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CHARLES D. BATTY

FUNERAL HOME

Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, Inc. - Silver Spring

500 University Blvd. West

Silver Spring, Maryland

CHARLES BATTY Obituary

CHARLES DAVID BATTY "David" (Age 80)
On February 11, 2013, at home in Silver Spring, MD, after an 8-year long battle with cancer. Beloved husband for 38 years of Gayle Batty; father of Philip (Lina), Miles, and Sarah. Also survived by three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 818 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD on February 23 at 2 p.m. Interment private. Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in his name. Online condolences and more information at: www.collinsfuneralhome.com.

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Published by The Washington Post on Feb. 17, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for CHARLES BATTY

35 Entries

Bill Perry

February 11, 2024

I have many memories of David, but one sticks in my mind.

I was in a class he taught in the Univ. of Maryland College of Library and Information Sciences. What David did was on the last day of classes that Semester. We came into class and there sat David in casual clothes holding an acoustical guitar. He treated us to jazz renditions of some of John Donne's sonnets.

I was originally skeptical. However, before David had finished his first piece, I realized he had put the work of Donne in a modern context that reflected to our time what Donne must have been like to his time; it was genius.

Now I was not the easiest student. I was returned from Vietnam after some rather harrowing combat experiences and had yet to deal with those. I had just finished a Masters in Renaissance English, so I thought I knew about Donne's work; I was wrong. David knew about Donne's work. I only knew Donne's words.

Humbled, I went home and thought about what David had done with Donne and knew my learning from him was not yet done (Donne would understand the puns).

Any time David and I spoke after that, I listened, with my whole being.

Bill Perry

February 11, 2022

In one way it seems like only recently that I was crushed by David's death; in another way it seems like a lifetime ago, mine. Part of me won't admit he's gone; part of me feels like my life started downhill from that time, and is gaining speed.

Now, as an Administrator for the private Facebook Group "Anglo-Celtic Religion, History, Liturgy, and Saints," I wish he could participate in our discussions, or I could at least ask his advice about the runic and abstruse questions we are always exploring. I expect to see him again, and not in the too distant future.

I would like those who loved David as I to join me in a brief prayer.
. . . . . . .
Amen.

February 11, 2014

Dear Gayle I greatly appreciate your having written to me shortly before Christmas and as soon as I saw that it was from you I knew dear David was no longer with us. Please forgive my not having written before now to extend to you and the rest of the family my sincere condolences.
Only today have I got round to Googling for an obituary, for I felt sure there would be one somewhere, and see that it is the anniversary of his departing.
It must be difficult for you to place all of David's many friends. I have known him since about 1962 at Birmingham Library School and we have kept in touch, albeit intermittently, ever since . I can visualise a photo from those days and if I find it will send you a copy.Some twenty plus years ago you both came to visit us at Burnt Walls in West Tynedale when you brought us gifts - for me (a W M trivet) and for my young son (a Native American beaded belt)
Dear Gayle I had better stop before memories make me ramble further.
Thank you also for David's two short poems you have sent me and I am very glad to have them.
Geraldine Alderson

Samuel Stych

December 27, 2013

Dear Mrs Batty
Thank you very much for your letter with the sad news of David's death of which I was totally unaware. I sympathise sincerely with you on your great loss. I too have many happy memories of David.
I am afraid that I am no longer in contact with anyone in the library world. I am no longer able to read or write and I am grateful to kind friends who are writing this for me and will send it to you as I am no longer able to get out and about which I suppose is not really surprising since I am 97 years old.
This has been sad news to receive at Christmas time but David's poems for which I thank you are a source of consolation.
With all good wishes for your future happiness and that of your family.
Yours sincerely
Sam Stych

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Baron Tymas

October 1, 2013

My sincerest condolences to the Batty family. I have just learned of David's passing. Although I did not know him well, I remember him as a kind, intelligent, witty and smart person. I met him in the the late 1980s, when I was a young copy editor on a biomedical database project at a small Washington consulting firm. He was a key consultant on the project, and through a passing conversation one day he learned that I was a fledgling musician and composer, with a strong interest in 20th century music. The next day, he gave me a copy of Leopold Spinner's 12-tone composition text, for which I was very grateful. This morning, I had just taken it off the shelf in my office to help prepare a lecture for my graduate Jazz Composition students when I saw David's name inscribed in the inside cover of the book and decided to Google him. His warm smile in the photo was immediately familiar. I wanted to share with you how your loved one's kindness had left such an impression on someone you would not even know.

Emil Levine

August 26, 2013

With many fond memories of our time together at ASIS and our work together at the US Drug Enforcement Administration on their thesaurus. Also times together with families at BBQs. An inspiration to all who knew David. And nice for me that our children independently met each other.

Philip Batty

August 25, 2013

6 months on and I didn't realise you can post a comment here! Well, as the first-born and carrier of his legacy, I must say that his loss is SO sorely felt. Never was there an exponent of knowledge, (not only knowledge but the exploration of knowledge) of intelligence, of compassion, of rational thought, of the melding of the creative and the rational, of plumbing the depths of emotion and logic simultaneously, as my Dad! Since Da Vinci, I don't think there has been anyone who could truly be called a polymath. And yet he led a humble and unassuming life, without self-aggrandissment. Forever my inspiration and my idol: my Dad

Jim Drake

February 24, 2013

When the sun came through the rafters of the church during the service for David you knew he was off to the next great journey. A very special man.
With love Jim

February 23, 2013

Jazs - our heartfelt sympathy for you and your family. He is in heaven at peace now. Jane and CEM

Tom Wilson

February 23, 2013

Sincere condolences for your loss, Gayle - it is many years since we met, but I continued to count David among my friends, having known him since his early days at the Aberystwyth School. We worked together then on developing a new curriculum for what became known as "knowledge organization" and it was this work that, I think, persuaded David to suggest to Paul Wasserman than I follow him as visiting lecturer at Maryland in 1970-71 - that was a formative experience for both of us, I think - not least in his meeting you! As these pages of memories suggest, David is gone but by no means forgotten and will live in our memories as a delightful, erudite man with a wicked and irreverent sense of humour, and a liking for good food! Would that I could have enjoyed more of his company, but geographical separation made that difficult and we moved in different research areas. The pain of loss cannot be dulled, but perhaps the understanding that it is shared by so many who knew him will help.

Ingrid Hsieh-Yee

February 21, 2013

Dear Mrs. Batty and family,

I am very sorry for your loss. I knew David when he taught at the Catholic University of America in the 1990s. He was a great teacher and a kind and gentle colleague who was generous in sharing his knowledge and wisdom. I loved his wit and great sense of humor. He enriched the program at the School of Library and Information Science and inspired his students and me. My heart goes out to you. May your memories of David sustain you and bring you comfort in days to come.

Michael Kleiber

February 21, 2013

I neglected to sign my name to the Feb. 20, 2013 message with the photo of David and Gayle in the snow in front of their house.

Larry Read

February 20, 2013

Gayle and Sarah, you are in my thoughts. If I were not in Mexico at the moment I would have made every effort to be there in person on Saturday. Know that David was a VERY special person in my life. All my conversations with him made my brain work harder than ever.

A winter day in Silver Spring, Jan. 2000.

February 20, 2013

David was my professional colleague and mentor for almost twenty years. I will miss his advice, his humor and his kind spirit. We were "in communion" for professionally and spiritually. My condolences to Gayle and family.

Jerry Simmons

February 20, 2013

David was one of my professors at Catholic University Library School. I hung on every word of his lectures, and now I teach that same class at CUA. Great educator and friend!

Jim & Edie Liesener

February 19, 2013

I have know David from the time he joined the faculty at Maryland as a colleague. I could say so many positive things about David but I would like to mention some things that might not be shared. If David was at a party or social gathering, it was just better. A prty with David there was a little mor exciting and intellectually stimutlating but above all, it was just plain more fun! The expression about someone lighting up a room applied to David. His light was stimulating but it was also a lot of fun. Edie and I will miss him a lot along with everyone else.

Miles Batty

February 19, 2013

Dad, there are so many things I could say. So many things I want to tell you. So many words written on my heart and in my soul. And while I know that you already know them all, it hurts that I'll never again be able to say them in person. I love you. Now. Always.

Stephanie Macdonald

February 19, 2013

Difficult to put my feelings into words. Have many happy memories of my visit to you and your visits to us. My last direct link with my mum. Look after Mum and Grandma, Uncle David. My heartfelt condolences to Gayle, Philip, Miles and Sarah and their loved ones

Caroline Kenner

February 18, 2013

Sincere condolences and blessings to the Batty family. I am sorry for your loss. His life's work, the students he educated, the people he influenced, and his children will continue to bless this realm. Our gratitude trails behind Charles as he makes his transition.

Carla and Andrew Coupe

February 18, 2013

We were so sad to hear of David's death, but remember him with fondness.

Monika Borras Bigsby

February 18, 2013

Dearest Miles,
Our thoughts of love and light are with you and your family.

Heather "Snooze" Hamilton

February 18, 2013

Thank you for a wealth of welcome, good conversation, quality thinks, and adding some excellent people to the world. You will be sorely missed.

Mary-Jo Kline

February 18, 2013

I was one of David's students at Catholic University in 1994.
A semester with him was an occasion for intellectual stimulation, lifelong inspiration, and pure delight. The party at the end of the course also marked my introduction to wine-in-a-box.
His death is a loss for all of us who cared about sharing knowledge and asking questions.

Mehdi Araghi

February 18, 2013

On those few occasions that I had the pleasure of seeing David, he was cheerful and smiling. So, he will live for me as such, and that is the soul as I believe. Laurel and I offer our deepest sympathy to Gayle, Sarah, and the rest of Batty family, and wish them strength to cherish life with great memories of David beyond their loss.

Bill Perry

February 17, 2013

I am sorry for the typos in my prior message. It is from grief.

Bill Perry

February 17, 2013

I have know David since 1974. He was the most intelligent and erudite person I ever knew. Many a night we would talk long hours, moving from one topic to another. I will never see his like again. I admired him beyond words, and as a fellow lexicographer words were something we shared a lot of. I will miss knowing he is not here any more. I am sorry for your loss, Gayle.

Warren Stone

February 17, 2013

"You will be remembered by the sharing of a depth, passion and beauty of life with your family and in the blues soul of Jazs your daughter who is filled with your generosity of spirit and love!

Mary Shaver

February 17, 2013

Jazs, my heart goes out to you and your family. I was lucky enough to know David and he was intelligent, kind and compassionate. He's with God now, and all in heaven will welcome him.

February 17, 2013

To Jazs (AKA Sarah) - my heart goes out to you and the family. Having lost both my parents, and both of my wife's parents, I have an idea of how difficult this time is for you. Think not of what is lost, but rather celebrate who he was.
frank (1/2 KVA Productions)

Janice Bain-Kerr

February 17, 2013

With all best wishes to the family of David Batty. The library and information science community has lost a revered member. Janice W. Bain-Kerr

Bettina

February 17, 2013

I will miss you so much and your delightful spirit, quoting German writers, your kindness, your lovely sense of humor, and excellent cooking! You are an idol of strength, endurance and living in the faith of God! Thank you for "taking me into" your lovely family as just a part of them. Not just that this family is lovely - also extremly smart as you are! Love you much and you will always be in my "German" heart! Gosh - do I miss hearing your great laughter!

February 17, 2013

A wonderful friend and colleague. He will be missed by many, other colleagues, friends and students.

emil levine

Melissa Gammons

February 17, 2013

We are a reflection of our parents teachings. While I did not know you David, I know your son and he's a wonderful soul. That seed began with you and his mother. Your life will be celebrated and remembered, for you have left the world a better place for having been here.

Michael Peck

February 17, 2013

Thoughts and prayers with you and yours during this time. I have seen his good works in the kindness of his daughter, Jazs.

Diana Daniels

February 17, 2013

You must have been an Amazing Man to have raised such a wonderful Son like Miles . We are sorry for the loss , I am sure you will never be forgotten .

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