Donald Redford

Dr. Donald Bruce Redford, known affectionately as Don to his friends and family, was a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on the worlds of Egyptology, Archaeology, and Biblical Studies. Born in Toronto, Canada, on September 2, 1934, Don forged a path that led him to become one of the preeminent scholars of his time. His journey came to a peaceful conclusion on October 18, 2024, in State College, Pennsylvania, surrounded by the warmth of his family's love.
Don is survived by his devoted wife, Susan Redford, who worked along side him until the end. He was a proud father to Alexander and Aksel, his sons with Susan, Christopher and Philip, his sons from his previous marriage, and a devoted grandfather of two granddaughters, Mallory and Nicole. His legacy continues not only through his family but also through the many students he mentored.
After an illustrious educational journey that saw him earn a BA, MA, and PhD in Near Eastern Studies at the University of Toronto, Don continued cultivating a career in academia defined by his passion, dedication, and groundbreaking research. His reputation as an internationally eminent Egyptologist, archaeologist, and biblical scholar was built on his solid foundation of knowledge and a relentless pursuit of discovery.
For over four decades, he inspired minds as a Professor of Near Eastern Studies at the University of Toronto and, for 24 years, as a Professor of Egyptology at Pennsylvania State University. His leadership in the field was exemplified by his role as the Director of the Akhenaten Temple Project, the East Karnak Excavations, the Mendes Excavations, and the Tel Kedwa excavations in the Sinai. As an epigrapher for the Theban Tomb Survey, he meticulously deciphered ancient inscriptions, furthering our understanding of a civilization long passed.
Don's contributions to archaeology extended to the trenches of history, where he served under Dame Kathleen Kenyon during the pivotal excavations of the old city of Jerusalem from 1964 to 1967. His expertise was sought by media outlets worldwide, and he appeared in numerous documentaries, sharing his knowledge and passion with audiences on every continent.
As a mentor and supervisor, he guided over 40 MA and PhD graduates, ensuring that his love for history and learning was passed on to the next generation. His commitment to academia was further reflected in his role as the founder of the Canadian Institute in Egypt (CIE) and the Society for the Study of Egyptian Antiquities (SSEA). Don's literary contributions are vast, with his authorship of seminal works such as "Akhenaten, the Heretic King," "Egypt, Canaan, and Israel in Ancient Times," and "City of the Ram Man." He served as editor-in-chief of the Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt, a testament to his comprehensive knowledge and expertise.
Don's personal interests were as rich and varied as his professional ones. He found joy and solace in the powerful narratives and soaring melodies of German and Italian opera, with a particular fondness for the works of Richard Wagner. His childhood years playing baseball, football, and hockey transitioned into a lifelong passion for sports, remaining a steadfast fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Toronto Argonauts.
Described as loving, intelligent, and kind, Don's warm heart, sharp wit, compassionate spirit, and hearty laugh will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a testament to the enduring power of education, the pursuit of knowledge, and the importance of leaving the world a more enlightened place. Dr. Donald Bruce Redford's legacy will continue to thrive in the countless lives he touched through his teaching, his writings, and the enduring love for his family and his field.
Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m., on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College.
Funeral service will be at 12:30 p.m., on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at the funeral home with Deacon Dave Lapinski officiating.
Burial will be in Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton, PA, at 1 p.m., on Friday, October 25, 2024.
Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College.