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David Colburn Obituary
DR. DAVID RICHARD
Dr. David Richard Colburn, age 76, passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Shands Hospital. Dr. Colburn, recently retired director of the University of Florida's Bob Graham Center for Public Service, was a professor of American history who had also served as provost and in many other leadership roles in nearly fifty years at UF. He was born on September 29, 1942 to Rosemary Thomson Colburn and Earle Bertram Colburn. Dr. Colburn is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Marion Faircloth Colburn; his children Margaret Cauthon (Ray), David Colburn (Michelle), Katherine Fulmer (Jamie); his grandchildren Claire Cauthon, Caroline Cauthon, James Fulmer, Ali Colburn, Ben Fulmer, Kate Colburn, and Maclean Fulmer; his brother and sister Paul Colburn and Lynn Dyson (Tom).
The family suggests that expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of donations to the Graham Center's David Colburn Student Advancement Fund, c/o the UF Foundation, P.O. Box 14425, Gainesville, 32604-2425, or to Gainesville's Holy Trinity Church, 100 NE 1st Street, Gainesville 32601.
Services are scheduled for Sunday, September 22nd, at Holy Trinity Church at 2 p.m. The university plans a public service later this fall. Please visit his memorial page at
www.williamsthomas
funeralhome.com
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS
DOWNTOWN
352-376-7556
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Memories and Condolences
for David Colburn
Sponsored by Gainesville.com.
September 22, 2019
Dr David Colburn was truly an inspiration and a great leader at the University of Florida. He was a first-rate scholar particularly with his books on the history of race relations and Florida politics, and he provided outstanding leadership at UF while serving as Provost. He inspired students and faculty members on both a professional and personal level. As Executive Director of the Askew Institute, he was instrumental in bringing together political and civic leaders from around the State to engage in meaningful dialogue and to find bipartisan solutions to difficult public policy challenges. As Director of the Graham Center, he inspired many UF students to pursue careers in public service. He will be sorely missed by family, friends and colleagues. Our profound condolences to the Colburn family. Kern Alexander, III, Zurich, Switzerland and on behalf of Dr Ruth H Alexander, Emerita Professor of the University of Florida
Janie Munson
September 21, 2019
Marion, you are in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. I know he will be missed.
John B Gonsalves
September 21, 2019
We celebrate a life well lived. Our pathways were different, but always admired and respected by each other.
We cherish that.
Our common brotherhood has remained unbroken. Your search for the best for All has set the path for many.
Pray you will Rest In Peace and thanks for our eternal friendship.
Always,
John Gonsalves
EPHS - 1960
John McAvoy
September 20, 2019
David was one of those people that you were always glad you had the opportunity to meet and talk with. A really fine man. The one thing that always impressed me was the fact that he was very interested in you as a person and far less concerned about himself.
September 20, 2019
He was an amazing person-and a man of integrity. We will miss him.
Christine Larson
Three Rivers Legal Services
Lora Jackson
September 20, 2019
What a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed. Much love to the family.
Herbert & Sherry DuPree
September 20, 2019
Condolences to the Colburn family. Dr. Colburn spent his last summer traveling and enjoying
family. May God keep you strong as you remember his wisdom and love for you all. He will not be forgotten for his scholarly works and convictions. God's Grace and Mercy!
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