Hugh Witemeyer

1939 - 2022

Hugh Witemeyer



Hugh Witemeyer, born in Flint

Michigan to

Dorothy Hazen

and Benton

Witemeyer on

June 10, 1939,

died suddenly at home in Albuquerque after a short illness on May 1, 2022. He was 82. He leaves his daughter, Hazen Witemeyer, his brother Wayne (wife Hilda)

Witemeyer, and Barbara, wife of 35 years, and her children and grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and friends around the world.

Well known for his academic career, Hugh Witemeyer. when 79, won the AARP ANDRUS AWARD for "Exceptional Volunteer." This was an important part of is life.

He taught English at UNM for over 40 years during which time he volunteered for many special extraneous committees. He was President of the AAUP twice; sat on the board choosing Rhodes Scholars, and other extracurricular jobs, which are not always viewed as 'real' volunteer work. These are over and above the usual teaching load and he conscientiously filled every role he was asked to, often giving of his personal time. It was said Hugh was the "Moral Compass" of UNM.

After retirement in 2004, Hugh became immersed in the local theater community, co-founding the unique Albuquerque Theatre (sic) Guild, which continues to be a terrific go-to resource. He joined the volunteer actors who make Albuquerque such a

vibrant city. He worked with Creative Albuquerque for several years.

When learning lines became a

burden, Hugh

turned his acting talents to singing in a choir, and performing Radio Theater (with

scripts in hand), both of which went out to retirement homes and senior centers to entertain the residents. This entailed weekly rehearsals as well as the performances. All volunteer work.

Always ready to help where needed, Hugh introduced a visiting lecturer at UNM for the D H Lawrence Ranch Initiative. And he wrote nominations for Honorary Degrees and Marshall scholars. For years he had been on the DHL board and promoted this important NM treasure in Taos. He wrote and acted in a Foley production at the Corrales Art Center, and volunteered for the NM High School Musical "Enchantment Awards". He helped on local political campaigns.

Hugh was very modest and self-effacing but always ready to put hours into producing the best result possible. Not a weekly stint at the local museum or senior center, perhaps, but considering the time and care he gave to many unsung tasks, his volunteer work over many years needed to be recognized.

A celebration of Hugh's life will be held in June; his favorite charity was Doctors Without Borders.