We are saddened to announce the death of our beloved colleague professor Anthony Mountain. Tony, as he was known to students and fellow faculty and staff, unexpectedly passed away in the evening of Wednesday, February 23 of this year at his home in Sebastopol at the age of 83. Our dear colleague got his B.A. degree from Columbia University in 1961, his M.A. from the University of Washington in 1966, and his Ph.D. from the University of Washington in 1970. He started working at Sonoma State in 1969 and for the next forty-one years he taught in the Hutchins School of Liberal Studies.
About his tenure there, he wrote:
And Tony walked his talk. He was a great listener, respectful of everyone no matter what their status, and such an outstanding seminar leader that all faculty that came after him acknowledged him as the one person who taught them how to “seminar.” This, and his meaningful scholarly contributions to the curriculum committees called “cadres,” is how Tony earned the title “the soul of Hutchins.” During his tenure at SSU he served as Provost of the Hutchins School and on countless committees throughout the University and the department. He was a kind, and gentle soul yet passionate, curious, and willing to entertain a variety of points of view. Yet, he strongly defended ethical and human values if these were threatened. During the spontaneous gatherings with students and colleagues after classes in the Carson Hall gardens, his characteristic good nature and contagious smile would often lead to conversations that sparkled with laughter.
His was a life beautifully lived, and it will always be beautifully remembered.
As per his wishes, no memorial or funeral services will be held by his family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity in his name. Letters of condolences can be sent to the Hutchins Office c/o Cheryl Maynard.