Peter Birkeland

Nothing much about geomorphology in the obit, but as one of Dr. Birkeland´s students in the 70´s he inspired an awareness and passion for landscape dynamics that has never left me. Great professor. I´m thrilled he had a good life.

In 1972, as a sophomore majoring is sociology, I signed up for a 100-level course titled "Man and His Physical Environment", which was intended for nongeology majors. It was my good fortune that the class was taught by Dr. Birkland. After two weeks I was totally hooked. I smile when I think of one of his lines that a certain geological event took place 50 million years ago ..... "I think it was on a Thursday." Dr. Birkland guided me in changing my major and I ultimately graduated from CU with...

I was just telling my son about my great geology professor back in 1988, Professor Birkeland. I remember him doing a vertical jump up onto his lab table in his classroom -- a feat I bet few in the classroom could manage. Because of Prof. Birkeland and his passion for geology, I still read about geology and have encouraged my college freshman to take his college's intro to geology course. Sounds like he led a full life.

So sorry to hear... sharing your sorrow. He was a great friend to all! Remembering ski days at sun valley and beyond! Don and Suzie Sandall

I was saddened to see the notice of Pete's death in the magazine GSA Today. I received a PhD at CU working in the Front Range under Bill Braddock. I fondly recall skiing with Pete and his family in Aspen and elsewhere. I'm sure he will be missed by the immediate and CU family. [email protected]

In the Geology Dept, CU Boulder, Pete was my advocate, boss, mentor, and above all my friend. I learned so much from his example.

Another fond memory of Pete from a grateful former grad. student. He presented a non-stressful geology/soils periodic research platform by students and their peers, the first I've ever attended. What a generous, kind man!

Forever an Eldoran. Ski you later.

I met Pete while stomping around on skis two winters ago at North Boulder Park when there were only about an 1 and 1/2 on the ground. He could tell I was an xc kook like himself, and we had a wonderful interaction during which I told him of my fascination with the 10th Mountain Division and he told me about a vet named Hugh Evans living at Frasier Meadows. I lost no time getting to know Hugh and reading him and his wife the synopsis of the screenplay I was developing about the 10th. I later...