David G. Pitt

life story

David George Pitt, Professor Emeritus of Landscape Architecture at the University of Minnesota, passed away January 21, 2025. The youngest of four brothers, Dave was born March 1, 1948 in Niagara Falls, NY to William G. R. Pitt and Ruth Campbell Matthews Pitt.

An inspiring teacher, researcher and mentor for more than four decades, Dave’s professional achievements include local and international teaching awards, recognition as Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and as Fellow of the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture. He earned a BA in Geography at Syracuse University in 1970, a Master of Landscape Architecture from UMass Amherst, and a PhD in Renewable Natural Resources from University of Arizona Tucson.

Dave began teaching at the University of Maryland in 1974 as Assistant Professor in Horticulture and Extension Specialist in Regional Development. He and Mary Beth Curry married and started a family. After 13 years of teaching, research and outreach in Maryland, a full professorship, a PhD, and two children, the family moved to the Twin Cities and the University of Minnesota.

Over his 30-year tenure at UMN, Dave served as Department Chair, Director of Undergraduate Studies, developed curriculum, taught nearly every course in the Department, and published more than 140 journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings. His research focused on identifying perceived values in the landscape and integrating them into natural resource management and decision-making. He concurrently taught at the Humphrey Urban and Regional Planning program, as well as the Horticultural Science and Forest Resources programs.

Teaching over 4,500 students, Dave was famous for his “ham sandwich” description of geomorphology and inspiring lecture style, often jumping onto a desk to make a point. He treasured taking students into the field at the Itasca Workshop, simultaneously encouraging wonder about ecological complexity and rigorous study of human interaction with the environment. An early adopter of GIS, Dave was dedicated to helping students achieve proficiency with complex analysis, and could be found at all hours cocooned in the maze of books and journals piled throughout his office.

Collaborating at all scales, Dave worked locally with colleagues across departments, regionally with the Metropolitan Council, nationally with NSF and USDA grants, and served 10 years as editor of the Landscape Journal, the flagship international journal of landscape research. Dave and Mary Beth enjoyed a sabbatical year at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, and the thousands of students he inspired teach and work throughout North America and the world.

Dave enjoyed sailing and loved time on the water with his brothers, nephews, and children, and always owned a sailboat. He enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling, singing in the Apollo Male Chorus, and spending time with his granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William and Thomas; and son, Curry Matthew. He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth Curry; daughter, Katy (Rajeev) Khurana; granddaughters, Sloane and Indira; brother, Robert; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 29, at 2 pm, at First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, 900 Mt. Curve Avenue. Street parking is available, overflow parking available at the Vineland Ramp under the Walker Art Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

The Apollo Male Chorus www.theapolloclubmn.org

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum www.arb.umn.edu/memorials

https://design.umn.edu/news/college-design-remembers-david-g-pitt-professor-emeritus-landscape-architecture

memorial service

Celebration of Life

March 29, 2025

First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis 900 Mt Curve Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services