Richard Gwinnett Vivian

On Thursday, April 14, 2022, Dr. Richard Gwinnett Vivian, in a virtuous state of mind, passed away at the age of 86. Gwinn was preceded in death by his wife Patricia "Pat" Vivian, his parents Gordon and Mrytle, and sister Ruth. He is survived by his sister Ann; nephew Jerry and wife Patrice, great nieces Scout and Keely; niece Lorrie and husband Jesse; nephew Gordon, great niece Ashlynn and great great niece Jewels and great nephew Connor; niece Brigette, great great nephews Kyle and Dylan and many cousins.
Professionally, Gwinn was born into archaeology. His father, Richard Gordon Vivian, was the first archaeologist at Chaco Canyon National Park. Gwinn grew up in Chaco, playing among the ruins and later working on and directing projects in Chaco. He got his B.A. and M.A. at the University of New Mexico and his Ph.D. at the University of Arizona. He spent his career at the Arizona State Museum, working in various capacities, including as researcher, Assistant Director, and then back to researcher. He also helped run the early Salvage Archaeology Program.
Gwinn began his career at 7 years old by washing potsherds for his dad. By the time he was a teenager, he was conducting his own research projects at Chaco. He joined the staff at the Arizona State Museum and founded the contract archaeology (CRMS) program, conducting research projects throughout Arizona. With a joint appointment in the Dept. of Anthropology, he was instrumental in the education and professional development of many archaeologists who have worked in the Southwest and across the country.

Gwinn's involvement with the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center and Archaeology Southwest allowed him to continue to conduct research and to make archaeology accessible to everyone, by leading field programs, tours and giving lectures.

Gwinn's most important contribution to all who knew him; he was an incredibly good friend, colleague, and a sincere human being. Gwinn was a gentle soul, who was always kind, honest, supportive, and generous with his time and energy. He respected all he met, whether an undergraduate student, a subordinate employee, a colleague, a friend, or someone new. Gwinn's legacy as an archaeologist will live on through his many site reports and publications on the Greater Southwest. His legacy as a human being will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew him. May the four winds blow you safely home

A Celebration of Gwinn's Life will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH-University. There will be a live stream available below for those unable to attend.