11/9/1951 – 10/31/2023
Lawrence
Eric Marshall Rundquist. Born Nov 9, 1951. Died Oct. 31, 2023 at age 71, much too soon.
Son of Richard Marshall Rundquist (deceased) and Patricia G Rundquist of Lawrence. Survived by Mother, Patty, brothers Steve of Bellvue, CO., and David, of Lawrence, and one niece.
Was a founding member and first president of The Kansas Herpetological Society. Author of several books on reptile and amphibian studies. Studied at the University of Kansas and Emporia State. As a youngster he delighted in bring home orphaned critters – snakes, lizards, turtles, birds of various species, critters galore – which our saintly Mother allowed him to keep as “pets”. These “pets” would then escape into the wilds of the home to be discovered with a piercing shriek! curled up in the laundry basket or under the couch cushions by the innocent bystanders of his family and friends. At high school age it was rattlesnakes in a pillow case casually tossed into the trunk or back seat of his car during field trips as he collected specimens for study. More than one curious bystander or nosey citizen was startled by the buzzing sounds and thrashing coming from the pillow case…
Worked at the Oklahoma City Zoo, Sedgewick County Zoo and University of Kansas. Was involved with field work throughout the state of Kansas studying reptiles and amphibians and various animal species. Was deeply connected to the Red Hills prairie environment of south central Kansas. Was a strong advocate for having teachers throughout the state teach good wildlife conservation practices.
Semi Retired from herpetology work and started Blue Blood Turquoise business. Collected Native American art, traded turquoise with Native American artists. Studied and appreciated the culture of the Dine and Hopi people. Also was quite proud of his Swedish Viking family history. A student of family geneology he kept records of the many connections to ancestors and the past.
As a child of the sixties he saw, felt, experienced many powerful and sometimes confusing lessons of American society. He spent a lifetime sorting through and sharing the insight gathered from his experiences. He did not suffer fools gladly… He was Loved and will be missed by many.
Notes of condolence or memories may be left on the guestbook at kcgoldengate.com. Please do not send flowers. A memorial tree may be planted on the kcgoldengate.com guestbook page, search obituaries Eric Marshall Rundquist. A private service is planned for the Spring.
Immortality – A poem by Kansas native Clare Harner
Do not stand
By my grave, and weep.
I am not there,
I do not sleep—
I am the thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints in snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle, autumn rain.
As you awake with morning’s hush,
I am the swift, up-flinging rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight,
I am the day transcending night.
Do not stand
By my grave, and cry—
I am not there,
I did not die.
— Clare Harner, The Gypsy, December 1934
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