Breadcrumb
Roger Barnett, longtime professor of geography, dies at 89
Professor Emeritus Roger Barnett, a longtime professor and former chair of the Department of Geology and Geography, died Nov. 1 at the age of 89.
He taught at 糖心vlog for more than thirty years, beginning in 1965 as a lecturer in geography, teaching courses in physical, cultural and regional geography.
鈥淗e really enjoyed teaching; it was fun for him. I accompanied him on field trips and invited some of my own students along,鈥� said Professor Emeritus Robert Dash. 鈥淗e provided a rich contribution of experiences to the freshman classes.鈥�
Barnett鈥檚 regional geography courses introduced students to the climates and cultural development of many parts of the world, including Western Europe, Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union, the American and Canadian West, geography of California, geography of North and South America and the Geography of Asia.
鈥淩oger was passionately dedicated to student learning,鈥� said Professor and Chair of Geological & Environmental Sciences Lydia Fox who worked with Barnett out of the iconic Quonsets鈥攁 barrack-style hut once used as temporary housing for WWII veterans and later used as classrooms. 鈥淢y office was across the hall from the classroom. He incorporated food tasting into his courses and shared the flavors of geography, bringing in samples of the regional cuisine that he had prepared. The aromas often permeated all corners of the Quonset.鈥�
Above, department faculty members strike a casual pose outside of their Quonset hut offices: from left, Lydia Fox, Roger Barnett, Gene Pearson and Curt Kramer.
During his tenure, Barnett served on countless college and university committees, including the College of the Pacific Council, College of the Pacific Curriculum Committee, Academic Council and Faculty Grievance Committee. Barnett played a key role in developing and supporting the Mentor Seminar program, now referred to as Pacific Seminars.
鈥淩oger was a truly wonderful faculty colleague,鈥� said Professor Emeritus Gene Pearson. 鈥淔rom my first days on campus, Roger provided me with information on Stockton as well as the university. He introduced me to many College of the Pacific faculty members and encouraged me to participate with other faculty on college and university committees.鈥�
After 34 years at Pacific, Barnett retired as a full professor and was granted emeritus status. He was awarded the Order of Pacific鈥攖he university鈥檚 highest honor鈥攁t the 1999 commencement ceremonies.
Even in early retirement, Barnett鈥檚 expansive multicultural background made him an asset to the cruise industry where he served as a cultural educator in ports around the Pacific.
Barnett was born and grew up in Great Britain. He earned bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees at Cambridge University and then continued his education in California, earning a second master鈥檚 degree and his doctorate in geography at the University of California, Berkeley. The title of his doctoral thesis was 鈥淪uburban Subdivision: The Morphogenesis of Housing in Stockton.鈥�
Barnett is survived by his wife Fran莽oise DuBord Barnett and their son Marc Alan. They met at Pacific where Fran莽oise taught French.
Gifts in his memory can be made by contacting Vice President for University Development and Alumni Relations Scott Biedermann '05, '20 at 209.946.2166 or sbiedermann@pacific.edu.
