Hector Avalos

Birth date: Oct 8, 1958 Death date: Apr 12, 2021

Live Stream https://youtu.be/YRnJ8c4-EDU Dr. Hector Avalos died on April 12, 2021 after a battle with cancer. Avalos was born in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico on October 8, 1958. His early education began in an elementary school in Mexi Read Obituary

Wall Obituary Events Media

Lizmari M. Collazo

266w ago

I knew Hector before he knew me. I knew him as a young fundamentalist Christian, back in the 90s, when I would attend debates between himself and one of our fundamentalist pastors at that time. Sadly, it took me a few more years to realize how right he was and how wrong I was. Once I acknowledged and welcomed my own journey to atheism, I wrote him an email and expressed my apologies to him for having given so much of my mind and heart to such a wrong-headed ideology, and thanking him for his efforts to open our minds to evidence and the pursuit of inquiry. We became good friends after that, and he was always a kind person, with a thoughtful word and concern for others. I will greatly miss him, but I am thankful that we were able to have a friendship and bond before the last curtain call. May his tireless work and dedication inspire many more young people to keep working to always uncover the truth, however uncomfortable it might be. -- Lizmari M. Collazo

Mary Sue Coleman

268w ago

I knew Hector when he was at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and part of a postdoctoral program for humanities scholars. It was an enormous privilege to work with him and to know him. A gentle soul, he radiated good will and knowledge. I was immensely proud of his work and his faculty career at Iowa State University. With deepest sympathy and admiration for life well lived, Mary Sue Coleman, president emerita, University of Michigan

Gretchen Brittain

272w ago

Cindy, I am so very sorry of learn of Hector's death. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Please let me know when you decide to have his memorial service. I have such fond memories of taking classes with him and being in study groups together at the U of AZ. Hector was a wonderful person. He will be missed. Gretchen Brittain, Tucson

Sylvia Ethington

273w ago

I am very sorry to hear that Professor Avalos has passed. I have always regretted that I didn’t discover his classes until my last semester when I took a religion class. He was a fantastic teacher, fun and interesting and I wish I had had the time to take more of his classes before graduation. I remember the first day of class, he took attendance without a list, saying each of our names from memory and then looking at each of us and saying, “Trust me, I’ll notice if you don’t come to class.” I was a bit intimidated, and very impressed. I also never missed a single day of class, but more because I enjoyed it than fear of censure. His lessons were always so fascinating and engaging. He really inspired me. Now, almost twenty years later and half a world away, I’m a teacher myself and he still inspires me to get my students involved and ask them the questions that will make them think and evaluate the world around them. He will be missed.

Kelli Gabrielson

274w ago

I was happy to have Dr. Avalos as a professor at ISU by accident. I enjoyed Latino Literature so much, I took New Testament the next year. He will be missed by so many.

Steve Clark

275w ago

I greatly enjoyed his books and his ability and willingness to think outside of conventional norms and challenge status quo bias. He will be greatly missed. A hero of mine.

Nicolae Roddy

275w ago

Dear Cindy, I will always remember the year you and Hector joined us at Bethsaida. Hector and I had many stimulating conversations in the hot sun, which I will not soon forget. May his memory be eternal.

Eileen Mericle

275w ago

You had to go early if Dr. Avalos was the featured speaker. Latecomers often found themselves in Standing Room Only . A dynamic man, cheerful and erudite with prolific literary output.
I will miss him more than I can say. Eileen Mericle (Ames resident 50 years)

Carol Walker

275w ago

Cindy,
I am so very sorry to hear about Hector. I know from talking with you he was the love of your life.
My heart goes out to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. A big hug for you and know I am
thinking of you. Hopefully we would love to see you at our IT coffee the first Thursday of each month!
Love to you... Carol Walker

Paul Lasley

275w ago

Iowa State and Ames are a richer place because of Hector's commitment to diversity and intellectual excellence. He led an amazing life in spite of a long chronic illness. Rest in peace.

Tribute Wall

Tribute Wall