David Hooson, a UC Berkeley professor emeritus of geography who specialized in the former Soviet Union and territories that were once under its control, died last Friday of a heart attack while swimming at Shell Beach in Northern California. He was 82.

Hooson taught at UC Berkeley for 34 years before retiring in 1997. He continued to teach after his UC Berkeley career at the Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning at the University of San Francisco.

Students and colleagues alike remembered Hooson for his energetic vitality and passion for teaching a variety of topics.

"It was certainly my conviction that he was universally admired," said Robert Gohstand, a former graduate student of Hooson who remained a close friend with him following his graduation. "He was admired as a scholar and I think more importantly as a wonderful, gentle, caring person."

Born in North Wales, Hooson received his undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford. Hooson then went on to pursue his doctoral degree in geography from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Hooson joined the UC Berkeley faculty in 1966, where he held a number of positions during his career. He served as the chair of the geography department, the dean of social sciences division and the chair of the Center for Slavic and East European Studies, among other positions.

According to the coroner's report, Hooson suffered a massive heart attack while swimming.

Margaret Mackenzie-Hooson, Hooson's wife of 26 years, said she was glad her husband's death was quick and painless.

"He died in a fortunate way, it was quite lucky," Mackenzie-Hooson said. "The news around here is how can we all make an exit like David."

In addition to his love of swimming, Mackenzie-Hooson said her husband enjoyed dancing, world affairs and teaching.

Hooson delivered the keynote address at the graduation ceremony for the geography department seven years ago.

Former students of Hooson said they remember his more unconventional methods of teaching.

Dorothy Brownback, a former student of Hooson's at the Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning, described Hooson as a global thinker with a very different teaching style in comparison to other professors.

"He was the least uptight academic you would ever find," she said. "His lecture style was very casual. He had no notes, and it made it almost like storytelling."

Hooson is survived by his wife and two children, Roger and Claire Hooson.

Memorial services will be held in West Marin, Berkeley, North Wales and London in the upcoming months.

Tags: DAVID HOOSON, OBITUARY