John was tremendously kind to both myself and my wife Linda.
We will miss him very much.  Our condolences and best wishes to
his family.

Naturalists have lost a man the likes of which we may never see again.  John touched so many people and I for one feel truly blessed to have spent many years working with him and Gloria at festivals in both Harlingen and McAllen.  My love and condolences to Gloria and the rest of the family.

I have very fond memories of John.  In 1974 I took my first bird ID course from him at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.  After that I followed him around on a number of field trips.      
A number of years ago we went on a trip to Trinidad and Tobago with John, Gloria, Michael, and Lisa.  John was, of course the expert on birds.  His ability to recognize birds that he hadn't seen for a while was amazing. 

As a biology teacher at Lee College I required my students to do a plant collection.  Both my husband Verne and I have found John and Gloria's plants of Houston to be the most useful book for our students, who have worn out many copies over the years.

Gloria and Michael my heart goes out to you both.  I know you will carry on John's knowledge, but he will still be sorely missed.

Warmest Regards,
Judy

I don't know many truly extraordinary people, so when goes the loss deeply felt.  John was extraordinary in his knowledge of the natural world and in how he could communicate that knowledge to educate and entertain ordinary people like me. And he was extraordinarily nice.

I will always remember the wonderful presentations that John gave to various nature groups that I belong to.  His knowledge and enthusiasm were inspirational and I will miss him very much.

It was always such an educational pleasure to be with John.  We think of him when we look at his pen and ink drawings.  His books are some of our favorite references.  We will miss him.

As Master Naturalist we got to know and love both John & Gloria and our hearts go out to the family.  John was a wonderful naturalist and we have learned so much from him. What fun we all had at Nature Quest in Concan! A great loss to us all.  We send Gloria strength and love,  Sue & Mike Kersey

I was John's nurse on his last couple of days at methodist hospital. he really touched my heart as well as all the staff that cared for him. his wife couldn't have been more loving to him. i had tears in my eyes as i walked out of his room at the end of my shift. gloria, take care. john will be missed dearly. god bless!

John was a gifted naturalist and photographer but also a gifted teacher. He gave slide show presentations at Armand Bayou Nature Center and we had the honor of hosting a book signing for one of his many publications.
When John presented a slide show and talked about having taken many of the photos in his own back yard, it inspired us to believe that we too could learn to see what is right in fron of us in our own back yard. He inspired many people to become bird and nature watchers.

Michael and Family,

Upon hearing the news of your father's passing I wanted to let you and your family know that I'm very sorry for your loss.  I'll keep you and your family in my prayers of comfort.  Your dad was a great man and I really enjoyed his work in Texas birding.

A truly great loss.  A good friend who always had time to help or just to visit.  A fine teacher.

I have known and admired John for many years.  He gained my respect in many ways.  He will be missed, of course, but will not be forgotten. 

Tom Taroni
Brazosport Birders and Naturalists

I'm a Brazoria county Texas Master Naturalist and John came to lecture on various topics over the years.  He is a great naturalist and will be missed by all of us that heard him speak.

John and Gloria were so gracious to come to Lake Texoma for the first Red River Birding and Nature Festival, in 2005, and share their experiences and expertise with us.




Gloria and family,

Ethel and I were saddened to hear of the loss of the best naturalist we have ever known or will expect to see in our lifetime.  You and John helped make the Migration Celebration successful, but more importantly - you shared your knowledge and experiences with great patience and professionalism.  I could listen to John for hours and yearn for more.  His photography was great and I know you both spent hours upon hours for each presentation.

I do have some of the talks recorded and they will be cherished.

I'll never forget the time when a speaker was late and John extemporaneously spoke about reptiles and kept the audience enthralled with no slides, just sharing his enthusiasm and expertise until the speaker showed up.

I learned a lot from you and John, enjoyed our time together and have some drawings, books, and momentos; but it will never be the same at Migration Celebration or the Houston area without John.

Love,
Tom and Ethel Morris

I was privileged to be able to know John Tveten.  He gained all my respect.  It was such a pleasure birding and butterflying with him.  He will be greatly missed.

We learned so much from John and treasure the signed copies of your books.  Such a sad day for all Naturalists.  You can hear the moans of missing him as the wind passes over the coastal prairies here in Brazoria County.  We rejoice in John's new ""environment"" in Heaven.  May he watch over all of us Naturalists.

I grew up in Glen Arbor in the 70's and went to school with Mike. The neiborhood kids called Mr. Tveton, ""Dr. Tveton, the nature guy"".  We would catch various critters (mostly snakes) and take them to their house where he would tell us what it was, what to do with it and whether or not we should be messing with it. He was a very special person. Mrs. Gloria and Michael, I pray that as the Lord welcomes another angel to heaven, he also sends you strength and good memories to get you through this difficult time.

John was the finest ambassador for nature Texas has ever known.  His writing, his lectures, his persoanlity made nature come alive.  A one-of-a-kind.  Gloria was his perfect partner.  We all will miss John Tveton.

It is with sadness that I say goodbye to a friend to all whom love nature.  John excelled in so many fields.  He leaves a great hole that will be difficult to fill.

Dear Gloria and Mike,
 You know how much John's friendship meant to me. His legacy will endure in me and in the thousands whose lives he touched or changed. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing.
 Love, Mimi


OBITUARY

John L. Tveten

October 16, 1934 – October 12, 2009

Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services

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