Frank Protiva, 47, and Thomas Moody, 58, died in a private airplane crash on Jan. 23. Both men were NAU graduates and strongly connected to the university’s civil and environmental engineering programs.
“Both individuals were substantial contributors to our close-knit engineering community here in northern Arizona,” said Debra Larson, associate dean of the College of Engineering, Forestry and Natural Sciences.
Moody worked two years as a research associate at NAU before starting his own business specializing in stream restoration and natural resource planning. He also worked on environmental issues with Grand Canyon Trust.
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Protiva was a principal owner of Shephard-Wesnitzer Inc., a northern Arizona civil engineering firm. Besides being a large contributor to NAU’s engineering department, the company devotes volunteer time to mentor NAU students.
“Frank and Tom were special people whose presence would light up a room,” said Paul Trotta, a professor of civil and environmental engineering. “It’s a reminder to do what both Frank and Tom would say, ‘Live life and be happy.'”
A celebration of Moody’s life will be from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the Elks Lodge at 2101 N. San Francisco St. Participants are welcome to bring instruments and be included in a music jam session.
Condolences for Moody can be sent to Stephanie@naturalchanneldesign.com.
A celebration of Protiva’s life will be an open-house potluck from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at Wiseman Aviation Hanger located at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.
In lieu of flowers, Protiva’s family requests donations to the Utah Back Country Pilots, Sky Park Airport, 1887 S. Redwood Road #16, Woodscross, UT 84087.
Condolences for Protiva can be sent to norvelowensmortuary.com.