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T. ALAN BROUGHTON

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Sweet Briar College University of Vermont University of Washington

T. BROUGHTON Obituary

T. ALAN BROUGHTON - SHELBURNE - T. Alan Broughton died peacefully in the very early morning, May 17, 2013, in the Vermont Respite House, in the company of his family. Alan was born in Bryn Mawr, Pa., June 9, 1936, the son of T. Robert S. Broughton and Annie Leigh Camm Hobson Broughton. He was educated at Exeter, Harvard, Julliard, Swarthmore and received his MA in English Literature from the University of Washington. He taught literature and writing at the University of Washington, Sweet Briar College, and came to the University of Vermont in 1966 to teach writing of poetry and fiction, and where he founded the University of Vermont's Writers Workshop. First and foremost, Alan was a writer. He published four novels, two collections of short stories, nine books of poetry and, "The Skin and All," a collaboration with artist Bill Davison. His work has appeared widely in journals, reviews, literary magazines and anthologies. In addition to his publications, Alan received a number of awards and fellowships, including a Guggenheim, an NEH Fellowship, and was elected a Fellow of the Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2012. He also traveled as a cultural representative in southeast Asia, Egypt and Italy under the auspices of the State Department's USIA. Survivors include his wife, Laurel Broughton; daughter, Shannon Leigh Broughton-Smith and her husband, Steven Smith, their children, Anne Camm, Alan Russell, Amiri Christine, and Angel Shannon Ellen Smith; sons, John Camm Broughton and wife, Stacy, and their daughter, Lila; and Travers Nathaniel Broughton. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret Tenney and her sons, Asa Robert, Charles, and William and his wife, Olga, and their son, Reid. His former wife, Lenore Follansbee Broughton, also survives him. A celebration of Alan's life will be held at Trinity Church, Shelburne, Saturday, May 25, 2013, at 11 a.m. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Vermont Respite House; or Kids on the Ball, c/o the King Street Youth Center.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Burlington Free Press on May 19, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for T. BROUGHTON

22 Entries

kristin alexandre

June 1, 2013

Dear Family--My Sweet Briar classmate Addie Russo told me Alan died and he was the reason I have become a writer. I only wish I had kept in touch as he inspired me so much and gave Sweet Briar meaning for me. Kristin Kuhns Alexandre,
author, Gem City Gypsy

Lyn Camire

May 25, 2013

Dear Laurie, you and Alan were my introduction to the world after I left Barre for UVM. What an inexplicable gift that was. Your home was a treasureland of well-behaved dogs, indulged cats, wine, music, wonderful food and conversation, the suspension of time, and above all laughter. Alan's steady removal from practical constraints on his spirit was to me so amazing I was always on the brink of laughing around him, and I felt in that the freedom of the love between you in your marriage. It is a sad day but also a spring day that reminds me of how he would turn his attention to the place around him. With love in this time of change.

willie pearson

May 24, 2013

One of my all time favorite people and teachers, as deep and as full as they come.

May 24, 2013

Dear Laurie,
I just heard the very sad news here in Belfast. I wish you and Nathaniel and family all my sympathy. Alan was the kindest, most gentle and generous friend and colleague over all the 30 years I knew him at UVM and into retirement. I so admired him--he was such a wonderful writer, teacher, brilliant musician and most of all honest and genuine friend. I always felt happier and better about the human condition after seeing and talking with Alan! One could count on his wisdom and his support and sympathy on in all areas of life. He not only spoke out, but also took action against injustices large or small and always with grace and dignity and humor. I'd expected him to outlive us all; he was such a constant presence in our lives. I've been thinking about him all the time Tony and I have been away from Burlington. The only comfort is that it It has been a blessing to have known him and I will never forget him. I am sorry I will miss the service and celebration of his life-- I can only send you my heartfelt and deepest sympathy.
Love, Patty Bradley

Susan Goslin

May 24, 2013

Laurie and Nathanial, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss. Love to you both, Susan, Jerry and Peggy

Becky Fielder (Perron)

May 23, 2013

Laurie, you are in my thoughts at this difficult time. I so enjoyed learning from you and Alan during my time at UVM, and I appreciated all the support you both offered me during the short time I worked in the English Department. I hope that you and your family will find comfort in the wonderful remembrances of friends, and move forward with his spirit in your hearts.

Sandy Wright Burns

May 23, 2013

Laurie, though my time at UVM has long passed, my memories of you and Alan are still fresh and endearing. He was a true gentleman and a gentle soul. I left Vermont and UVM just as he started his time as the Chair of the English Department. I know I missed much in doing so. He was always so kind, generous and thoughtful to his colleagues, the staff and to the students. I am back in Vermont now and whenever I drive near Old Mill, I think fondly of the years spent in the English Department and of the professors I came to know then. He was without a doubt one of the very best. You have my deepest condolences.

Christine Spafford (Evans)

May 22, 2013

So regretful to have missed reconnecting with Alan, our Burlington and Keene Valley neighbor!! Such a profound loss for your family and the community. Gratefully he leaves us so much of his spirit and inspiration in his poetry.

Jinny (Samuelson) Marting

May 22, 2013

It is with profound sadness that I write this remembrance of Alan. My poetry professor at UVM, I still cherish his collections: from In the Face of Descent to A World Remembered, his poems sing. Alan's was a voice worth hearing; his message was both powerful and kind. I offer my sincerest condolences to his family. Jinny Marting

Tony Bradley

May 22, 2013

Dear Laurie, Patty and I are deeply saddened by the news of Alan's death. Although we are far away, we are thinking of you and Nathaniel all the time, and grieving with you. We also remember lovingly all the times we spent with you and Alan, in conversation and friendship. Until we can embrace you again, let us send you our love. Alan was a wonderful friend, and we are very grateful to have known him for so long. We will always remember Alan's endearing and gracious presence.

Loka Losambe

May 21, 2013

Dear Laurie,
Bibi and I are deeply saddened by Alan's passing. We want you know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.I'll miss Alan very much, but will certainly seek comfort in his lucid poetic diction. May his soul rest in peace!
Love from all of us,
Loka

Nancy Welch

May 21, 2013

Dear Laurie,

Most job candidates do not have fond memories of their MLA interviews, but because Alan was the chair who sat down with candidates at the 1994 MLA convention in San Diego, my experience was much different. I so enjoyed talking with Alan that afternoon, with the warm sun shining through a patio door, I forgot I was on a job interview. Already I felt like I was talking with a good friend. Alan was a wonderful chair and colleague. Didier and I both have the fondest memories of him. From the NIH, where we must be this weekend, we send you and your family our deepest condolences. --Nancy and Didier

Philip Baruth

May 21, 2013

Laurie -- I'm very sorry to say goodbye to Alan. He was my role model, first and last. I feel horrible that I'll have to miss the remembrance ceremony -- but I committed long ago to teach at the Champlain Young Writers Conference, and somehow I think Alan would understand that excuse. My love to you and the family. -- Philip

Lisa Schnell

May 21, 2013

Alan was always, for me, the proof that elegance does not need to come at the cost of authentic connection between human beings. He was a beautiful person in every way.
With deepest sympathy,
Lisa Schnell

Jill McGann

May 21, 2013

My thoughts are with your family. He was one of my favorite professors at U.V.M.

Lynn & Christel Holmes

May 21, 2013

We are so sorry to hear of Alan's passing. Although we knew him only a short time, we soon came to respect him and to appreciate his contributions to the University and his family. We know he will be missed.

Sent with love from Hirschhorn, Germany,
Lynn & Christel Holmes

Dan and Rachel Kahn-Fogel

May 20, 2013

Dear Laurie and Family--We are deeply saddened by the news of Alan's passing. Please accept our profound condolences and sympathy--Dan and Rachel

Barry Snyder

May 20, 2013

I have never known a sweeter, kinder, gentler soul than Alan. I will always remember him fondly. I am so so sorry for the terrible turn of events and your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Barry Snyder

Jennifer Wool

May 20, 2013

A magnificent teacher and writer who encouraged students in a helpful, humorous way that made space for a variety of styles to evolve in his classroom. I still have my papers and his comments in an old file from the 1980's. Lucky to have been his student for three years. I will miss seeing him running along South Willard Street looking more like Scott Fitzgerald every day. With sympathy and fond memories, Jen Wool

Jack Scully

May 20, 2013

A great teacher has a lasting effect on students...certainly that has been true for me. I took Alan's Creative Writing course in 1979 and am still influenced by his perspective on good writing, his thoughts on style, and his demand that we communicate from the heart - not just the head. UVM and the literary world has lost a wonderfully gifted artist.

May 19, 2013

Dearest Laurie, Please know my heart goes out to you and your family. I'm so sorry. And, I know in what high regard my John held Alan.

Arlene

Z. Philip Ambrose

May 19, 2013

Dear Laurie, Alan and I were born on the same day and had so many common interests. Gretchen and I will be in Italy on May 25 and regret that we cannot attend the services at Trinity. But please know that you have our deepest sympathy. Yours, Phil

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