A legend in Connecticut archaeology died this summer. Fred Warner passed away on August 7, 2016 at the age of 89. Memories of Fred conjure many deep feelings, including his dedication to archaeology and his unstoppable energy that was a part of him until the end. His death comes as a shock to most of us since he never seemed to age. Physically strong, mentally alert, bounding down the staircase of DiLoreto Hall, two and three steps at a time leaving students half his age struggling to keep up. Witnessing him skip around a classroom, barely able to contain his enthusiasm, was infectious. It was hard for a student not to become engrossed in archaeology. I was. And, Fred brought that same energy to the field. He was never indifferent about his work.

He completed his undergraduate training at Yale University and received his doctorate from Hartford Seminary, where upon he was hired to teach anthropology at Central Connecticut State College and was already its department head when I enrolled there in 1974. Fred was President of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut at that time, a position he held from 1972 to 1978, and the year prior to my arrival, he had founded the Connecticut Archaeological Survey (CAS), the first cultural resource management firm in the state, so at Central there were field opportunities along with classroom training. So much was swirling around Fred during the 1970s that the college seemed to us the epicenter of archaeology. Meetings were held, archaeologists visited, projects planned and a library developed. It was a wonderful environment for a young, hopeful archaeologist. He was my first professor of archaeology and CAS provided my initial field experience. His influence on me was immense.

As was his influence on all of Connecticut archaeology. In 1979, Fred received funding from the Department of the Interior administered through the CT State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to conduct a statewide inventory of archaeological sites. Through that initiative, Fred compiled a comprehensive database synthesizing known sites and listing new ones that represents today much of what is catalogued within the Connecticut Archaeological Site Files and Maps maintained by the Office of State Archaeology and SHPO. That contribution should not be underestimated, his tenacity in searching out what was known at that time, coordinating with amateurs and professionals, casting his net to all corners of Connecticut, has helped us manage and preserve hundreds of archaeological sites across the state.

Fred Warner's research interests eventually gravitated toward industrial archaeology. He was always hands-on, loved his machines and understanding how they worked, so his passion in historical industrial technologies is of no wonder. He even used a backhoe when appropriate at his sites. In particular, he specialized in the study of early transportation mechanisms, including canals and railroads, as well as historic sources of energy (i.e., water, steam and electricity). Even after his official retirement from Central, he devoted time and effort to researching and preserving the Beckley Iron Furnace in Canaan, a state-owned park listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As a member of the Beckley Friends organization, Fred served as their resident archaeologist, providing tours, developing exhibits and educating the general public on the iron industry and the early mechanisms of the blast furnace. He served in a similar capacity with the Barkhamsted Historical Society, remaining a passionate teacher to the very end. In addition, he served on the board of directors for the Friends of the Office of State Archaeology for many years. Fred could never quit.

And, Fred could be controversial at times. He was strong-minded in whatever he thought was right, never afraid to buck horns if he needed to. Yet, he could always disarm a competitor with his quick wit, endearing smile and lusty laugh. Working with Fred was never boring!

Fred Warner stories abound and writing this brings back so many memories of my early development as an archaeologist and a realization of the debt I owe him. In this regard, I am not alone. He inspired many students with his energy, knowledge and personality and was often warmly referred to as “Uncle Fred.” He leaves behind three generations of family and two generations of students that deeply loved him.

Along with the academic side of archaeology, Fred taught us that our science demanded hard labor in the field and he provided example by keeping himself in good physical condition. Many years later, as state archaeologist at UConn, I was walking with a couple of my students across campus. When we arrived at our destination, the undergraduates were gasping for breath as they attempted to keep up with me. We all laughed about it, but that's when I realized I had become Fred Warner! I will always love him.