Arthur E. Bukowski

1944 - 2016

BORN

1944

DIED

2016

About

University of Alaska Anchorage

Arthur Bukowski Obituary

Beloved friend, colleague, instructor, mentor and dedicated family man, Dr. Arthur E. Bukowski died on Feb. 18, 2016, in Albuquerque, N.M., after a brief and unexpected illness. He was 71. Art began teaching math at UAA in 1976, and was known for his compassion, humor and iconic mustache. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 1998, and taught at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro since 2000. He also taught in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait and Arizona. He made many lifelong friends all over the world. Art and his wife, Marcia, were foster parents to countless children in Anchorage, Alaska. In 1980, they successfully challenged the state to allow foster parents to adopt the children in their care. An untold number of foster children across the state got permanent, loving homes due to their efforts. Over the years, Art and Marcia themselves adopted four of their own foster children. As much as Art loved his career and his students, his family always came first. In his six children and 16 grandchildren, he instilled resiliency, compassion, generosity and sense of adventure. No matter where their lives took them, they always knew they had a home to return to. He never stopped wooing Marcia, and did everything he could to make her dreams come true. As far as he was concerned, she hung the sun, moon and stars. They celebrated their 50th anniversary last fall, but their love is timeless. It is no exaggeration to say that Art made the world a better place. Many of his former students have said they would not have graduated or be where they are today were it not for his support. He gave a safe haven to abused children. He was an unofficial diplomat all over this planet. He stuck up for the little guy because he knew we are all in this together. He made us better people just for knowing him and, through us, the ripple effect of Art's compassion reaches people that will never know his name. To the very end, he was a giver. As an organ donor, his eyes - which had seen so much - now give the gift of sight to others. A scholarship in Art's name is being established at New Mexico Tech. A celebration of his life will be held on April 16, 2016, in Socorro, N.M. Time and place will be announced shortly on his Facebook page.

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

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Mar. 22, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Bukowski

11 Entries

Mary Smith Greene

November 23, 2020

Dr. Bukowski was my math teacher at UAA. I would not have pursued math but for him. He made it fun and made it real. My first and best mentor!

Tom Soper

April 20, 2016

Thank you, Art, for all your help in guiding me into my degrees in Math & Education. It took a lot of work to get them both in 3 years, and it would have been impossible without your encouragement, guidance and support. Thanks, also, for your help in the early years with the "stats" at the Great Alaska Shootout.

Diane Ingle

March 28, 2016

I also took Calculus 3 from Dr. Bukowski and to this day I remember the " Algebra, Algebra, Algebra" chant. He was entertaining and would flip the chairs upside down to demonstrate points. I remember trying to demonstrate to my mother using open kitchen cabinets and a banana to show her what Calculus 3 was all about. He had great enthusiasm and it was evident in his teaching. He cared for his students and I count myself as lucky to have been amoung them. My thoughts are with his family, A good man is gone too soon.

Lisa Vaughn

March 27, 2016

I would not have passed Calculus or graduated with my accounting degree, if it hadn't been for Dr. Bukowski. He was a wonderful teacher. I'm very sorry to hear of his passing.

Kelley Hosking Billings

March 25, 2016

Oh I'm sorry to hear of Art's passing. I was just thinking of him the other day even though I haven't had any contact with the family since the late 80's (I used to coach his son Steve, in swimming). My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family.

Mona Papoutsis (was Borst)

March 24, 2016

So sorry to hear of Art's passing. He was a nice guy and good neighbor in Alaska for many years. His son, Steve, visited often with us. I now live in PA and sometimes in Florida, which is where I am as I write this. Blessings to his family.

Jerry & Penny Rohacek

March 24, 2016

Sorry to hear about Art. We both loved his laugh and his wonderful personality. We have truly lost a good person.

K Summer

March 23, 2016

"Algebra, Algebra, Algebra" he constantly chanted to us in Calculus classes at UAA. I passed Calculus 3 which used 3 dimensions because he was dedicated to teaching. After 3 visits to his office I was able to draw the "saddle" and then I could set up and solve the problems.He wouldn't let his students give up on themselves. "The mind is a terrible thing to use, or is it lose." The Far Side quotes and eye catching ties made even the most distract able focus on the teacher and pay attention to the Algebra magic that led us to the elusive answers.

He was such a good mentor that I tutored struggling college and high school students when my children were young.

We need more people like this man in our world. He saw all students as capable and spent the time needed for those of us with SLD to succeed.

Condolences to his family.....

Chansce Pittard

March 22, 2016

Dr. Bukowski was a great professor and an incredible person to be around. He could keep a class awake, learning and entertained, even in the earliest of classes. An intelligent world traveler and a loving Husband and Dad!

Jeff Muetz

March 22, 2016

I took math from Art back in the 90s. He was a great teacher...a funny guy..and had a knack for simplifying complex concepts. He loved his family and his students. I would never have graduated without his help! Art you've made heaven a little smarter. And all my condolences to his family and his daughter Kelly who I had the pleasure of knowing. He will be missed!

March 22, 2016

Heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found at 1 Thessalonians 4:14 will bring you comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be reassuring.

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