Josef Gamper Ph.D.

Sepp Gamper would like to let you know that his work on Earth is done. On June 3, he received an offer one cannot refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends he has not seen in a long time.

Sepp was born in Hermagor, Austria. In 1949, he started an apprenticeship as a compositor while still going to school. In 1955, he migrated to Australia. In 1959, he returned for two years to Austria, where he worked as a reporter for a regional newspaper. During this time, he also published articles and short stories in a variety of magazines.

In 1960, he returned to Australia, and in 1964 he immigrated to the United States and became a citizen. Education was always very important to Sepp. In 1967, he decided to go back to school while still working full-time in typography and newspapers. He earned a bachelor's degree in anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master's degree from California State University, Hayward. In 1977, he accepted a position at Monterey Peninsula College (MPC). While teaching anthropology at MPC, he worked on his doctorate at UC Berkeley and received his Ph.D. in 1982. He had finally found his calling. While teaching at MPC, he also taught classes at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and Golden Gate University.

He received numerous awards, such as the Distinguished Faculty Award from Golden Gate University, the Allen Griffin Award for Excellence in Teaching from MPC, and the Teacher of the Year Award from MPC.

Sepp particularly enjoyed the travel studies he organized and conducted for 32 years. He took students to many parts of the world, including European countries, Central and South America, Indonesia, New Guinea, Africa, and India. During these travels, he established many lasting friendships.

Sepp was a true believer in family, friends, and food. His most important role was that of husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed a wonderful life and wants to thank all those who made this possible, particularly his family and friends. As he put it, "Because of them, I had a great run."

He is survived by Sandy, his wife of 55 years, his son Kevin, his daughter Annette, his son-in-law Alex, his three grandchildren, Devin, Talia, and Hunter, his sister Inge, and his nieces and nephews Holger, Sabine, Paul, Mark, Gina, Dena, and Cindy. He was preceded in death by his nephew Ricky.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please take your loved ones to a beautiful place in the mountains and toast to the eternal beauty of nature.