On Sunday July 12, 2020 William ‘Bill’ James Gribb, died in his home due to complications with cancer treatment and recovery at the age of 72 in Laramie, Wyoming.
Bill was born in Detroit, Michigan to John and Theodosia Gribb in 1948. In 1969, he was drafted into the Army to serve in Vietnam as a Sergeant, where he was awarded two Purple Hearts and three Air Medals. He wed Anne Waters on September 4, 1971. He completed his Doctorate Degree in Geography from Michigan State University in 1982 and served New Mexico State University as an Assistant Professor until 1988. Bill then joined the Department of Geography and Recreation at the University of Wyoming as faculty. In 2015 he was named Geography Department Head as well as being honored as Planner of the Year by Western Planner. Bill retired as Professor Emeritus in 2018.
Over his teaching career at the University of Wyoming he mentored over 90 graduate students, co-authored over 100 publications, taught 25+ courses, was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Zimbabwe, a guest lecturer at Shanghai University, China and University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, and served as the Director of the Community Planning Graduate program for 29 years. He specialized in rural land and resource planning, had a passion for teaching his craft, and Native American Studies.
Some of his favorite hobbies were woodworking, reading, riding his motorcycle, and cooking. He loved to experience Wyoming, the world and its people in his research and personal life; especially Grand Teton National Park, where he visited nearly every year for the last 20 years researching habitats for beavers.
He is survived by his wife, Anne, and his three children, Nikolaus, Jesse, and Karl; his six grandchildren and his brothers, Ronald and Robert.
Memorial services are postponed and will be determined at a later date.
In lieu of flowers and monetary gifts, please make a donation ito the Northern Arapaho Endowment Fund in Bill’s name and/or to www.uwyo.edu/foundation/ways-to-give/index.html
Anne and family - I was so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. He was a wonderful colleague and I enjoyed working with him in a number of capacities. He was always insightful and worked towards the best outcomes for students and faculty. I'm so glad that I was able to know him even if it was just for a short time. You all are in our thoughts.
Ann and family, I am so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. Bill was a remarkable man, courageous and tireless in his work for the communities of which he was a part. I am happy to have had him as a colleague for so many years. May you find strength and peace in the many years you shared with him.
Ann and boys. Bill and i shared a Tom Sawyer type childhood with very fond memories in the alley behind their house and in the fields of Tecumseh Ontario. Joy of memory's and sadness for the lose of a good friend and cousin. Our Love to you.
Anne, I was saddened to learn of your loss. It is hard to imagine the emptiness when your spouse passes away; he will always be with you in spirit. Please know that our love and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Although I was a high school freshman and he was a senior my interaction with him was minimal. However I remember his super cool personality and a friendly smile or words. Seeing him at the 1966 reunion was uplifting as he made his way around the room greeting everyone. In reading the obituary I see we had one thing in common was our passion for Geography. What a beautiful soul.
I had the great pleasure of knowing and working with Bill. He was so gracious and so kind and had a great sense of humor. He will be missed by so many, myself included. My blessing and thoughts go out to the family.
Ann, know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He is at peace and I hope that brings you comfort. Sending you hugs, my friend, Naomi Staats Simon
Karl and Ashlee, So sorry for your loss. He had a “life well lived”.