Scholarship Fund in Memory of Tamir

On behalf of the Mongolian-American Expedition team, I write with tremendous sadness and shock at the unexpected and untimely passing of our beloved friend, dear colleague, and true Mongolian brother, Tamir Nasankhuu.

Tamir was so well known by his animated spirit, love for life, infectious laugh, and bright, yet mischievous smile. It does not seem possible that we have to say goodbye to such an exuberant and vital man.

Tamir was the glue, to his large and wonderful family, to our expedition team, to our ger neighbors in the Gobi, and more. So many people relied on Tamir to bring them together and to show them the way. Tamir was the most talented and skilled mechanic many of us will ever meet.

His personal GPS for knowing the hills and valleys of the Gobi desert kept us on track and out of harm’s way. Tamir played an integral role in basically every aspect of fieldwork logistics for the Mongolian-American Expeditions for the past 25 years!

For his crucial contributions to science and Mongolia's fossil heritage, Tamir was recognized by SVP in 2015 with the Morris F. Skinner Award for "outstanding and sustained contributions to scientific knowledge through the making of important collections of fossil vertebrates." Tamir was so thrilled to receive this award, and kept it proudly displayed on the mantelpiece of his home.

Tamir had a wonderful kind heart, especially towards children, including all of his nieces and nephews who loved him. He always watched out for all the Gobi children he would meet, to make them feel comfortable and give them some sweets. But above all, Tamir was the most proud and devoted father to Tuvsho (Tosho). He worked his hardest in order to provide a good life and a solid education for his son Tosho. Tamir made the most difficult decision to send Tosho to the US at age 10, to ensure his quality education, and to give him a bright future.

Tosho adjusted to his new life in the US, learned English perfectly, has been studying hard, and is now in his second year of college.

Now here we are, searching for ways to remember and to honor Tamir’s good heart and dedication over these many long years. As a tribute to Tamir, and to continue his legacy of always wanting the best for Tosho, we have created this scholarship fund, to assist Tosho directly with his college tuition.

Despite having to deal with the pain and grief of losing his father at such a young age, we hope this fund will help Tosho to continue his education so he can go on to great things, and continue to make his Dad proud.