David Bromige

David Bromige, Sonoma County's second Poet Laureate and revered Sonoma State University English professor (1970-1995), died peacefully in the early morning, June 3, 2009 at home surrounded by his loving wife, Cecelia Belle, and grown children Margaret Bromige, Sebastopol and Chris Bromige, Vancouver, B.C. David suffered from many side-effects of diabetes for the past nine years and still maintained an active writing career and social engagement with friends and family. It was only this year that he had to retire from working out at Coaches Corner. David published over 40 poetry and prose books and gave thousands of readings over the span of his career in Sonoma County, the Bay Area, throughout the US, Canada and abroad. He gave fully of himself to many new and struggling writers as well as colleagues through careful reading and listening, lugging home many an "uncalled for" manuscript and attending the readings of others providing encouragement and applause. Born in London to Ada and Harold Bromige, David, brother of Dora, predeceased; survived the bombings of England during World War II and eventually emigrated to Canada in 1954. He attended the University of British Columbia where he won prizes for poetry and playwriting, graduating in 1962 with a Woodrow Wilson scholarship to UC Berkeley where he arrived in time for the revolution. During this time he and his then wife, Joan Peacock, had Christopher (1964); he completed his Master's degree and most of his doctoral work (ABD). He became integrally involved in the emergence of historic poetic movements, participating in key events like the 1963 Vancouver Poetry Conference and the 1964 Berkeley Poetry Conference. In his role as SSU English Professor, David influenced thousands of aspiring writers and readers of poetry. He helped launch and maintain the University's literary magazines, brought a host of internationally known writers to campus; while winning awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Canada Council, Pushcart Prize for Poetry, the Western States Arts Award for his selected poetry volume, Desire. He was also was feted with many local honors including the S.C. Living Treasure Award (1994) from the Luther Burbank Arts Center. He married Cecelia in 1981. Margaret Bromige is their daughter, born in 1982. They had many wonderful adventures together. David is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Sue Hornby and grandchildren Nathan and Joni; in-laws, Anthony and Therese Belle; brother-in-law Jim Belle; nieces and nephew James, Christiane, Cherie; sister Dora's husband, Matt their daughter, Lynn and her children. David also leaves many friends and colleagues bereaved at his loss. For those who didn't get to say good-bye, remember David often liked to leave a party in full swing without saying good-bye, so he could remember everyone laughing and happy. A private service will be held for family next week and a larger celebration of David's life will take place in early July. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Sonoma County Book Fair at http://www.socobookfest.org/donate.shtml . To share memories go to http://bromige.wordpress.com