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W. Nobles Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
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Gordon Zimmerman
January 22, 2009
To Judy and family--I am priveleged to have had the smartest man I've known as my teacher, my boss and my friend. Four years as Scott's debater at Oregon taught me how to think. Two years as his debate assistant at Macalester gave me the tools for an academic career. For years after that I sought Scott's perspectives and advice. Judy, I was especially honored when Scott asked me to be with you and him when you said your wedding vows--remember? I'm lucky to have my many remembrances of this remarkable man.
Ken Stephens
January 19, 2009
As others have said, Scott Nobles was a very important person in my life. As a student, it was inspirational and fun to be around him. He had a good natured and diplomatic way of getting the most out of his students. We were all proud to be a part of his team and in awe of his intellect. In later years, I had the good fortune to be able to call myself his friend. Scott is one of a very small number of people who had a role in shaping my career. The comments of those who have posted in this guest book illustrate the feelings Scott generated in his students, colleagues and friends.
Jean Guske Ward
January 18, 2009
My husband Paul and I send our deepest sympathy to all of the family. You are in our thoughts. When I joined the U of O forensic team in the fall of 1956, I had no idea how important those next four years would be in shaping my future. Scott Nobles was one of the most influential figures in my life,and I will always remember him as an outstanding coach, teacher, advisor and friend. With Judy Hawley May, my debate partner, I learned from Scott Nobles that women definitely have a place in the world of forensics, and he even convinced me to be his graduate assistant for the year after graduation. Scott Noble's brilliance in the classroom and as a forensic coach is, indeed, legendary, and I treasure the opportunities I had to learn from him.
Judy McKeever
January 12, 2009
My condolences to all of Scott's family! Dr. Nobles was my coach and teacher at the U of O from 1961-1965. His intelligence, wit, expertise, and liberal politics transformed me from a shy girl with conservative Medford background to an avid Democrat, debater and lifelong debate coach. My husband, Tom Ness and I met on the team and valued our days as part of the U of O debate and symposium programs. Hello to other Oregon alumnae who shared those years.
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Melissa Williams
January 12, 2009
Growing up in Eugene and spending lots of time from 7th Grade on hanging at the house with daughter Jenny, I warmly remember Dr. Nobles' engaging smile and quick wit.
I send my condolences to Jenny and all the family for their loss.
Fondly, Melissa
Connie Koistinen Jackson
January 12, 2009
Dear Becky, Greg and Family,
I am so sorry to read of the passing of your father. Please know that you are in my prayers.
Judy (Hawley) May
January 11, 2009
I was part of Scott's Forensic Team during the early part of his tenure at the UofO. He was also my advisor for my Senior Thesis. What a wonderful teacher, coach, and human being. I learned a lot from him and always have fond memories of my times on the debate squad as Jeannie Guske's Debate Partner.
Rob Phillips
January 11, 2009
Scott joined the UO Speech Department two years before I joined the Speech Department at then-OSC. In following years I knew him by his national reputation in debate and by his lively and good-natured personality. What a man, what a model.what a high standard he set in life.
Russell Taylor
January 10, 2009
A true class educator! The best judge during my era in debate (late 60's)!!
Don M. Boileau
January 8, 2009
Scott was my advisor for the Master's degree at the University of Oregon. I have always thought that the "Oregon Symposium" program was the completion of any good debate program. In spring term after NDT was over Oregon debaters went out to speak to clubs, high schools, and other community groups. I had the good fortune of spending spring break one year with a group of debaters speaking in southwestern Oregon. Scott would select several topics from which the host oranization would select one. It balanced the "affirmative/negative" of debate with a chance to explore several options. The President of the University of Oregon once remarked that the appearance of a symposium at the Salem [the state capital] Rotary Club was the best publicity that the UO received each year. Don't forget that he was also a great dancer.
As a teacher he gave me principles of integrating novels into teaching as well as how to select textbooks--I shared these with my graduate students this fall.
My condolences to his family and all the communities that he touched.
Marcia Mulkey
January 7, 2009
Scott was from an era when the leading debate coaches were also serious teachers and scholars. He was both, but also a fun and funny man with a deep love of debate and debaters.
It has been more than 30 years since I had anything to do with collegiate debate, but I remember him vividly. Count me among the many thousands.
Marcia E. Mulkey (Washington, D. C.)
Frank Harrison
January 7, 2009
Scott was a giant in the debate world. I first met him in 1963, and admired him ever since. Condolences to his family.
Kurt Garmaker
January 6, 2009
Scott Nobles more than any other person, influenced the way my mind works, today. He had more to do with sharpening my logic, influencing my political thought and insight. I loved that man, and I believe he loved me.
Judy, if you read this, please contact me.
Kurt Garmaker
Scott Johnson
January 6, 2009
Dr. Nobles was one terrific professor. I took 3 classes from him with the highlight being a course in political persuasion which was both historical and specific to the 1980 presidential campaign.
However, what I will remember most are our wide-ranging discussions over beers.
David Lapakko
January 5, 2009
Scott Nobles taught me much of what I know about debate, argumentation, and critical thinking. He was (arguably, as they say!) the most important influence in my undergraduate education, and I will always feel indebted to him as a result. He was a sharp, quick-witted, congenial, fascinating person who helped me in many different ways. I will never forget him!
Chris Kobin
January 5, 2009
Dr. Nobles was an outstanding Professor, and literally a giant in the debate world. I was on the Mac debate team in 1980-1, my senior year, and when we traveled to different campuses, people always had questions about what he was up to and where he was. When he made the trip with us, he was the centerpoint of everything social. I am honored to have known him.
Michael Bryant
January 5, 2009
He was a leader in all of Debate. I remember him giving me guidance and kind words after a very hard defeat. He taught me a lot.
Lois Berman
January 4, 2009
Thinking of you, Judy. May your beautiful memories give you strength as well as an abundance of "smiles".
Peg Kaplan
January 4, 2009
Scott was an important part of the Twin City duplicate bridge world. I was sorry when Scott no longer could compete and missed his presence.
My condolences to all Scott's family on your loss.
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