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I was privileged to hear Rufus speak at a number of YPO/WPO events over the years as well as at a lecture series at Oklahoma Christian University. Additionally, two of my children are Letters/Classics majors and were blessed to have classes/capstone with him. My oldest, Todd, also worked with him at OCPA and considered Rufus his mentor. What a brilliant, kind, funny man with such a gift for storytelling and making history come alive and relevant to today's issues! His death is an enormous loss for the University of Oklahoma, the state of Oklahoma, and all of those who loved him! Our deepest condolences to his family. You will be in our prayers!
I regret my children will not be able to experience one of Dr. Fears' lectures as I was fortunate to as a student. I have often thought of taking an afternoon off work and sneaking into his class, but unfortunately it is now too late. He will be missed.
An amazing person. I never met you in person but through your work I will admire you as long as I live.
I was enrolled in Dr. Fears Freedom in Rome course at OU during the spring of 2004.
Through this man, I lived a day in the life of a Pompeiian before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. I crossed the Alps with Hannibal. I defied the Roman Senate when I crossed the Rubicon with Julius Caesar. And with the Roman legions occupied in Spain, I led a slave revolt with Spartacus.
By this man, I saw history brought alive with unbridled enthusiasm. And now this man, this teacher of teachers, is gone, and he will be sorely missed.
I sought out your class for this next spring because of how amazing an educator you were. I will sorely regret never being taught by such a great man. Thoughts and prayers for the family. Requiescat in pace, professor Fears.