Professor Emeritus Sigmund Eisner

Professor Emeritus Sigmund Eisner 92, died at his home on December 18, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nancy Fereva Eisner; six children, Kirpal Singh Khalsa (Kirpal Kaur), Chip Eisner, Nick Eisner (Jennifer Detoy), Tori Bacal (Rick), Halley Freitas (Bob), Cassie Habeck (Buddy), and 12 grandchildren, Sat Nam (Joseph Sears), Simrit, Michael, Patrick, Nathan, Matthew, Libby, Nancy, Jacob, Samuel, Declan, and Hadley. He is preceded in death by his brother, Vic; sister, Jean Trabant; son, Patrick Johnston, and granddaughter, Hargobind. Dr. Eisner was a Chaucerian scholar of global recognition and was a professor at the University of Arizona for over 40 years. Prior to Arizona, he taught at Oregon State University and Dominican College of San Rafael, California. His many publications include The Tristan Legend: A Study in Sources (1969), The Variorum Edition of Chaucer's Treatise on the Astrolabe (2002), and numerous academic articles. He graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1947, and received his PhD from Columbia University in 1955. He was the first Fulbright Scholar to Ireland, at The Institute for Advanced Studies, Dublin. Sig was born in Red Bank, New Jersey on December 9, 1920, and was raised with his brother in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1939, he enrolled as a freshman at the University of Arizona where he wrote for the Daily Wildcat. He served in the Army during World War II. Sig was a Tucson resident for over 46 years. For 28 of those years his family lived in Indian Ridge Estates. A lifelong traveler, he and Nan visited the far reaches of the globe, and spent several years living in both Ireland and England on sabbatical. Sig and Nan, often with children, visited the major and minor sites on five continents. Post retirement activities included his neighborhood committee and book club. As a lifelong Democrat, he proudly voted in every election. Sig loved a good book, a good pipe, a glass of Irish whisky, and above all, a good joke with family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who enjoyed the privilege of knowing him. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at the University of Arizona Modern Languages Auditorium at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Casa de la Luz Hospice. Arrangements by UOFA WILLED BODY PROGRAM.