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Good afternoon, Everyone. On behalf of Jane, and all the members of the family, I welcome you to our memorial service for John Borchert. Thank you for coming. John’s death was a great loss for us all. Its abruptness—coming as it did during his recovery from last fall’s illness—was a real shock. But John had a great life, so we’re here today to celebrate that life, recalling who John was, what he did, what he stood for, what he taught us, and what he meant to each of us. For most of us here today, relatives and friends, colleagues and students, citizens and public officials, John Borchert was a teacher—a superb teacher, with a magical enthusiasm, and unique curiosity for learning and sharing what he learned. Henry Adams once wrote that "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." John was a great teacher, and the fact that we’re all here this afternoon is testimony to that influence, and to all the ways he touched our lives. Our program this afternoon has four parts. ••• First we’ll hear some stories and memories from John’s colleagues from the academy community. ••• Next we’ll hear from a few of John’s former students, sharing with us what John meant to them as a teacher, adviser and friend ••• A third group will reflect on John’s work as a regional citizen, shaping thought and practice for the betterment of our community. ••• Finally, we’ll hear from members of the family. (1) While John’s colleagues from the University of Minnesota come forward, I’d like to read a few excerpts of letters from some colleagues who could not be with us.
Yi-Fu Tuan Professor Emeritus of Geography University of Wisconsin-Madison wrote Several years ago I gave a talk in downtown Minneapolis. I was happy and honored to see John in the audience. Surprised, too—but not too surprised because I knew John to be the Compleat Geographer, someone interested in all geographical perspectives, including my own outlandish ones. At a more personal level, John and I used to have hamburgers at Annie's Parlor. In that intimate (to me, All-American) setting, John and I could unbutton and talk on all sorts of topics. After I left for Wisconsin, whenever and wherever I met John, we would both say, "Let's get together at Annie's Parlor again." But this was not to be. "I gather that Annie's is no longer at Seven Corners. Places are mortal. But not the human spirit—not John's spirit, which will always be in his works and in our memory to inspire us.
John C. Hudson Professor of Geography Northwestern University wrote: John and I shared many interests in common, and never lacked for something to talk about when we ran into one another. One interest we shared especially, was in railroads, particularly railroads of the Upper Middle West. I have copies of two of the last articles your John published, both of them in "railroad fan" magazines, which dealt with the railway mail service. Professors aren’t supposed to be "fans" of what they study, but John Borchert was not about to hide his interests in something as geographical as the flow of mails on the nation’s railroads. His interest, of course, went back to his own father who was a railway mail clerk on the Pennsylvania Railroad. I will cherish those two articles as especially vivid reminders of John and his interests. He meant a lot to me and I will miss him.
Reid Bryson Professor Emeritus of Geography University of Wisconsin wrote: I never met John before we were both out of the Army and at Wisconsin in 1946 or 7. However we were immediate friends, and soon discovered that our lives had been running in parallel—and continued to do so.
We often had long sessions together working on his dissertation on the Prairie Peninsula, after which he gave me his wind data, and I expanded his study to all of North America for the most popular paper I ever wrote. Best of all we stayed friends ever since, in adjacent state universities. I have treasured the friendship, and figured I did something right in matching John's path, even if by chance.
Judith Martin Director of the Urban Studied Program University of Minnesota wrote: As I sat looking at John’s picture on the invitation to this memorial, I was struck by two things: First, I simply cannot believe that John is gone—that he won’t just turn up looking to have lunch, or to talk about city and university concerns. Those encounters were always a highlight of my day. Second, I can’t think of very many other people about whom I have absolutely NO bad memories. Three settings, in three decades, capture for me John’s essential qualities. First, as a teacher in the 1970s. Like many, I first met John in his American Cities course—my first formal exposure to geography. I was delighted to be down on the floor looking at maps, as John shared new tools for thinking about and analyzing cities. No other 8:15 morning class ever attracted me, but I never missed this one. John’s sheer enjoyment of and fascination with cities and their people shone through. Secondly, as a research colleague in the late 1970s and early 1980s. John easily persuaded David Lanegran and me to work on the preservation survey of Minneapolis with him—and, it turned out, with David Gebhard from Berkeley. Despite our different approaches, this was the most civilized research interaction imaginable. Due to John’s involvement, it was one of the most enjoyable ever. Finally, as a colleague in the years since he retired. Despite winter absences, John was often around, working on his projects, asking what others were doing, and offering support. An example: In 1997 I organized a Saturday meeting of authors in my book series—since this was a working session, I didn’t advertise it. After lunch, John wandered in and asked if he could sit in. Of course, we were delighted to have his perspective on what we were trying to do. After 90 minutes, he left to meet Jane, but before going he told our group that this was the most stimulating urban discussion he heard in a very long time—to me, a very important endorsement for our team effort. Such generosity was underscored when he later gave many of his city and metro research reports to me for the Urban Studies students to use. As my teacher, a colleague, a role model, and finally, a friend, John was truly one of the best human beings I ever encountered. For many of us, the University, the Twin Cities community, and the world are hugely dimmed by John’s death. But all of these settings would be much dimmer today had we not had his intelligence, curiosity, and spirit with us for so long.
>>> Our speakers are Brent Allison—director of the John R. Borchert Map Library here at the University of Minnesota. Phil Raup, is professor of Applied Economics. Fred Lukermann, is professor of Geography Bob Holt, is professor of Political Science And Phil Porter, is professor of Geography [Speakers speak … ] Thank you.
(2) Next, we’ll hear from some of John’s former students. [While they assemble up here, let me read a few excerpts of letters from former students …] Thomas J. Baerwald Earned his Ph.D. from our department in 1978; he directs the Geography and Regional Science Program at the National Science Foundation. Tom writes: Very few people have touched me as has John Borchert, and fewer still have had such a profound impact on me both professionally and personally …on occasions when people asked me who was my advisor at Minnesota and I answered, "John Borchert," the smiles and nods that greeted that response invariably told me that their estimation of me had gone up a bit because of that answer. If only all people could enjoy such "guilt by association." When John was hospitalized in Washington DC after a heart attack in 1996 … Jim Fitzsimmons and I drove up to see John and Jane, and for more than an hour we engaged in constant discussion. There was speculation as to whether John used his knowledge of American metropolises as a guide while driving to the hospital (although he maintained he merely kept following the blue H signs along the roads), and there was some discussion of his recovery (which was far too slow for his liking, because he wanted to get on with his research). But the bulk of the time was spent with John asking us questions. As our meeting with John was nearing an end, he commented that he was especially interested in learning about our experiences because he considered his legacy not to be his own work, but rather the work of the students whom he had known. When we tried to emphasize the immensely important role he had played in our development, he deflected our comments with the humility that we all associate with him. He said that we should take credit for our own accomplishments, but he was pleased to have helped in some small ways to enable us attain our potential. As we left John that day, I remember that Jim and I talked with amazement and deep honor that John Borchert was taking pride in our accomplishments. I think we concluded that it showed that John still saw himself first and foremost as a teacher, and as a teacher, his record ultimately rested in the records of his students. (That was a short excerpt from a much longer remembrance that Tom sent in. The document is filled with great stories about John, such as "The Infamous Prelim Question". Tom’s full essay along with all of those sent in will be available to read at the reception and will soon be placed on the web at borchert.com.) Frank and Kathleen Barrett wrote from York University, Toronto: Kathleen and I came to Minnesota as newlyweds after a ten week honeymoon in Europe. The reception at the U. of M. was wonderful. One of the especially nice things was that each faculty member invited graduate students and spouses to their homes for dinner. We have never forgotten that evening, sitting in a geographer’s dinning room with a wall papered in 1:100,000 U.S. topographical maps extending from Chicago to the Pacific. What a wonderful conversation piece for a meal. When I learned of your father’s death, in his honour, I have hung a huge wall map of Deutschland—Mitteleuropa measuring 84 inches across and from the ceiling to the floor on our bedroom wall —Kathleen is a loving wife who understand idiosyncrasies of geographers This bold relief map in the best of the German cartographic tradition is a beauty to behold. The other memory of your dad that we treasure is when he used to hold picnics in the WINTER at one of the local Twin Cities parks. He found it hugely funny that only the Minnesotan and Canadian graduate students would attend.
John Weiss was a Ph.D. student from 1979 to 1985, and works for the U.S. Government.
He wrote: John was such an inspiration to me. I remember fondly our trip to the AAG in 1980 in Louisville. We took the long way back, via St. Louis. I was amazed at how John could strike up a conversation with passersby in some of that city’s worst slums, and within minutes they would treat him like a long lost friend. I also remember with some horror John pulling onto the shoulder of an interstate, in heavy traffic, because of the great view of downtown Louisville behind us. Stopping on a freeway just to take pictures was something I had never done before, but ever since, if the situation warranted it (and the highway patrol was nowhere to be seen) I’ve thought of your father, pulled over, and grabbed my camera.
Sandi Kuitunen works for the State of Minnesota at the Land Management Information Center, which we call LMIC: I was a geography student at the U of M in the mid 1980s. I worked on a small project for John Borchert via Will Craig during that time, and took his Minnesota and American cities courses. What struck me most about John during that time was that his office door was always open, and he was always willing to spend a few moments to talk to you. In all the interactions you always felt his generosity to share both his time and knowledge. One story that I remember him telling was how he was in one city with an hour or so before his plane was to leave. He caught a cab and told the driver he wanted him to show John the city through his eyes, where he lived and what he did. Upon hearing that I had come from the U of M, one of the other graduate students asked about John Borchert and said one of his most valued papers was John’s classic article on physical geography. I was dumbstruck! In my eyes, John had been an urban and Midwest geographer. Later on, John served on one of the committees when the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis was established at Buffalo. I now work at LMIC, where John is given credit for establishing the foundation for our department.
Rex Honey teaches at the University of Iowa where he is Professor of Geography and Director of Global Studies, Director of African Studies, and Associate Director of the University’s Center for Human Rights He writes: John Borchert was an uncommon man with a common touch. He had that rare ability to be at ease with everyone, from the humblest to the most exalted. As great as he was in the classroom, he was in his element on field trips. …. John Borchert was a sensitive, brilliant, productive man. My life is enriched by knowing him. Minnesota is a better place because he lived and worked there.
>>> (JSA) John Borchert taught at the University of Minnesota from 1949 until he retired in 1989. I asked him a few years ago why he wanted to retire, and he said with uncharacteristic irritation, "I never wanted to retire—I was forced to by the University rules at that time." OK! I asked him what it was like to be retired, and he told me, "Well, not much has changed. I still get up in the morning and make a list of all the things I have to do that day—but now I don’t have to start at the top of the list." During his years in the classroom and in the field, he taught well over 10,000 students, and for many of them his influence redirected their lives and careers. He was always excited about facing a new class. No matter how many times he’d explain a lesson—in the classroom, or at a Citizens League meeting, or at a legislative committee hearing—there were always new faces. He loved to point out that the job of the educator is never done. The way he put it was: "Every fall there’s a new bunch of freshmen." John taught me quite a few things over the years. One of the most memorable was the lesson in how to deal realistically with STARK TERROR. —during a field course back in the 1960s, John was driving down a country highway at about 50 miles an hour, but looking back over his shoulder at some field or barn or construction job we’d just passed, and discussing it enthusiastically while we students were staring wide-eyed ahead at the semi rushing toward us. Former student-survivors who will speak include: Bill Casey, who recently left a position at The Washington Post Company to return to the Twin Cities. Ron Abler, Executive Director of the Association of American Geographers and Secretary General of the International Geographical Union And Rob Britton, vice president of American Airlines [Speakers speak … ] Thank you.
(3) A few years ago the local StarTribune newspaper recognized the 100 most influential Minnesotans—and John Borchert was on the list. Recognizing John and his influence derived in large part from his active involvement in the public affairs of our Upper Midwest region, our state and the Greater Metropolitan region, which he and his family adopted as their home in 1940. As a professor of geography at the state’s public land-grant University, he took seriously our outreach mission in teaching and research. John was one our state’s premier regional citizens, whose work over the years profoundly influenced state and local policy in transportation, land use and natural resource policy. [While our speakers assemble on stage, let me read some excerpts of letters from people who shared in this work …] Allen Garber Commissioner, DNR Dr. John Borchert has had a profound effect on Minnesota and its natural and recreational resources for over 50 years. As a University of Minnesota Geography professor, he initiated a uniquely interdisciplinary research and planning perspective to understanding Minnesota in post World War II America. John Borchert was a key figure in the formative years of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Planning Commission (predecessor of the Metropolitan Council) as well as the Congressionally-mandated Interstate Highway, National Outdoor Recreation Resources, and local planning assistance programs. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has also benefited greatly from our association with Dr. Borchert over the years—from his direct counsel on numerous occasions to his many students who have become DNR employees. Dr. Borchert’s interdisciplinary research and planning interests ranged from the local-regional scale, as exemplified by his passionate involvement in protecting the St. Croix River, to statewide land use and Upper Midwest Region issues. Through historical trends analysis and ample use of maps and related graphics, Borchert’s own work and those he trained for public sector work have served the state exceedingly well. Some of Dr. Borchert’s pioneering work in geographic information systems include lakeshore, land use, land ownership, and many other natural resource-related data collection and application efforts. The Minnesota DNR’s ability to successfully deal with a wide variety of complex natural resource issues and problems is in large measure a result of John Borchert’s legacies of interdisciplinary planning, geographic information systems, community building, and public service. The Department of Natural Resources joins in the celebration of Dr. John Borchert’s life and his outstanding contributions to the State of Minnesota.
George Orning is one of John’s former students and currently works with CURA.
He writes: My most memorable college course was American Cities. John’s enthusiasm for learning inspired most of the class. I was a senior and looked forward to each class. There was a group of us that banded together with the implied goal to beat the graduate students on tests. We were able to do this sometimes but expended a lot of effort in the process. His enthusiasm for learning never diminished. We compiled a new land use map two years ago, John was as excited by this new map as he was about the original in 1969, and I knew he would be. I will miss his appreciation and excitement about good geographic projects and work. The Lakeshore Study, the Land Use Map and the development of the Land Information System were all projects undertaken to promote change in state land use and settlement policies. Throughout all the projects there was a strong commitment to public service that was fostered by John and shared by everyone on these projects. In public testimony and in research reports this commitment was obvious, and understood by public officials at leadership levels. By combining this commitment with high scholarship and good communication skills the results were believed and acted upon. They have significantly changed the settlement pattern of our state. The Lakeshore Study and the Land Use Projects were research projects of large scale and high visibility. They employed dozens of students and had large budgets. They were administered by students with major responsibility delegated by John. This approach developed a generation of leaders that have been able to expand and carry forward most of these projects. It also made the projects fun to work on.
David A. Lanegran is the John S. Holl Professor of Geography at Macalester College and Coordinator of Minnesota Alliance for Geographic Education.
He writes: Like all his students, I was profoundly influenced by John Borchert. Many have written about John’s significant contribution to the science and application of geography. I would like to comment on his interest in and impact on geographic education. John always had time to think about large issues and geographic education was one of the large topics that concerned him. His encouragement lead to a series of successful National Science Foundation Summer Institutes held at Macalester College in the mid 1980s. These institutes were the foundation of the Minnesota Alliance for Geographic Education. He was very supportive of all the programs of the Minnesota Alliance and even visited one of our early student geography fairs at the Science Museum. He also took time to create a video version of popular course on the geography of Minnesota so teachers would have access to his insight and material. We would regularly discuss efforts underway to improve geographic education in Minnesota. When I became President of the National Council for Geographic Education, John became one of my most regular correspondents. He took a keen interest in all I was doing and was ready with advice and encouragement as well as his special view on events and processes. Most recently we were able to discuss my efforts to develop the Advanced Placement Human Geography Course, an endeavor he supported with enthusiasm. We will all profoundly miss, John Borchert, but we must count ourselves among the fortunate because we knew him.
And now our speakers. Will Craig is associate director of the University’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs. Gerald Christiansen is a long-time friend and colleague of John, and was chairman of the Board of the Minnesota State Community College System when John served on its board. Faye Sleeper is a former student who is a senior staff member of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. And Barb Lukermann is a former student of John, and an acclaimed city and regional planner and planning educator. [Speakers speak . . .]
Thank you.
(4) Finally we’ll hear from friends and members of John Borchert’s family. As the Christmas cards and letters rolled in year after year, and John embraced the computer, we saw the clan expand with the children, their spouses, the grandchildren, and the great grandchildren. He loved them all, and loved to talk about each of them and their interesting lives to whomever would listen. [Many friends and relatives sent letters. Here are some excerpts… Ned Flanders wrote: As happened most afternoons, John joined me to drive home to Golden Valley from the campus. "You’ll never believe what happened today." was his opening statement. I was already started on a geography lecture in a classroom, third floor, Ford Hall, when a guy with all kinds of equipment came noisily through the door. Ignoring me completely, he started to set up an electrically driven impact hammer and started to drive a hole through the concrete floor a few feet in front of my podium. The noise, of course, completely disrupted the class. So I said to him, ‘Apparently the same administration has sent the two of us to complete a task at the same spot yet the two tasks cannot occur at the same time. (This objectivity is so completely John Borchert!) "What do you think we should do about this?’ So this guy stopped his hammering, took a long time to look me up and down, and finally said, ‘Well, how much do you make an hour?’ I think John dismissed the class, at this point, but the calm objectivity of it all was so typical. Needless to say, it was a privilege to drive to and from work with John for so many years. Marion W. Ward Wrote from Canberra: I first met John Borchert in March 1956 when I came, as a young graduate student from Auckland, New Zealand, to undertake a Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota. During my subsequent 4 years at Minnesota, and for all the years since then, I came to regard John Borchert with great professional respect, and with love and affection as a person. To talk about a friendship which deepened and and strengthened over the last several decades, it is impossible to separate John and Jane. They did everything together, supporting each other in every way with great devotion. For us the association started when I asked, with some trepidation, in the summer of 1959, if John would give me away in marriage to this passing young New Zealand geographer from the University of Auckland. Not only did he gladly accept, but Jane offered to hold a "wedding breakfast" at their home in Golden Valley. Unfortunately few photographs remain of this happy occasion, at which Fred Lukermann was "best man," but we did enjoy sharing a meal with John and Jane in The Hague some 5 years ago to celebrate the 37th anniversary of that event. After I completed the Ph.D and left Minnesota in 1960 we managed to see John and Jane every few years, either when staying with other good friends or at their wonderful home on the bluffs of the St. Croix. Other greatly enjoyable shared experiences included meetings at the Congresses of the International Geographical Union, which I think John—like us—appreciated because of the opportunities they provided for travel and renewing and strengthening old friendships. The first of these that I recall was in New Delhi in 1968 at the shambolic Indian Congress, the politically-fraught meeting in Paris in 1984, then Washington in 1992 (organized by my former student at Reading University and later Minnesota graduate Tony de Souza); and The Hague in 1996. Particularly memorable for us was the Congress of 1988 in Sydney, when to our very great delight John and Jane along with many other geographer friends came to Australia. "Gerard and I are grateful to have had the privilege of knowing John and Jane for so long. We applaud and celebrate his professional career and contribution, and we cherish our long friendship with a remarkable and generous man, and his ever-supportive wife.
From Charlie Bates— Former Science Advisor to the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard: Jane, thanks for sharing this unique and exhilarating person with us over the past six decades. Without the vibrancy, foresight and cheerfulness that "Johnny" continually exuded, your world and ours is no longer the same. While we were poverty stricken Rector Scholars, little did Bob Kesling and I realize that John, our designated Flunky for handling the corn popper each Saturday night, would eventually surpass all in attendance relative to matters academic and geographic. Certainly "Rock" Smith in his wildest dreams would have never guessed that he was grooming a member of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences in due course! Now a great vacuum exists within his professional circle wherein farseeing ideas and concepts could become reality with minimal friction and a maximum of zest. Although hard to accomplish, Johnny made it look easy—which it is not. But we who have learned so much from him know that "his spirit marches on" although the physical presence no longer abides with us. Thank you. [Now family members will speak …] >>> (JSA) So these are some of our stories and memories of John R. Borchert— ••• He served his country with distinction in World War II as part of "The Greatest Generation" ••• He inspired three generations of students at the University of Minnesota to investigate their surroundings, understand their place in the world, and leave it a better place than they found it ••• He displayed unbounded curiosity about every place he visited, and every topic he studied ••• He wrote vividly and knowledgeably about the cities and regions of the former Soviet Union, the United States, the Upper Midwest, Minnesota, and the Twin Cities ••• He applied his knowledge and exercised his citizenship in the service of local highway and land use planning efforts through service in Golden Valley, in Scandia, in the St. Croix River Valley, the Metropolitan Council, Minnesota Planning, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and countless task forces, committees and commissions ••• He was a pioneer in America in helping develop modern Geographic Information Systems, then applying these techniques to help protect and plan wise use of Minnesota’s lands, lakes and lakeshores ••• He served with distinction as president of the Association of American Geographers ••• He contributed generously of his time and talent to the nation’s science efforts as a member of the National Academy of Sciences ••• He saw something positive in every person he met ••• He was a great husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, colleague, scholar, teacher, citizen, and friend. ••• We shall miss him Here are a few lines from Longfellow: Were a star quenched on high, For ages would its light Still traveling downward from the sky Shine on mortal sight.
So when a great man dies For years beyond our ken The light he leaves behind him lies Upon the paths of men. [Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1893]
May he rest in peace. Please join Jane and the family in the atrium of the Carlson School. Thank you for coming this afternoon. John S. Adams Professor and Chair Department of Geography Fesler-Lambert Chair in Urban and Regional Affgairs University of Minnesota |
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