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 29^th 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:

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).