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P.O. Box 506, 943 Highway 425 North, Monticello, AR71655

Timothy Tao Ku
March 26, 1926 - July 15, 2013

Timothy Tao Ku

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Dr. Timothy Tao Ku, age 87, passed away Monday, July 15, 2013 in Plano, TX. He was born in 1926 in Taochung, China. Dr. Ku was a Professor Emeritus in the School of Forest Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) where he served for 38 years before his retirement in 1997. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in forest management in 1948 from the Nanking University. Dr. Ku then received his Master of Forestry degree in 1950 and completed his Ph.D. in 1954 both from Michigan State College of Agriculture and Applied Science (now Michigan State University).

Dr. Ku began his career as a consulting forester for T.S. Coile, Inc. He then joined the School of Forest Resources faculty at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (then Arkansas A&M College) in 1959 and became a full professor in 1963. Dr. Ku also served as a visiting professor at National Taiwan University in 1983. While at UAM he taught multiple courses, including forest soils, forest ecology, forest biology, photogrammetry, forest inventory, forest products, forest entomology, and several others. Dr. Ku influenced over 700 forestry graduates through his teaching and mentoring, and served under four Presidents/Chancellors and ten department administrators.

After the merger of Arkansas A&M College into the University of Arkansas System in 1973, Dr. Ku also served as the principal investigator of a number of national, regional and state-wide research programs in forestry. In 1981 he received a USDA Forest Service Certificate of Appreciation for his participation and accomplishment in a region-wide Southern pine beetle program. Dr. Ku authored or co-authored over 40 scientific publications and reports and presented at numerous professional conferences. His research efforts focused on forest soils, nutrient cycling, and productivity. In 1987 Dr. Ku led an Arkansas forestry group to represent the state in a Sino-American seminar on forest productivity and site evaluation hosted by the Council of Agriculture, Taiwan, Republic of China (ROC). In 1990 he also led an USDA Forest Service delegation, which included the Associate Chief, Deputy Chief for Research, and the Director of International Forestry, to participate in a Sino-American workshop on forestry administration and forestry technology, again hosted by the Council of Agriculture, Taiwan, ROC.

Dr. Ku was inducted into the Arkansas Foresters Hall of Fame in 1995 in recognition of his accomplishments and many contributions to the forestry discipline. He was very active in several professional organizations, including the Society of American Foresters (SAF), the Soil Science Society of America, the International Society of Soil Science, and the Arkansas Forestry Association. In 1980 Dr. Ku was appointed by then Governor Bill Clinton as a member of the Arkansas State Board of Registration for Foresters and served as its Chairman from 1983-85.

Dr. Ku joined SAF in 1959 and held all elective offices in the Southeast Chapter, Arkansas Chapter, and Ozark Section, and was Charter Chairman of the Ouachita SAF in 1983. He served on many SAF committees including the National Task Force on the Development of a Certified Professional Program from 1984-86. Dr. Ku was elected Ouachita SAF Outstanding Forester in 1984 and SAF Fellow in 1985.

Preceded in death by his parents and an older sister, Chen-Wong, he is survived by his wife, Victoria (Vicki), two sons and their families, Larry, Albert and Barbara (Stimac), Victoria's niece, Yvonne Shao (Ying Cha) UAM 1985 and their son Anthony, and a brother, six sisters and their families. Timothy Ku is also survived by 7 nieces, 6 nephews and 22 great nephews/nieces.

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Visitation
Friday, July 19, 2013
from 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home
943 Highway 425 North
Monticello, AR  71657
Map & Directions

Service
Rosary Service
Friday, July 19, 2013
at 7:00 PM
Stephenson-Dearman Chapel
943 Hwy 425 N.
Monticello, AR  71655
Map & Directions

Funeral Mass
Saturday, July 20, 2013
at 10:00 AM
St. Mark's Catholic Church
1016 N. Hyatt
Monticello, AR  71655
Map & Directions

Interment
Oakland Cemetery
300 North Hyatt St.
Monticello, AR  71655
Map & Directions

Memorial Contributions
Tim Ku Memorial
P O Box 3520
University of Arkansas at Monticello Foundation
Monticello, AR  71656

Condolences(56)

  1. r. Pettigrew
    , CO Monday, September 9, 2013 With our deepest condolences.
    John 5: 28 & 29
  2. Anita Peterson
    Baton Rouge, LA Friday, August 23, 2013 Larry,
    My sincerest condolences to you and your family at this time of great sadness.
    Anita
  3. Joan and Howard Tillman
    McHenry, IL Saturday, August 17, 2013 To Larry,
    Please accept our condolences on the loss of your distinguished father. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Joan & Howard Tillman
  4. Jim Driedric
    Little Rock, AR Wednesday, August 7, 2013 Larry--I just learned of the death of your father a few weeks ago and I want to offer my condolences to you and your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Jim
  5. Marshall & Beverly Sullivan
    Monticello, AR Saturday, August 3, 2013 Albert, so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
  6. Jeannie Derryberry
    Monticello, AR Saturday, August 3, 2013 Always thinking of you Larry.
    Miss u tremendously.
    My prayers go out to you and your family.
  7. Joseph Krystofik
    Searcy, AR Saturday, July 27, 2013 I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Ku's passing. My condolences to Mrs. Ku and the entire Ku family.

    As a former student and Research Assistant under Dr. Ku, I have the utmost admiration, respect and appreciation for all the he did. He was a mentor and a friend. Dr. Ku had a way of making learning fun and interesting.

    Though I lost touch with Dr. Ku over the years, I thought of him often. He provided a window into his Chinese culture that I feel fortunate to have received. I will always appreciate Dr. Ku's caring heart and kindness and will remember him fondly. May he rest in peace.

    Sincerely yours,

    Joseph Krystofik

  8. Vic Ford
    Hope, AR Thursday, July 25, 2013 Truly a great man and a good friend. My life was blessed because of Tim.
  9. Fred Burnett
    Bryant, AR Thursday, July 25, 2013 So sorry to hear of Doc Ku's passing. Your family is in my family's prayers.
  10. Tomothy L. Evans
    Vicksburg, MS Thursday, July 25, 2013 Doc Ku was always one of my favorite professors in my days at UAM. No one else could turn a phrase with half as much style. He was truly there for the benefit of his students, and will be sorely missed.
  11. Pam Blount
    Colorado Springs, CO Tuesday, July 23, 2013 Was saddened to hear of Doc Ku's passing. I have many fond memories of working with him in the Forestry Dept...especially the big smile that was always on his face. Peace be with you all at this time. Pam
  12. Mary Heady
    Monticello, AR Monday, July 22, 2013 When I saw Dr. Ku at Rotary Club meetings, he was always willing to share his knowledge of the history of the School of Forest Resources. He was kind and a true gentleman. He will be missed.
  13. Bob and Mary Beth Blackmon
    Troy, NY Monday, July 22, 2013 Tim Ku was a scholar, a scientist and a friend, and we were deeply saddened by the news of his death. Tim played a major role in my career change from Forest Service research to higher education. When the department head position at UAM became vacant in 1978, Tim called me and urged me to apply. I was initially reluctant, but Tim was persistent. He kept calling, and at the very last minute I mailed my resume.
    I enjoyed a wonderful career (twice at UAM) and at two other fine institutions, and I am grateful for Tim's persistence. Thank you, Tim Ku! Our thought as prayers for Vicki, Larry, and Albert and the entire Ku family.
  14. Mark Johnson
    Emerson, AR Sunday, July 21, 2013 Doc Ku, you are one of the greatest, May God bless your family during this difficult time. I came to know Doc through the forestry program at UAM and Mrs. Ku as well. The most dearest to my heart was being able to work for the both of you at your home doing whatever needed to be done, and the dinner prior to my graduation with my girlfriend which is now my wife and has been for twenty years.Thank the both of you from the bottom of my heart. Mark and Susan Johnson BS Forestry 1990.
  15. Ernest & Carolyn Cook
    Taylor, AR Sunday, July 21, 2013 So sorry to hear of Dr. Ku's passing. He was a great friend and mentor. He will be greatly missed.
  16. John D. Bellott
    Monticello, Ar., AR Sunday, July 21, 2013 He was a good friend and teacher and could have a lot of fun being both.
  17. Roger N. Moore
    Ruston, LA Saturday, July 20, 2013 We send our condolences to the family. I am blessed to have been one of his students. (1986 grad).
  18. Gena Burson
    Superior, CO Saturday, July 20, 2013 As you lay your father to rest, know we all love you. You were a big part of our lives and we have great memories. Please keep in touch and give your mother a very big hug from all the Moss/Burson family. Much love... gena
  19. Bart Langford
    Mabelvale, AR Saturday, July 20, 2013 It was an honor to know and be taught by Dr. Ku. One could actually talk to Dr. Ku as a person. I was fortunate to have him as my professor and to be a student assistant to him during my time at Arkansas A&M/ UAM. From 1968-1972.
    My prayers are with you, his family. Know that he helped many others during his life. I count myself one of those!!
    God Bless Dr. Ku and his family.. And thanks for all you did for so many of us. You will be missed.
    Bart Langford class of 1972
  20. Lowell F. Lynde, Jr.
    Monticello, AR Saturday, July 20, 2013 Dear Vicki, Larry, and Albert, I would like to express my sincere condolence for the death of Tim. He was a dear friend, a kind, gentle person who loved his family and with whom I had the fortune of spending many happy hours especially at the dinner table and the bridge table. May the many memories that you have of Tim comfort you in this time of sorrow. May God bless you and may Tim rest in peace.
  21. Dale Ridgway
    Pine Bluff, AR Friday, July 19, 2013 I regret that I did not have the pleasure of knowing Dr. Ku, but I would like to commend the person who composed his obituary. It is an informative review of a great man's life without being maudlin, a brief lesson on world history and international politics, and a fine example of modern writing. Only a truly fine human could have inspired and influenced such a person.
  22. Chancellor Emeritus, Dr. Fred Taylor
    Little Rock, AR Friday, July 19, 2013 Dear Vicki, Janice and I share the loss of your beloved husband, Tim. Both of you were our special friends and professional colleagues. Dr. Ku was always the professional gentleman and respectful of his colleagues and supervisors.
    Dr. Ku was instrumental in our being invited to dinner by his father, General Ku when we visited Taiwan, a high light of our trip.
    Dr. Ku will be remembered by all of us fortunate enough to have known him personally and professionally.
    Dr. Ku received many awards and honors in his lifetime, but The Timothy Ku Endowed Scholarship established by his sons, Albert and Larry, was his favorite.
    Our memories will honor the work and life of Dr. Timothy Tao Ku.
  23. Glen Dabney
    Monticello, AR Friday, July 19, 2013 Please accept my condolences. Tim was a great person, a great educator and mentor to many. I will miss him very much and will never forget his generosity and kindness.
  24. Joan Kelly Wraxall
    Richmond, CA Friday, July 19, 2013 Wishing all of you well during this sad celebration of a long and successful life.
  25. Allen Morgan
    Arkadelphia, AR Friday, July 19, 2013 Dr. Ku has influenced Arkansas' forestry for more than two generations. His impact on our state lives on through all those with whom he taught and worked. I am honored to have been his student. My warmest thoughts and prayers go to his family.
  26. Faye Lewis
    Monticello, AR Friday, July 19, 2013 What a privilege to have know Dr Ku. Always the gentleman and so kind. Having grown up with Larry I was acquainted the family and even as years passed he never forgot my name. Maybe he never forgot the pickles Larry and I got ourselves in. Great generation and precious family.
  27. Debra Kelly
    Centennial, CO Friday, July 19, 2013 Dr. Ku had a wonderfully long and very prestigious life and career. He was such a fine man and had a fine family that I know he loved very much and was proud of. I know you'll miss him. God bless you all with comfort and peace and wonderful memories of his life well lived.
  28. Jeff Earl
    Beaumont, TX Friday, July 19, 2013 Vicki, Larry, & Albert,

    I was so saddened to hear about Dr. Ku's passing. He was always so nice to me during my years in Monticello. On at least a couple of occasions, he invited me to attend a Razorback football game in Little Rock...and also went with a couple of us to see the Tennessee Titans during their only season in Memphis. He was someone who valued his friendships, and I will certainly miss him.
  29. Mrs. Lee Cordell Chavis
    Rison, AR Friday, July 19, 2013 My late husband, Cordell Chavis, was a foresty student of Dr. Ku's from 1960-1964. Cordell loved Dr. Ku; he had so much respect for him. I am sure the two of them can reunite in Heaven and talk of old times. I am sorry for your loss of this fine man.
  30. John Thompson
    Duluth, MN Friday, July 19, 2013 Dr. Ku taught me 1963-1967. He will be missed. He was truly one of the good guys, and a brilliant scientist. My best memory of Dr. Ku is that he could do more pull-ups than any of us when we were at the deer camp drinking beer. Like all our professors at A&M, we felt that Tim really cared personally about how we did and what kind of Foresters we would make. Best wishes to his family.
  31. Pete Halstead
    Linton, IN Friday, July 19, 2013 My thoughts and prayers are with you folks. I studied under him during the early 1960's and found him to be an inspiring and fair teacher. He made a difference in my life and he will be missed.
  32. Derik Reed
    East Helena, MT Thursday, July 18, 2013 Doc Ku lives on in the stories I tell to my high school students. I didn't always realize it at the time, but there was much wisdom in his way of viewing forestry, academics, and life. I am honored to share his legacy with others.
  33. Jeff and Susan Givens
    McKinney, TX Thursday, July 18, 2013 Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
  34. LaNell McKiever
    Monticello, AR Thursday, July 18, 2013 Vickie, I know how close you were in your family. My heart goes out to you. I always think of you so often, playing tennis with you
    and as Randy's teacher in college. Bless you and your family at
    this time of your loss.
  35. Lorin McLoud
    Warren, AR Thursday, July 18, 2013 I'm sorry for your loss Vicky Ku
  36. Pat Rogers McKinney
    McKinney, TX Thursday, July 18, 2013 I attended church at St Luke's in Warren growing up and the Ku family was very special. Dr Ku was always smiling and a very gracious man. The whole family was very active in the Church . My deepest sympathy goes out to the Ku family. May God comfort all of you.
    Pat Rogers McKinney
  37. Joe Askew
    El Dorado, AR Thursday, July 18, 2013 Condolences to the family from a former student (BSF 1987)
  38. Marvin, Betty, and Gene Norton
    , AR Thursday, July 18, 2013 Vickie , our prayers and condolences go with you and your family
  39. Frank Trude
    Ruston, LA Thursday, July 18, 2013 To the Ku family I extend my deepest sympathy. Dr Ku was a wonderful person and instructor. He came to A & M in the summer of 1959 in time for summer camp and his family had not moved here then so he was just like one of the students in that he had a room in the dorm just like all of the students. We had a wonderful time together and all of the community and state will morn your loss.
  40. Mike James
    Malvern, AR Thursday, July 18, 2013 My deepest sympathies to the Ku family, he was a good instructor and friend.
  41. Steven Burgess
    Perryville, AR Thursday, July 18, 2013 Dr. Ku was one of my favorite professors at UAM. I was one of his students in 1996. He was a great friend of forestry and will be greatly missed.
  42. David Smith
    Arkadelphia, AR Thursday, July 18, 2013 the Foresty Community has lost a dear friend. Dr. Ku will be long remembered.
  43. Fr. Chet Artysiewicz
    Fairfield, OH Thursday, July 18, 2013 I have many wonderful memories of Tim from my years in Monticello. His gentle demeanor and willingness to be of service stand out in my mind. My prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May your faith in God's promise and the support of your friends sustain you.
  44. Eloise Jacob
    Monticello, AR Thursday, July 18, 2013 To the Ku Family:
    You have our deepest sympathy in the loss of Mr. Timothy Ku. He and his wife are very dear to our family. He will be greatly missed.
    Eloise Jacob and Family
    Monticello, AR 71655
  45. Dave Miller
    El Dorado, AR Thursday, July 18, 2013 I join with all foresters in expressing my sympathy and condolences to the Ku family for your loss. I did not study under Dr. Ku, but have appreciated his contribution to both UAM and the forest community.
  46. Peter Remoy
    Hamburg, AR Thursday, July 18, 2013 Dr. Ku had a positive influence on my life and development; not only as a forester, but as a person. He was a good man and I offer my condolences to his family.
  47. Jack (AJ) Brigance
    Russellville,, AR Thursday, July 18, 2013 The Ku family has my sympathy and prayers. Doc Ku was a teacher, friend and gentleman. I will miss him.
  48. Sarah Alice Spencer
    Monticello, AR Wednesday, July 17, 2013 My deepest sympathies to the Ku family.
  49. Leo & Julie Waner
    Waunakee, WI Wednesday, July 17, 2013 Larry & Michael:

    Larry, please accept our condolences and sadness during your time of grief in the passing of your father. You and your family will remain in our prayers during this most difficult of times.

    Leo, Julie, Rachel, Alex, & Nicole
  50. Arthur Walmsley
    Stuttgart, AR Wednesday, July 17, 2013 I studied under Dr. Ku at UAM (1975-78). His classes were challenging and entertaining. I would like to express my deepest regrets to his family. I pray that you will be comforted by the presence of our Heavenly Father during this time of mourning.
  51. Dave, Jenny and Katie Foster
    McKinney, TX Wednesday, July 17, 2013 Albert and Barb,

    We are very sorry for your loss, our prayers are with you and your families at this difficult time.

    The Fosters
  52. Kay & Dan Hughes
    Frisco, TX Wednesday, July 17, 2013 Albert & Barb - our family is thinking of yours as we extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers on the loss of your Dad. My Mother, Bobbie Compton, also sends her prayers to you.
  53. Ricky ONeill
    Warren, AR Tuesday, July 16, 2013 Sorry to hear! Really loved him. Praying for the Ku family.
  54. Marsha Daniels
    Monticello, AR Tuesday, July 16, 2013 We are so very sad to learn of your loss. Such a wonderful, gracious man who was a great friend of both our families. Our love to you all.
    Marsha & Bill Daniels
    Ruth Moffatt
  55. Heidi Hogue
    Monticello, AR Tuesday, July 16, 2013 I am so sorry for your loss. I know that he will be missed by all of you.
  56. Dennis Wells
    Springdale, AR Tuesday, July 16, 2013 Albert sorry for your loss. I'll be praying for you and your family.
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