Dan Herbert Obituary

1927 - 2019

Daniel Martin Herbert died suddenly at home at Cascade Manor as he rose to greet the New Year. He had been on hospice since October for congestive heart failure.

Dan was born in Chicago to Litta and Benjamin Herbert on July 15, 1927. His father died of a heart attack when Dan was five years old. He started working part-time at age eleven to supplement family income. Dan joined the navy in 1945 and consequently was able to attend college through the GI Bill. He graduated with a B.F.A from the University of Colorado in 1951, where he studied fine arts and mechanical engineering, and graduated from the University of Illinois with highest honors in 1954, earning a B.S. in Architectural Engineering.

Dan met Eleanor McCullough in 1949 at the University of Colorado. They were married in 1953. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2018. In 1954, they drove to Portland, Oregon to start work, Dan as an architect and Eleanor as a teacher. They moved to Eugene in 1954, where they worked and raised three children, Nan, Lauren, and James.

Dan worked in solo architectural practice or in partnership from 1958 to 1984, designing more than a hundred commercial and residential projects. He served as an adjunct professor at the University of Oregon School of Architecture, teaching design studios, computer-aided design, and advanced graphics. He wrote many articles for architectural journals and a book on graphic thinking in design. He received grants for his work from the National Endowment for the Arts and through the University of Oregon Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

Dan was also active in community affairs as a member and then president of the Lane Transit District Board, and as a member of the Eugene Renewal Advisory committee.

Much of Dan's professional and volunteer work focused on sustainability and environmentally responsible construction, city planning, and transportation. He also promoted living responsibly as an individual and as a family. Until his first heart attack at the age of 54, he commuted by bicycle. His children and grandchildren continue these traditions.

Dan had lifelong interests in reading, language, science, art, and construction. He continued his community engagement until the day before he died, leading reading group discussions, working on an exhibition of his most important architectural designs, and redesigning an entrance for his retirement community.

Dan modeled hard work, community service, and delight in the world. Eleanor, children Nan, Lauren and Jim, and grandchildren Philip, Kate, Forrest, Maia, Nicole, and Pauline have each been inspired by his life, and will carry forward his spirit and dedication.

Donations in his name can be made to The Brown Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory Fund, University of Oregon Foundation, or to the Cascade Manor Foundation. An exhibit of his most important drawings are currently on display at Cascade Manor. A celebration of his life will be held in the spring.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Eugene Register-Guard on Jan. 13, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Dan Herbert

2 Entries

Nancy Cheng

January 14, 2019

Dan provided a great amount of encouragement when I arrived as a young professor in Eugene. I had been impressed with his book that showed how sketches reveal the way architects develop their ideas. He brought a lot of insight into how designers think and how to engage students into the design process. He was generous in spending time with my students, always eager to find something beautiful in their work. I remember the delight he took in showing me how he used mirrors to bring light and an element of surprise into his home. I will miss his gentle kindness. My thoughts are with Eleanor and all of the family of this sad loss.

January 13, 2019

I would like to say that Dan Herbert was one of the kindest, most patient and likable people I have ever known in my 60 years. The same can be said for his wife Eleanor. My wife and I went to High School at South Eugene with his daughter Lauren with whom I took German classes. She was likewise a very good person.

Upon graduating from the U of O in Architecture in 1980, I worked for Dan and his partner Mike Keller. Dan was an ideal boss and mentor. He was always there to show us employees the right way to do things. He and his partner were in charge of a very significant project which was the additions to and remodeling of the School of Architecture and Allied arts at the U of O. No one could have dealt with a client who was a panel of architects better than Dan and Mike. Unfortunately, the state economy collapsed in 1981 and the project was scuttled. Dan explained to us that we were being furloughed as though he were our father. We could only hope that we would one day come back to work for him.

At about that time, Dan and Eleanor hosted a dinner at their home for the all of us who worked in the office. This happened to be on the night of the who shot JR episode of the Dallas TV series. I cannot make you believe how much laughter and fun was had, all because of the family atmosphere that Dan had fostered among us. I will forever be greatful to the start he gave me in my chosen profession and how kindly and patiently he treated me.

Upon his first heart attack, I filled in for Dan in his senior level design studio as an Adjunct Professor. Dan had mentored his students, just as he had me, which made my job that much easier.

My wife Annie and I send our most heartfelt condoiolences to the entire family. Peace be with you!

Bill Holland

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