send our condolences to the Culbert family. Given the feedback on this guest book, Pat was clearly a wonderful man loved by all and will be very much missed by all. Peace be with you during these difficult times.
Monica McGuire
April 3, 2013
Dear Bobbie, Its been a long time since I have seen you. Many years ago! I just joined face book only to learn tha bad news. may God bless you in this time of sorrow. Love monica
Phyllis Davies
April 3, 2013
Bobbi,
So sorry to hear of the ending of your journey together. Pat was a lovely, interesting man, as you well know. We will be thinking of you often, in the coming days and months, and sending love and strength your way. We miss you.
Pat Mercado-Allinger
April 3, 2013
I remember with fondness what a terrific professor Pat was when I was in graduate school at the U of A. He was remarkably accessible and had a warmth and calmness about him that never seemed to waver. While I didn't choose to pursue Mayan studies (in spite of his compelling arguments to do so), Pat was an excellent role model and provided much-appreciated support that has held me in good stead in my archeological career. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
April 3, 2013
I'm sorry to hear about this Bobbi.
I know it's been a long time since we worked at ATC together, but I remember meeting him at Opening nights and what a kind person he was. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Roma Krebs
Barbara Tanzillo
April 3, 2013
Dear Bobbi,
Michael and I are so sorry to hear that Pat is no longer with us. He was such a kind, generous man. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Jesus cabrera A.
April 3, 2013
Como un HOMENAJE a Patrick Culbert; he tomado muchos datos sobre el colapso Maya leido en un articulomuy intersante de larevista ARQUEOLOGIA MEXICANA y retomado en mi libro "Redscubirimiento del Cero Maya" Por un servidor jesus Cabrera Arreola.9611848447.Chiapas.
Cathie McClellan
April 3, 2013
Hi, Bobbi -
I just learned of Pat's passing; my condolences to you and your family. I am sure his loss will be deeply felt. I still remember the lovely home you and he shared with the ATC family in Tucson, and remember his graciousness and humor. Rest in peace.
Cheryl Odom
April 3, 2013
Bobbi: I am so sorry to hear of Pat's passing. Much love to you and your family.
Robin Robertson
April 3, 2013
His comments were always spot on, his encouragement generously given and his love of things Maya contagious. He will be much missed as all sorts of good thoughts wing their way to his family.
Wendy Ashmore
April 2, 2013
Please accept my sincere condolences. Pat was always so generous with time and knowledge, and so kind. His scholarship has influenced my own in very positive ways. May you all find peace.
Bob Fry
April 1, 2013
Dear Bobbi and Family
We recieved the word of Pat's final illness and death with the deepest sadness and regret. Pat was a very special person, and I am so indebted to him as a mentor, colleague and friend that I find it difficult to come up with the words to commemorate his life.
I arrived in Tucson the same month that Pat, Bobbi and family moved to the University of Arizona. I vividly remember those first few months, getting to know Pat and consulting with him on our plans in his little office in the dissertation room. From the first Pat was open, friendly and very supportive. He pointed me in the right directions and helped me get my first field position with the New World Foundation. He taught me the details of Maya ceramics and the Tikal sequence. His innovations and openness to new approaches helped transform the field, and still serve as an inspiration to me and many colleagues.
I still remember so clearly images of Pat that are important part of my life: flying into Tikal and circling Temple IV, mid-morning breaks for limonada in the sala. Pat working hard nights while the rest of us were partying, and then taking a nap lying on the sherd tables in the morning sun. Pat demonstrating a new way of surveying - instead of pacing he suggested skipping, and promptly broke into a giant skip down E-group hill.
Pat made many contributions and was open to new ideas and apporaches. At the same time he also made it fun! We will all sorely miss him.
Ed Sisson
April 1, 2013
When I was a freshman at the University of Mississippi, Pat taught me in my first anthropology class. Two years later, he gave the opportunity to work at Tikal. It was a great adventure for a 20 year old. I will forever be grateful for his kindness and guidance. I feel a great sense of loss. My thoughts are with his family today as they say goodby.
Rebecca Orozco
April 1, 2013
That I became a field archaeologist in Latin America is largely due to Pat. He was always there for me--with offers of help and advice, letters of recommendation and a good joke. I will miss him.
Jeff Jones
April 1, 2013
RIP Dr. Culbert--a wonderful professor and a damn fine man. Always available and willing to help both undergrads and graduate students.
John Murphy
April 1, 2013
Pat Culbert was a great scholar, teacher, advisor, mentor, and friend. It was my good fortune to spend time with him in the classroom in Arizona and in the field in Guatemala, and to know him both professionally and personally. My condolences go out to his family and to all of those close to him; his absence is a profound loss.
Kerry Sagebiel
April 1, 2013
Pat was a wonderful teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend. He not only taught me about the Maya and Maya ceramics, he also introduced me to my husband, John Murphy. Pat was kind, generous, supportive, and had a great sense of humor. He once said he would like to be mummified and carried around on a litter by his graduate students like an Inka king. That may not happen, but we will carry him in our hearts. My sympathies to Bobbi, his children, and grandchildren. Kerry
Kerry Sagebiel
April 1, 2013
Pat was a wonderful teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend. He not only taught me about the Maya and Maya ceramics, he also introduced me to my husband - John Murphy. I loved Pat dearly, he was a sweet man, kind, generous, supportive, with a great sense of humor. At one point, he said he might like to be mummified and carried around on a litter by his graduate students like an Incan king. That might not happen, but we will always carry him in our hearts. My sympathies to Bobbi, his children, and grandchildren. Kerry
Cherie Scheick
April 1, 2013
My first introduction to Pat was as a first year graduate student at the U of A. He somehow managed to convince Bill Doelle and I that we should take his Mesoamerican seminar, which was way beyond our capabilities at the time. Apparently, we were gullable and did it. We found out later he needed two bodies or else the advanced seminar would be cancelled. Once we had, he provided us with a 30 page long bibliography that we needed to read to catch up...typical Pat. He was a kind, thoughtful, and caring person. Apparently, he had a little bit of trickster in him as well.
David Phillips
April 1, 2013
Pat was a professor of mine when I did my graduate studies at the University of Arizona, and served on my dissertation committee. His knowledge, calmness, and perspective were a positive influence on my growth as an archaeologist. As the saying goes, he was a scholar and a gentleman.
Duncan Pring
April 1, 2013
I remember Pat very fondly. He was in my view the finest ceramicist of his generation, who gave me much useful advice in my own studies as well as offering a warm and generous view of life in general. He was a well rounded scholar who will be much missed.
Anabel Ford
March 31, 2013
Pat was among those rare people who are magnanimous with their time. When, as a graduate student, I flew with my Tikal-Yaxhá ceramic collections for his review, he engaged himself generously, went over every one of my questions, and shared his thoughts and ideas. I was privileged to experience his remarkable gift for teaching and building confidence in those he taught. Que te vayas bien, Pat!
Rebecca McSwain
March 31, 2013
When I arrived in Tucson from Boston some 35 years ago, Pat's friendly kindness pulled me through a difficult time. His friendship and academic support continued unfailingly for many years. I, like many, many others, owe him a great deal and will miss him.
Virginia (Ginny) Greene
March 31, 2013
I was greatly saddened by the news. Pat was always full of useful information, which he shared generously, along with advice and endless encouragement in the preparation of my Tikal Report. And he was such fun to talk to!
Daniela Triadan
March 31, 2013
Pat was a wonderful mentor and friend. We will thoroughly miss his wisdom, humor, and sage advice. Our thoughts and sincerest sympathies are with you.
Dani and Takeshi
Brian McKee
March 31, 2013
Dear Bobbi, Trish, Michael, Martin, and Chris
We're so sorry for your loss. Pat was a terrific teacher, mentor, and scholar. More than that, however, he was a wonderful and warm human being and a great friend. We're honored to have known him, and will cherish memories of our time together in the classroom, in the field, and outside the academic world. We'll miss him.
Brian McKee and Janet Griffitts
Lane Beck
March 31, 2013
I will always remember the gentleness that was Pat. Who else would hand feed the javelinas that foraged in his back yard. And he always kept big bags of seed for the birds. His home was open to all, as was his heart. Although Pat's scholarship was great, it was dwarfed by the warm and wonderful person that he was. I feel honored to be able to call Pat my friend.
Don and Pru Rice
March 31, 2013
We were saddened greatly by the news of Pat's passing. Both of us shared professional interests and published with him. While we had little personal time together over the years, those few occasions were great fun, full of good cheer. Pat will be missed by all. Please know that our thoughts are with you.
Norman Hammond
March 31, 2013
I enjoyed Pat's company, in Tucson, Santa Fe, and various places in the field and at meetings - exotic places like Hildesheim - for forty years, and we had a great time arguing over ceramics and politics. I shall miss him.
March 31, 2013
I'm deeply saddened by Pat's passing -- a truly wonderful colleague, a fine, gentle soul.
Steve Houston
George Cowgill
March 30, 2013
I'm so sorry that we've lost Pat. I believe the first time I met him was in Mexico City, December 1959. Have liked him ever since,thought his work excellent and enjoyed reading it. In the 1990s greatly enjoyed co-teaching a seminar with him. He has made great and lasting contributions to Maya studies. Will miss him.
Andrea Freeman
March 30, 2013
I never had Pat for a class, sadly. But whenever I passed him in the hallway, he said "hello" and had a smile on his face. For one of about 215 graduate students at the time, that meant a ton! I'm sad to see he's gone.
Suzanne Onstine
March 30, 2013
Professor Culbert was a wonderful teacher. I had him for a class in about 1990 but have never forgotten how supportive he was - even toward an undergrad not going into his field. He was a great role model and educator. The film strip about corn domestication he showed in class still makes me laugh when I remember it. Thanks for the great memories, Prof.
Livy Sutro
March 30, 2013
Dear Bobbi,
Pat was a genuine person, a great scholar, a supportive friend, and a beacon of hope to me as a grad student. I will always have nothing but the fondest memories of him. My best to you and the family.
My Deepest Condolences,
Livy Sutro
Patricia Cook
March 30, 2013
My very first conversation, ever, with Pat was about mustard when he visited Nohmul in 1986. I thought then "Now, this is the kind of advisor I would like for grad school." And what an advisor he was-kind, thoughtful, always ready to lend an ear or point out a better question to pursue. Several of my cohort commented that "it must be nice to have a nice advisor." The affection between his students and himself was that obvious to all. And then, to be able to make that transition to friends and colleagues--how lucky we were!
Vaya bien, Pat. You have touched many, many lives and will be sorely missed by us all. Hasta que nos encontramos otra vez.
Liwy Grazioso
March 30, 2013
Dear Bobbi and Family,
I'm very sorry that Pat is gone. I know he enjoyed his life very much. He was a "Petenero at heart" as he often said and we'll miss him a lot. Our long discussions and his smile will always be in my heart.
A very big hug to all of you.
Laurie Slawson
March 30, 2013
What sad news, I only had Patrick for one class, but he was one of the best instructors I've ever had. My condolences to his family.
Sharon Urban
March 30, 2013
Dear Bobbi and Family:
It was a shock to hear that Pat was ill, then so soon he passed away. A fantastic teacher and friend was found in Pat from the first day of class back in 1965. Alway had a kind word for all. You will be sorely missed by a variety of friends. I will be sure to mention your passing at the Pecos Conference. Paso por aqui con paz.
Estella Weiss-Krejci
March 30, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. Pat was a wonderful man and he has made a real difference in my life. He was the reason why I chose the University of Arizona for my visiting scholarship back in the early 1990s. I don't know how I could have managed my first months in the US without him. He was so kind, always there when I needed him. He also was such an enthusiastic teacher and I learned so much from him. I am very sad that he is no longer with us. My thoughts are with you.
Penny Mazer
March 30, 2013
I am so saddened by our loss. Pat was so gentle and kind and would do anything for his family, friends, students and colleagues. My thoughts are with his family and even though I won't be there for his memorial, I will be there in spirit. Rest in peace, dear Pat.
Laura Kosakowsky
March 30, 2013
I am forever grateful that Pat was my mentor, colleague and friend. My love goes out to Bobbi, Trish, Chris, Martin and Michael. Please know that Pat was special for all of us and we miss him terribly.
Pat Culbert, Gentleman Scholar
Laura Kosakowsky
March 30, 2013
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