David D. Alt

Dr. David Alt, Professor Emeritus, University of Montana.

Sept, 17, 1933-April 26, 2015

"Glacial Lake Missoula surely became a splendid and brilliant greenish blue as the last of the summer rock flour settled and the larch trees blazed yellow in the deepening chill of the coming winter."

Such lyrical prose, almost Thoreau-like in its naturalist tone, contains not only a serene quality, but foreshadows an approaching cataclysm of glacial proportion. Published by Missoula's Mountain Press in 2001, "Glacial Lake Missoula and Its Humongous Floods" was one of many scholarly works written by Montana's own David Alt. Highlighting, yet again, this renowned academic's ability to transform the hard science of geology into artistic and poetic beauty and revealing David's deep and lifelong appreciation of the awesome power of nature.

Dr. David Alt - Professor Emeritus at the University of Montana, geologist, teacher, writer, storyteller (you choose the order) – passed away on April 26, 2015, in Missoula. Throughout his over five decades in the profession of teaching, David inspired countless numbers of future geologists and scientists, college students, environmentalists, rock enthusiasts, hobbyists and birdwatchers alike, with his unique ability to convey and translate complex, geological and natural science into exciting and understandable concepts, often with an artistic and colorful flare.

Born in the gritty, depression-era St. Louis, Missouri, in 1933, David set his young sights outward to the world, a byproduct of his insatiable love of books and stories – passions that would endure throughout his entire life. He went on to graduate from Washington University in St. Louis in 1955, followed by a Master of Science degree from the University of Minnesota in 1958.

Seeking warmer climes, David headed south to Austin, Texas, on the quest toward his Ph.D. at UT Austin. From there, he conducted field research in Mexico and began to hone his profession. As a result of teaching and lecturing positions in Leeds, England and the University of Florida in Gainesville, David learned to immerse himself not only in the natural sciences, but the social and human complexities of culture, language and communities as well – disciplines that would inform his writing and world view from then on.

Unavoidably, Montana's natural beauty and geological preeminence held sway. No longer able to resist the surging call of the Rockies, David arrived in Missoula from the tepid flatlands of Florida in 1965, a still young, yet experienced college professor destined for the University of Montana. He never looked back and his university and published writing career took off. UM students lined up to register for David's courses. And as compelling as his classroom lectures and field studies were, all were equally captured by David's disarming and genius sense of humor, which he employed skillfully and unexpectedly, to great effect, endearing himself to students, peers, friends and colleagues throughout his life.

In collaboration with fellow UM professor Don Hyndman, the "Roadside Geology" book series was born, bringing the excitement of rocks and the stories that rocks have to tell to the general public. David and Don went on to write seven, very popular "Roadside" guides, known for their simple and understandable explanations to the lay-geologists and naturalists who traverse our nation's road-cuts each and every day. Distinctive with their brightly colored book covers, the "Roadside Geology" series is still prominent throughout North America's bookstores to this day.

After 36 years of teaching and inspiring the next generations at the University of Montana, David retired in 2001. He remained active with his writing and other pursuits, such as painting and birdwatching, and was working on his latest book when he passed away on April 26.

David Alt is survived by the love of his life, Sandy, their daughter Sarah, David's son Konrad and daughter Lisa; his sister Karen Grant and stepdaughters, Debbie and Diane; along with 12 grandchildren, who Dave spent many years enthralling (and confusing) by distributing rocks throughout the backyard – googly eyes affixed with glue – looking back at the children with equal confusion.

A memorial service in tribute to Dr. David Alt's enduring legacy and lasting contributions to teaching, education and knowledge will take place at the University of Montana's Native American Studies Building on Saturday, May 23, at 11 a.m.

Gifts, in memory of David Alt, may be made payable to the UM Foundation to purchase books at the Mansfield Library. Checks should be mailed to the UM Foundation, PO Box 7159, Missoula, MT 59807-7159.
Read David Alt's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.