Vern was always the perfect gentleman, good & generous friend, in addition
to being an outstanding scholar who contributed immeasurably to our
profession. Rather than mourn his passing, I celebrate a life well lived.
Tom


On Thu, Jul 31, 2014 at 12:55 AM, Lauer, A Robert <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>  Nb: this is extremely sad news.
>
>
>
>  Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Amy Williamsen
> Date:07/31/2014 3:54 AM (GMT+01:00)
> To: Sharon Voros , "S.P. Garcia" , Mancing Howard , Charles Ganelin ,
> "Ellen M. Anderson" , Ellen Anderson / Tim Wiebe , "Campbell, Gwyn" , Donna
> Campbell , "Bruce R. Burningham" , Ben Gunter , Harley Erdman , Valerie
> Hegstrom , [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], Isaac Benabu ,
> Bob Johnston , "Larson, Catherine" , Catherine Connor , "Lauer, A Robert" ,
> "Weimer, Christopher" , Barbara Mujica , "Emilie L. BERGMANN"
> Subject: Tristes noticias: Vern G. Williamsen
>
>  Dr. Vern G. Williamsen, founding member of AHCT, passed away at his
> daughter’s home in Oak Ridge, North Carolina, after a prolonged illness on
> Tuesday, July 29th surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his
> wife of over 55 years, Clara, his brother Paul, his daughters Amy and Tora,
> and his two grandsons, Erik and Pablo. He remained sharp and lucid until
> his final moments; his love for the *comedia *and his fellow *comediantes*
> never wavered. In fact, on Sunday evening, he spent a pleasant hour
> animatedly conversing with a new friend who had just discovered the *comedia
> *through the introductory chapter to his Twayne book on the minor
> dramatists, which included what our father considered one of his most
> important contributions to our field: his insights into the dramatic
> structure of the *comedia*. He will also be remembered for his artful
> translations of Spanish classical theater and his pioneering work to make *comedias
> *available online.
>
> In a letter he wished to share with friends and family, he summarized his
> life as follows:
>
> * Who would have expected that the skinny little know-it-all pest whose
> greatest dream was the seemingly impossible goal of becoming a teacher
> could possibly accomplish what my luck has brought me? I have lived a
> longer and more productive life than most others I have known and I wish
> you all the same fate. Just remember that I was able to pursue two basic
> interests in my life, Spanish Language and Literature and my first love,
> Music and, at the same time pass on those interests for generations to
> come. I have not died since my spirit ripples on into eternity. With love
> to all, Vern *
>
> In accordance with his wishes, we will schedule a celebration of his life
> later this year in Tucson, Arizona where he earned his M.A. from the
> University of Arizona, studying with the indomitable Miss Ruth Lee Kennedy.
> After retiring from the University of Missouri Columbia, he and his wife
> later retired there, spending over 22 years in the Old Pueblo. In lieu of
> flowers, our family requests that donations be made either to Hospice and
> Palliative Care of Greensboro or AHCT (www.comedias.org).
>  Our heartfelt thanks to all of you who have already written us, and to
> those of you who have kept us in your thoughts.  Please share this news as
> you see fit.
>
> Abrazos fuertes,
>
> Amy
>
> --
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Amy R. Williamsen, Ph.D.
>
> Department Head and Professor of Hispanic Studies
> Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
> 2332 Moore Humanities and Research Building
> 336-334-5725
>
>