THE PASSING OF DAVID WEBER

David Weber, a beloved neighbor, died in Gallup on Friday, August 20, after a long battle with cancer.

David was a pre-eminent historian on the American Southwest and Spanish settlement in this hemisphere. He authored 27 books and over 70 articles, and received the equivalent of a knighthood from the King of Spain. He was also named by the government of Mexico to the Orden Mexicana del Aguila Azteca, the highest award that Mexico can bestow on a foreigner, and in 2007 was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was the founder and  director of the William P. Clements Center for Southwest Studies at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

We won’t dwell further here on his professional accomplishments—for those of you who wish to see his impressive vitae, we have included a link at the end of this article. We remember instead the David we knew, a dear and unpretentious friend who opened his heart, and with his equally gracious wife Carol, his home to everyone.

David and Carol lived in Dallas but would frequently escape to their Timberlake retreat, and David would occasionally give a talk at the Old School Gallery. He recently gave a presentation to a full crowd on his newest book, Fiasco: George Clinton Gardner’s Correspondence from the U.S.-Mexico Boundary Survey of 1849-1854. He drew laughter that afternoon when he announced that his daughter, Amy, who was in the audience, had until that day avoided subjecting herself to his lectures.

He then went on to talk about the fact that there are two types of history books. One group is made up of books written by historians for historians. They contain new observations or revelations in their dense prose, that add to the knowledge of the subject. Books that fall into the other group generally do not contain new information, but package existing knowledge for general consumption.

Those of us who have read David’s books know they often span the gap between the two groups. Although they are clearly scholarly, his writings are filled with bright prose which brings the subjects to life. For our readers we particularly recommend The Mexican Frontier 1821-1846: The American Southwest Under Mexico. It’s an illuminating narrative about the history of this place where we live.

In addition to those of us in this area, David and Carol are loved by an immense circle of people all over the world. Our hearts are with Carol now, and with her children and grandchildren. We hope they will remain part of this community.

David Weber was 69. He is survived by his wife Carol, his daughter Amy, his son Scott, and his grandchildren Sarah, Dickson, and Amaya  His ashes will be scattered on his land in Timberlake.

Link to the David Weber website

      (Posted 8-17-10) This is a rare albino Mule Deer fawn seen on August 3rd 15 feet off Timberlake Road on Aspen Loop South.  Steve and Chris Railsback were able to photograph it while the mother was at a distance.  It was evident that the fawn was not more than 48 hours old as the mother has to help move and direct the fawn away to a safer place.  It has been seen as recently as three days ago on Elk and Timberlake area.