Curtis Wakefield Wienker

Curtis Wakefield Wienker, Professor Emeritus in Anthropology at the University of South Florida, passed away at the age of 79 on Saturday, October 19th, 2024. Born in Seattle, Washington to Curtis H. Wienker and Ruth Daniels Wienker, the numerically successive date of his birth (2/3/45) aptly symbolized the arrival of an inherent intellect who would become a naturally inclined scientist and devoted academic. The eldest child of a veteran and architect as well a spunky, savvy and sophisticated educator, his boyhood was spent in pursuit of all things sports and enjoying the views of Lake Washington and Mount Rainier from the home his father designed on View Ridge through the sprawling living/dining room picture windows. He often spoke of sneaking in the rear door of hockey games or huddling under the covers of his bed listening to baseball on a radio.

First attempts at academia were misrepresentingly unsuccessful--Curtis flunked out of college as a pre-med major. However, he went on to complete an AA degree at a community college then obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, his family’s cherished alma mater. There, Curtis took a life-changing course in Physical Anthropology, instructed by Laura Newell, that fueled his desire to become an anthropologist.

As a young husband Curtis pondered whether to commit to the military or Peace Corps after graduation. A chance meeting on campus with his first anthropology professor resulted in an application to graduate school at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Because early academic years did not reflect his full potential, the professor called a colleague at the university imploring him to “take a chance on this guy”. Curtis was admitted and completed both a Master's and Ph.D. in Physical Anthropology. He became a father during graduate school and studied under the mentorship of renowned physical anthropologist Fred Hulse, who with his wife served as both inspiration and Arizona kin to the young family. Academic breaks were spent working as his family enjoyed cabin life in Pinetop and culturally rich McNary, Arizona.

Curtis was an adoring father and his sole offspring, Heather, treasures growing up in a home that valued peace, equity, cats and helping others. When they moved to Florida where Curtis began his professional journey at the University of South Florida, his daughter recalls as a young child being shocked to hear racial terms for the first time. These words were not spoken in their lives nor were they tolerated in their presence. Curtis was a strong voice for civil rights issues and received the President’s Distinguished Affirmative Action award.

An accomplished forensic anthropologist, Curtis’ research resulted in more than 70 publications relating to human biology, biomedical anthropology, forensic anthropology, and skeletal biology such as an article entitled “Using Biological Data to Challenge the Reality of Race”, as well as a book. He was frequently called on by local law enforcement, medical examiners, and attorneys when forensic help was needed with human skeletal remains. He served as an expert witness on homicide cases including the decades-long trial of Bobby Joe Long.

Curtis was recognized by The American Association of Physical Anthropologists who honored him with the Lasker Award for exemplary lifetime service, including his work in Cuba. Curtis traveled to Cuba sixteen times to pursue the measurement of bones and cranial remains in support of the above referenced article. This work with Cuban colleagues led to his designation as a Member of Honor of the Cuban Society of Biological Anthropology. He loved the people of Cuba, learned Spanish and had the flag of the land tattooed on his upper arm. Curtis took computer parts and other necessities to his Cuban colleagues. In turn, he took pictures of Cuban felines to bring home to his daughter.

In addition to his academic contributions, Curtis served as the Associate Dean of the College of Arts Sciences and later the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, his stead until retirement. He also held leadership roles in the College of Nursing and the USF Lakeland campus. Upon retirement, Curtis was named Emeritus Professor of the Department of Anthropology and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine where he held a joint appointment.

Curtis received the University’s Distinguished Service Award in 1989 for his contributions to numerous USF committees and councils including the Faculty Senate and the Graduate Council. As a life-long sports enthusiast, Curtis relished his five-year stint as the Faculty Athletics Representative for the NCAA. He played an integral role in the establishment and early years of the Bulls football program. He was often found at USF baseball and basketball games with his daughter, as well as women’s softball.

Curtis loved helping students. He was one of eight faculty selected by the Senior Class for the Faculty Torchlight Honor Guard, an honor he earned three times. He was recognized as an Outstanding Faculty Member by students with disabilities. He was proud of his role as ombudsperson to one of Sami Al-Arian’s daughters while she completed her USF degree amidst the duress of a highly publicized trial. To this day, students send their thanks for the influence he had on their lives.

Curtis is survived by daughter Heather, sisters Wendy and Robin Christine Wienker of Edmonds and Bellevue, Washington, respectively, and longtime companion Wanda MacLean. He is sorely missed for his unique wit, wisdom, and love. His life was characterized by endearingly unexpected actions; he once took the guise of a University of Washington newspaper reporter to secure an interview with the late jazz great Nancy Wilson. His wit could sometimes be alarming such as the time he mailed his mother a deceased tarantula from grad school in Arizona! Make no mistake, Curtis had a kind, compassionate heart and was downright sweet. He returned even small favors or gifts with a handwritten note of gratitude.

At his request there will be no services, so-inclined individuals may make a donation in his honor to the University of Washington Department of Anthropology Curtis Wienker Undergraduate Award fund or wait for an anticipated memorial at USF. His sudden passing comes with deep sadness to all who love and knew him.