RYBNICEK, PH.D., Edward (Doc) H.

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Thursday, November 03, 2011 Edward (Doc) H. Rybnicek, Ph.D, longtime Professor of Sociology at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona passed away peacefully in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the age of 84. Edward was born in New Prague on July 25, 1927, son of immigrant parents Henry and Ann Rybnicek. After graduating from New Prague High School in 1945, Edward enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on Okinawa during the last days of World War II. He served in the Navy until 1958, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant. While in the Navy he also attended Denison University, Granville, Ohio, earning a BA, Colgate Rochester, N.Y. Divinity School; M.A. After leaving the Navy, he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Ph.D, in Sociology (1962). Edward was a well-known and respected professor at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona for many years. He taught historical and constructive theory, social organization, sociology of religion, urban sociology & political sociology and also served as the pre-law advisor. He also served for a time as head of the Sociology Department at NAU. He retired from the Northern Arizona University in 1991 with the title of Professor Emeritus. Edward was well traveled & known as a very giving, unselfish and generous person in many ways. During his tenure at NAU, Doc was a profound influence on the lives of many of his students. Edward is survived by his sister Alice (Walter) Kensy of Arden Hills, Minnesota, 6 nieces and nephews, 15 great nieces and nephews and 9 great-great nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday November 5th, 2011 in the chapel at Samaritan Funeral Home, 1505 East McDowell, Phoenix, Arizona. Edward's lifelong friend, the Rev. Hugh Outterson, of Rochester New York, will officiate. This obituary was prepared by the Advertising Department (928) 556-2279.