In Loving Memory of Pete A. Y. Gunter, Prof. Emeritus and author of "Getting Bergson Straight: The Contributions of Intuition to the Sciences"
Join Us in Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Pete Gunter
On Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 3:00 PM, we invite you to join Sheila Gunter in celebrating the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of her beloved father and our cherished friend, Pete A. Y. Gunter, Prof. Emeritus. The event will be held both in person and online via Zoom, making it accessible to all who wish to honor his memory.
Event Details
Date and Time:
Saturday, May 25, 2024
3:00 PM
Physical Location:
University of North Texas
Environmental Education, Science and Technology Building
Room 110
1704 W. Mulberry (at the corner of Ave C)
Parking is available at the back, free to the public on Saturdays.
Online Attendance:
If you cannot join us in person, you are welcome to attend online via Zoom. Please use the following details to join the meeting:
Zoom Meeting: https://unt.zoom.us/j/83574411205?pwd=dlBrVVRjVEkwSVJNL1lLd2EzOXNSUT09#success
Password: Bergson
RSVP:
If you would like to RSVP through the Facebook event, https://www.facebook.com/events/1131622094692153/
We look forward to seeing you and celebrating this remarkable man’s life together.
A Life of Service, Scholarship, and Passion
Pete A. Y. Gunter was born on October 20, 1936, in Hammond, Indiana, and died on March 6, 2024, at Medical City in Dallas. Throughout his life, Pete embodied the spirit of Texas, having moved to the state at the age of 10 and embracing its culture and landscape. His writings, both fiction and non-fiction, captured the essence of Texas and the Red River region, reflecting his deep connection to the land and its history.
Academic and Professional Achievements
Pete's academic journey was illustrious. After finishing high school in Houston, he graduated from the University of Texas in 1958. He was a Marshall Scholar at Cambridge University, where he earned a BA in 1960. Pete completed his Ph.D. at Yale in 1963, focusing on the philosophy of French Nobel Laureate Henri Bergson.
He began his teaching career at Auburn University and later at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In 1970, Pete became the first Chair of the newly established Department of Philosophy at the University of North Texas. His visionary leadership helped UNT become a pioneer in environmental philosophy, emphasizing Texas Land Ethics and interdisciplinary approaches.
A Legacy of Activism and Environmentalism
Pete was a passionate environmentalist, instrumental in the designation of the Big Thicket in Southeast Texas as the nation’s first Biological Preserve. His dedication to this cause involved politicking, lobbying, fundraising, and advocacy, leaving an indelible mark on environmental preservation.
Contributions to Philosophy and Music
As a leading expert on Henri Bergson, Pete’s scholarly work spanned philosophy, environmental science, physics, biology, ethics, and education. His final book, Getting Bergson Straight (2023), highlighted Bergson’s contributions to science. Pete also had a love for music, composing folk-imbued classical pieces and writing philosophical parody lyrics.
Personal Life and Community Involvement
Pete is survived by his spouse Liz and daughter Sheila, both of Denton. He was a devoted family man, beloved teacher, and colleague. Pete's contributions to the profession of academic philosophy were significant, particularly through his long-term work with the Foundation for the Philosophy of Creativity.
For more information, please visit https://petegunter.net.
Join us in remembering and honoring Pete Gunter’s remarkable life and contributions.
Edition 1st
ISBN 978-1-64889-737-5
Published in September 2023
Page last updated on May 17th 2024. All information correct at the time, but subject to change.
