Shelby Boardman Obituary

Boardman, Shelby Jett Former Carleton Dean of the College November 7, 1944 - January 19, 2007. Shelby was born on November 7, 1944, to William J. Boardman and Nancy Jett Boardman in Akron, Ohio. He died at home of natural causes on January 19, 2007. Shelby was the third of four brothers, William, John, and Robert Boardman. He graduated from Miami University (Ohio) with a B. A. degree and from the University of Michigan with a Ph.D. in geology. Shelby is survived by his wife, Jean; his sons and daughters-in law, Steven and Karen, and Dave and Michelle; and his three grandsons, Grant (3), Sam (18 months), and Abe (13 months). He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Nancy Boardman, and by Jean's parents, Victor and Catherine Andersen. Shelby's profound devotion to his family was obvious to all who knew him. His last two days were spent with his grandsons. He was thrilled that Sam and Abe called him "Papa" and "Grandpa" for the first time last week. He felt so incredibly blessed by his beloved family. Shelby was committed to Carleton College where he worked for thirty-five years. Shelby joined the Geology Department at Carleton College in August of 1971. After teaching for many years, he took on the responsibilities as Associate Dean of the College in 1994, Acting Dean of the College in 1997, and Dean of the College from 2002-2005. Following a yearlong sabbatical in 2005-06, he returned to teaching geology this fall term. Carleton College President Robert A. Oden Jr. said, "He embodied the finest qualities we hope our faculty possess-the deepest integrity in all matters, an unwavering devotion to teaching, and the creativity and doggedness to produce influential scholarship. He was a trusted mentor, confidant, and role model for hundreds of Carleton faculty members." Scott Bierman, Dean of the College said, "His commitment to education, his generosity of spirit, and his intellect were on best display in the field with his students. With a rock in his hands and surrounded by eager students, he was a wizard." Memorial services for Shelby will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 27 at the First United Church of Christ in Northfield and at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 11 at Carleton College's Skinner Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be directed to the Shelby Boardman Memorial Fund at Carleton College, Gift Accounting Office, 1 North College Street, Northfield, Minnesota, 55057.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.