Johannes Maarten Ultee, known as Maarten, was born in Utrecht in The Netherlands to Albertina Lie and Arnoldus Johannes Ultee. He was the first of their four children. The family emigrated to the USA in 1953, where the father began work as a research chemist at the DuPont Company in Waynesboro, VA.

From an early age Maarten showed signs of the scholar that he would later become. He excelled in school in all academic subjects and won his high school’s spelling bee in 8th grade. He was an Eagle Scout. He went on to attend Reed College in Portland, OR, where he graduated in three years with a degree in political science. He then earned an MA and PhD in European History from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD.

After a series of academic appointments at various colleges and universities, he settled at the University of Alabama, where he became a tenured full professor. In 2000 he received the Ruth M. Kibbey Award from the university for outstanding services to the Department of History. He retired in 2009 and moved to Pasadena, CA, where he continued his research as a Fellow at the Huntington Library.

A lifelong scholar, Maarten wrote, edited and/or translated ten books and countless academic articles. He was fluent in Dutch, French and English, with a reading knowledge of German and Latin. His specialty was European history, especially French, Dutch & British history of the 16th-19th centuries, and the history of medicine. As hobbies he enjoyed cooking, listening to classical music, reading, visiting museums and especially travel.

He is survived by his brothers Dr. Michiel Ultee of Hillsborough, NJ; Dr. Frank Ultee of Au Sable Forks, NY; and Dr. Hans Coops of Utrecht, Netherlands; a sister, Justice Irene Ultee, of Fredericksburg VA; a son, Nicholas Ultee, of Tuscaloosa, AL; as well as a niece, four nephews, and two grandnieces. A memorial service is planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.