Professor Emeritus Roger Barnett, a longtime professor and former chair of the Department of Geology and Geography, died Nov. 1 at the age of 89.

He taught at University of the Pacific for more than thirty years, beginning in 1965 as a lecturer in geography, teaching courses in physical, cultural and regional geography.

“He really enjoyed teaching; it was fun for him. I accompanied him on field trips and invited some of my own students along,” said Professor Emeritus Robert Dash. “He provided a rich contribution of experiences to the freshman classes.”

Barnett’s regional geography courses introduced students to the climates and cultural development of many parts of the world, including Western Europe, Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union, the American and Canadian West, geography of California, geography of North and South America and the Geography of Asia.

“Roger was passionately dedicated to student learning,” said Professor and Chair of Geological & Environmental Sciences Lydia Fox who worked with Barnett out of the iconic Quonsets—a barrack-style hut once used as temporary housing for WWII veterans and later used as classrooms. “My office was across the hall from the classroom. He incorporated food tasting into his courses and shared the flavors of geography, bringing in samples of the regional cuisine that he had prepared. The aromas often permeated all corners of the Quonset.”

During his tenure, Barnett served on countless college and university committees, including the College of the Pacific Council, College of the Pacific Curriculum Committee, Academic Council and Faculty Grievance Committee. Barnett played a key role in developing and supporting the Mentor Seminar program, now referred to as Pacific Seminars.

“Roger was a truly wonderful faculty colleague,” said Professor Emeritus Gene Pearson. “From my first days on campus, Roger provided me with information on Stockton as well as the university. He introduced me to many College of the Pacific faculty members and encouraged me to participate with other faculty on college and university committees.”

After 34 years at Pacific, Barnett retired as a full professor and was granted emeritus status. He was awarded the Order of Pacific—the university’s highest honor—at the 1999 commencement ceremonies.

Even in early retirement, Barnett’s expansive multicultural background made him an asset to the cruise industry where he served as a cultural educator in ports around the Pacific.

Barnett was born and grew up in Great Britain. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Cambridge University and then continued his education in California, earning a second master’s degree and his doctorate in geography at the University of California, Berkeley. The title of his doctoral thesis was “Suburban Subdivision: The Morphogenesis of Housing in Stockton.”

Barnett is survived by his wife Françoise DuBord Barnett and their son Marc Alan. They met at Pacific where Françoise taught French.

Gifts in his memory can be made by contacting Vice President for University Development and Alumni Relations Scott Biedermann '05, '20 at 209.946.2166 or sbiedermann@pacific.edu.