John Fritz

John Fritz, December 1952 - November 2011 John Nelson Fritz was a field anthropologist and professor by profession; he was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. John was also a much loved teacher and mentor, a committed advocate for social justice, and a friend who made all who knew him feel important. Born and raised in the high deserts of New Mexico, John attended college at Eastern New Mexico University and there met his wife of 39 years, Valerie. They came to Salt Lake City in 1973 and, after John received his doctorate in anthropology, he began work at Salt Lake Community College in 1987. He continued at the College the remainder of his life, serving as a faculty member, Chair of the Division of Humanities, and most recently, as Department Chair for History and Anthropology. John also served as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Utah. He was renowned for his outstanding field and ethnographic work. John challenged his students intellectually and encouraged them to make the world a better place. He fostered a lifelong love of learning in those fortunate enough to take his courses and leaves behind a sea of students with whom he shared a love of learning and an example of caring for others. John loved to hunt and fish and spent many of his happiest times in the mountains of Utah and New Mexico with family and friends, especially with his son, Bryan, and daughter, Erin. He is survived by his wife Valerie, son Bryan, daughter Erin, his parents Lonnie and Jackie Fritz, and sisters Carol Stinebaugh and Nancy Robinson, and Nancy's husband, Mike. A Celebration of John's life will be held Friday evening, 11 November, from 7 - 9 PM at 5050 South Three Fountains Circle in the clubhouse. In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the John Fritz scholarship fund at Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT, 84123.