CAYTON

Surrounded by his loving family, Andrew Robert Lee Cayton passed away in Columbus, Ohio, on December 17, 2015, after a seven-month battle with cancer. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 9, 1954, and graduated from Marietta (Ohio) High School in 1972. Drew received his B.A. in History from the University of Virginia (1976), and his A.M. (1977) and Ph.D. (1981) in History from Brown University. An eminent scholar of Early American and Atlantic World History as well as a gifted teacher, he taught at Harvard University, Wellesley College, Ball State University, Miami University, Leiden University, and The Ohio State University. At Miami University, his academic home for twenty-five years, he held the title of University Distinguished Professor. In Fall of 2015, he moved to The Ohio State University to occupy the Warner Woodring Chair in History. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Kupiec Cayton; his daughters, Elizabeth (Victor) Broccoli, Cranford, New Jersey, and Hannah (Mark Tucci), Canton, Michigan; and grandson, Elliott Cayton Broccoli. He is also survived by sisters, Renanne (Jeffrey) Welch, Marietta; Amy (J. Robert) Lazear, Columbus; Ellen S. Cayton, Columbus; and Daphne (Terry) Styer, Marietta; also by ten nieces and nephews; and by hundreds of friends and colleagues; and by thousands of former students. A memorial service will take place on Monday, December 28, 2015 at 2:00 p.m., at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 25 E. Walnut St,, Oxford, OH (45056) The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute of The Ohio State University, or to the National Humanities Center, Research Triangle Park, NC. Arrangements entrusted with JOHN QUINT TREBONI FUNERAL HOME, 1177 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus (43212). Condolences may be sent via www.johnquint.com.

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Published by The Cincinnati Enquirer on Dec. 21, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Cayton

26 Entries

Jackie Fitch

August 24, 2016

Dear Dr. Cayton,
Hello--we've never met, but your husband was my absolute favorite professor during my time at Miami University in the early 2000s. I was just flipping through the latest issue of my alumni magazine and saw the terribly sad news about his passing late last year, and I just wanted to reach out to you to tell you how sorry I was to hear it and to let you know what fond memories I have of his classes. I had him in History 111 my freshman year and pretty much took every class of his that my schedule allowed from then on b/c they were just so much fun. I've always loved history, and I actually entered college intending to be a high school history teacher. I shifted focus to pursue a career in journalism pretty early on, but ended up keeping history as a double major, in part b/c I enjoyed Dr. Cayton's classes so much and wanted to keep taking them! I distinctly remember emailing him directly, begging to get in on his class about the American Revolution--if memory serves, I had my eye on it since my first year and it didn't come around until my junior year, and I got shut out! I'm not sure how many panicked emails he got from history nerds begging to get into classes, but he made it happen. He also kindly replied when I emailed him after I graduated seeking some advice as I considered going back to grad school for an advanced degree in history (I started to sour on journalism when I realized part way through a post-graduation internship at a local paper that I wasn't actually that crazy about being a reporter.)

I've been lucky in life to have some very good teachers and a small handful of truly great ones, and Dr. Cayton was one of the true greats. He's one of maybe two college professors I still talk about some 15 years later, usually in the context of "my favorite history professor always used to say..." when my husband (and fellow history buff) and I are having some kind of history-based discussion. He used to talk a lot in class about how we study history with the benefit of knowing the outcome, but to always remember that people lived through these events having no idea what was going to happen. No one has ever articulated that idea so clearly, and it's stuck with me ever since as something that made the study of history vivid and alive. I remember him so fondly and wish you and your family my deepest sympathies.

Best Regards,
Jackie Gubeno Fitch
Class of 2004

Barbara LaPierre

August 17, 2016

I took Dr. Cayton's American History course as a non-traditional student. It was a required course, and I had some bad memories of history courses taken long ago because I am dyslexic. That first session was an eye-opener. Dr. Cayton was able to settle down some of the rowdier young males with wicked humor and it just gotr better from there! That course was one of the most memorable I took at Miami and left me with a major thirst for history!

Sarah Ford

May 11, 2016

Dr. Cayton,
I was a student of yours and of Drew's in the early 1990s. I remember his lectures to this day. History came alive as he spoke. After graduation, I taught high school in Compton, CA through Teach for America, and tried to impart to my students the spirit of US History that Drew had revealed to me. You also were a wonderful teacher, as well as an insightful advisor. Seeing your marriage to Drew was the first time I had the chance to see a real marriage of equals, with two talented academics and two dedicated parents. You and Drew, individually and as a couple, had a long-term positive impact on my professional and personal life. I am grateful to you, and my thoughts are with you and your daughters in your season of loss.

December 31, 2015

You may not know me, my sister, Jennifer (Bailey) Humphrey, told me about the passing of your husband. You met with my son, Andy, when he was at Miami U. My/our condolences to you and your family at such a difficult time.
Maryellyn Kress
Columbus, Ohio

Jason Roberts

December 29, 2015

Dear Mary,

Amy and I send our condolences to you, Elizabeth and Hannah on the passing of Drew. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Jason and Amy Roberts

John Glen

December 28, 2015

The years Drew and I spent working together at Ball State were energizing. I will miss my friend.

Marianne Holdzkom

December 28, 2015

Dear Dr. Cayton,
I was saddened and shocked to hear of your loss. Drew was my thesis adviser at Ball State and I've always considered him my mentor. His passion for teaching has inspired me as I've moved through my career. I will always be grateful to him for his encouragement, good humor and faith in me. My sympathy is extended to you and your family.

Dan Jones

December 25, 2015

Dear Mary, I feel sorrow at the depths of my being for your loss. Drew was a tremendous scholar, gifted teacher, loyal friend, and--most important--wonderful father and husband to you and your "girls." I can't believe that such a wise and loving being is gone.
Will see you on the 28th.

Jen Horvath

December 22, 2015

I'm so sad for you, Mary.

Joshua Reitano

December 22, 2015

I'm deeply grieved to hear about this Mary. Drew was a great scholar, a marvelous teacher, and a really kind man. I got to spend some time with him while he was at the University of Leiden and I (having recently graduated from Miami) was there also. He was kind to me when I was far from home, and for that I am very grateful.

I will pray for you all.
Joshua Reitano

Stuart Hobbs

December 22, 2015

I am so sad to hear of Drew's death. I worked with him on a couple of projects. I valued him for his knowledge, his professional competence, and especially for the warmth of his peronality. He was sucha good, genuine, decent person.
A memory that comes to me: he was teaching a group of social studies teachers for me and the powerpoint wouldn't work. Drew was not deterred. He drew a map of Ohio on the board and skillfully placed the locations of events as he went along. Nothing was lost by not having the slides. I will misss him.

Felicia Buell

December 22, 2015

I was surprised and saddened to hear of Drew's passing. He was a kind and brilliant man.

December 22, 2015

My deepest condolences goes out to the family.May you find comfort and strength in God's promise found at John 6:40

December 21, 2015

I am so saddened to learn about Drew's passing. Betty and I send our sincere condolences to you, Mary, and your family.

Yours,

Ronald A. Crutcher

Elisabeth Perry

December 21, 2015

We are in such grief over Drew's death. I am remembering his extraordinary generosity and warmth toward me when we were doing our project together. I will never forget him! We send our love and deepest condolences. Elisabeth & Lew

John Altman

December 21, 2015

When I returned to my Alma Mater to teach, with absolutely no experience, I searched for Miami's great Professors to learn about this new journey I was taking.
Many of these new mentors were in the Humanities, with History faculty at the top of the list. And topping that list was Drew Cayton-teacher,scholar, mentor, friend.
I shall miss him greatly. Faculty of his stature are indeed a special gift to students, colleagues, and Higher Education.

John W. Altman
Miami University "60"

Robin Parker

December 21, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. Drew was an exceptional person. He will be remembered fondly and deeply missed.

Robin Parker

Liz Wilson

December 21, 2015

Sending love and courage, Mary. I'm deeply upset about this and cannot imagine what you all are going through . . .

Kendra Hakola

December 21, 2015

Drew was the best teacher I ever had and inspired me to become one, as well. Our talks in his office about my thesis, the discussion groups he led, the kind letter of reference he wrote for me, and the times he opened his heart and home to myself and countless other students will forever stand out for me as very special life moments. All of my love to Mary and the Cayton family. May you find peace in knowing his impact and legacy of kindness.

Steven DeLue

December 21, 2015

We are so sorry for your loss. Drew was such an excellent man in all ways. We will always remember him with fondness and respect. Steve and Karen DeLue

Kat LaFever

December 21, 2015

I send my deepest sympathies to your family. It's never easy to lose a beloved family member, especially during the holiday season, but I hope you find comfort in knowing how much Dr. Clayton enriched so many lives. I was a colleague, and years ago I popped my head in his door to comment on the copy of Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son hanging on his office wall. He made a little joke about it. We struck up a conversation and exchanged pleasantries for years. He was a great teacher and scholar with a kind and compassionate spirit, who did so much to enrich the Miami community. I feel blessed to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mark Holtgrefe

December 21, 2015

Mary, I was shocked and saddened to hear about Drew. My contact with him was minimal but memorable. Thinking about you and your family.

Joy Cowdery

December 20, 2015

Our deepest sympathy for the family. Drew was a wonderful person and will be missed greatly. Joy and Joe Cowdery

Denna Harris

December 20, 2015

Praying for you and your family Hannah

Rick and Sandy heller

December 20, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family at this most difficult time. Cherish the memories always, and in time may they bring only happiness of a beautiful life, without the sadness you are feeling now. All our love, The Hellers

John DeFelice

December 20, 2015

My sincere condolences to the family of this great man.

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