Jimmy Widner (1958)

DR. LEE RICKLES TILMAN Obituary

DR. LEE RICKLES (RICK) TILMAN

It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Rick Tilman announces his passing on February 27, 2025, in his adopted hometown of Flagstaff, Arizona. He was 86 years old and lived a full and accomplished life.

Born on February 17, 1939, in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Lee and Noma Tilman, Rick was the third of their six children. He and his siblings were later raised in Boulder City, where he developed an early passion for academics, athletics, and intellectual curiosity. Rick graduated from Boulder City High School in 1957, excelling both in the classroom and in sports. He starred on the basketball court and in track and field, becoming the Nevada state champion in the pole vault in 1957 with an impressive 12'6" vault—accomplished with a non-flexible pole, a feat that speaks to his sheer determination and skill.

Rick attended Oregon State University on a basketball scholarship, where he earned his undergraduate degree in history. He was then accepted into the Master's/Ph.D. program at the University of Arizona, obtaining his Doctorate in History in 1966. Over the course of his distinguished career, Rick became recognized as one of the world's foremost authorities on classical American economic thinkers, particularly those in the tradition of Thorstein Veblen, C. Wright Mills, and John Dewey. His scholarship was prolific, publishing eight books and numerous academic papers that shaped the fields of political economy, economic thought, and public policy. At the time of his passing, he was actively working on another book, a testament to his lifelong dedication to intellectual inquiry.

Rick's academic journey took him to universities across the world, where he shared his knowledge and sharp wit with students and colleagues alike. He held teaching and research positions at the University of London, Humboldt University in Germany, California State University Bakersfield, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Victor Valley College, the University of New Mexico, the University of Nevada Reno, and the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), where he served as a tenured professor in History, Political Science, and Public Policy for 30 years. Upon his retirement, he was honored with the title of Emeritus Professor at UNLV, a distinction recognizing his significant contributions to the university and his field.

Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades for his contributions to economic history and political thought, including the Veblen-Commons Award from the Association for Evolutionary Economics. He was a sought-after speaker at international conferences and served as an advisor to scholars researching the intersection of economics, history, and political thought. Those fortunate enough to have had Rick as a professor remember him for his razor-sharp intellect, insightful lectures, and irreverent sense of humor that made even the driest economic theories entertaining.

Beyond academia, Rick was a beloved brother, uncle, mentor, and friend. His love of learning extended to his family, where he encouraged his nieces and nephews to embrace academic pursuits, track and field (with a special fondness for pole vaulting, of course), and the great outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, always on the hunt for native Bonneville Cutthroat Trout, and he could cook a legendary Dutch oven gingerbread over a campfire. His passion for the sport of track and field never waned—he was a lifelong subscriber to Track & Field News and never missed a chance to share it with anyone who showed even a passing interest.

Rick was also known for his deep sense of social justice, his unapologetic advocacy for secularism and free thought, and his commitment to progressive causes. His razor-sharp wit, dry humor, and ability to challenge conventional wisdom made him a force to be reckoned with in both intellectual and personal conversations. He never backed down from a debate but was always willing to listen and engage in meaningful discussions with those around him.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Noma Tilman; as well as his sisters, Dawn Tilman and Nomalee Tilman. He is survived by his sister, Kathleen Tilman; his brothers, Timothy (Jody) Tilman and Paul (Donna) Tilman; and his devoted wife and longtime companion, Ruth Porter Tilman. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews who will carry forward his legacy of intellectual curiosity, humor, and love for the outdoors.

Rick's impact on his family, friends, students, and colleagues will be felt for generations to come. His intellect, humor, and unwavering pursuit of knowledge leave an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Services will be private.