Francis Carothers Jr.

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University of Oregon University of Southern California

Francis Carothers Obituary

CAROTHERS, JR., Francis ("Frank") B. Beloved father, friend, and teacher, Professor Emeritus of English, Loyola Marymount University. Born 1919 in St. Louis, MO, died April 15, 2008 at his home in Manhattan Beach. Graduated from Lowell High School in San Francisco (1935), earned his B.A. from San Francisco State College (1938), and his M.A. at the University of Oregon (1940), where he met the incomparable Vivian Byers, whom he married in Los Angeles in 1945, after his return from World War II military service. He received his doctorate in English from USC (1954). In February 1947 he joined the faculty of Loyola University (now Loyola Marymount), where he served as professor, chairman of the Department of English, and acting dean of the College of Liberal Arts. He retired from active teaching in May 1987, but continued to serve as faculty advisor for student publications until May 1995, to complete almost fifty years of service to the University. During those years he served as faculty advisor for numerous student organizations, including Alpha Delta Gamma fraternity; and six times received the Outstanding Faculty Member award. At age 55 he developed an interest in backpacking and spent two weeks every summer hiking high Sierra trails for the next 20 years. At age 68 he hiked the 220 mile John Muir Trail with his son, Frank. After retiring from teaching, he volunteered at AIDS Project Los Angeles and the Los Angeles AIDS Walk until failing health curtailed his activity. He lost his son Joseph in 1992, and his beloved Vivian in March of 2000. His grandson Obediah Kolath died in Iraq in 2005. He is survived by sons Francis III and Gregory (Mary Pat), and daughters Anna Ganahl (Pat), Mary Kolath, Catherine Ellis (David), and Elizabeth Rackover (Barry), eleven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, three nieces and a nephew and their families, dear friend Andre' Soares, Gabriella Vallecillo and her family, who have provided loving care for the past 12 years, and a host of much loved friends and former students. Funeral Mass at American Martyrs Church, Manhattan Beach, Monday, April 21 at 10:00 a.m. He will be interred beside Vivian and a short distance from Joseph at All Souls Cemetery, Long Beach, Tues., April 22. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Denise Scott Memorial Scholarship Fund at Loyola Marymount University. Attn: Erin Hanson, LMU, 1 LMU Drive, University Hall, Suite 2800, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Please go to the mortuary's website, www.LAfuneral.com. Send the family messages, share memories or obtain directions to services. White and Day Mortuary Manhattan Beach, CA 310-792-7575

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Apr. 17, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Francis Carothers

7 Entries

Ted Cotti

April 20, 2008

It is sad that it takes the passing of another giant to light the pensive of those halcyon days at LMU and especially those spent in the presence of Dr. Frank. He not only offered us insight into the literature we studied but inspired us to understand it in light of our own experience and his own passions — which he was always willing to share! He inspired us, further, to live life as he did — as champions of the written word at its finest, as poets in or out of residence and most importantly, as men (and women) for others. Hopeless Romantic? If that is the flag Dr. Frank's soldiers march behind, then so be it. But it's an army of Lions that because of Dr. Frank and others like him give hope to so many others. And I'm certain, as he crests some mountain top in the hereafter, he's looking down -- perhaps a bit out of breath but definitely not short on words or a line from some poem or play just perfect for the moment -- and smiling now knowing just how many many many lives he touched. God's speed, Dr. Frank. God's speed.
ted cotti '84

Joseph Ross

April 20, 2008

Dr. Carothers was a fantastic teacher and guide. I was a student of his in the 1970s. I wish his family every peace and consolation. I wrote a memorial for him on my blog at LiveWrite.blogspot.com.

Gerald (Jerry) Flavin

April 18, 2008

Yes,l I too remember the big four of the English Department in the 50's. I recall that to go onto upper division English you had to take a test. I did and I got something like 97 of the 100 questions correct. Frank did not believe that I could do it and thought a got a copy of the test, which I did not. I have very fond memories of him VALE FRANK.

Tony Cole '69

April 18, 2008

Frank was a dedicated and devoted Professor of English, a decent, kind, good and generous man. He was a pillar of the English Department before, during and after my matriculation. He was so integrally involved in so many aspects of University life that he was highly regarded and known fondly by many beyond the English Department. I saw Frank briefly last May at a memorial for Fr Clint Albertson SJ -- his former colleague and himself an enthusiastic, scholarly professor. Frank had a fine and rewarding life, yet I am saddened by the news of his death and offer condolences to his family. I will recall him with admiration, respect and love for the rest of my life. Ad majorem Dei gloriam.

Gloria Miele

April 18, 2008

Dr. Carothers was an inspiration. His passion for English Literature, especially romantic poetry, was contagious. I will always think of him when I read Shelley, Keats, Byron and Wordsworth. His depth of explication and interpretation even allowed scores of late adolescents/young adults to gain insight into the complex writings of even T.S. Elliot! His exceptional gifts of teaching and his contagious enthusiasm and love of literature will always be remembered fondly. The poignancy of his passing during National Poetry Month should inspire us all to turn back to the pages of our Norton Anthologies to enjoy great literature in his honor. Rest in Peace, Dr. Carothers.

Patrick Lynch

April 17, 2008

I will never forget Frank Carothers standing in front of the class, his arms akimbo on each hip, reciting a Shelley poem or lines from Shakespeare and mesmerizing the entire room. Each word bespoke his love of literature and, moreso, his love of teaching. He called out the best in us and, by God, we wanted to give it to him.

Even more impressive was to watch him as he looked at his wife Vivian, then the department secretary. While he found words for Shelley, no words could match that intense love his gaze embodied. I swear I think he teared up every time, so fierce was his love for this dear and gentle woman. He lives on in my teaching and the teaching of any of us whom he has taught. Our dear God will embrace him, and I hope, ask him to recite for Him "Ode to the West Wind," and Shelley himself will saunter over to see Frank recite, dressed in baby blue and arms akimbo.

Dan Streeter, Sr.

April 17, 2008

Sullivan, Ryan (S.J.), Erlandson, Carothers; those were the big 4 in the English Dept. at then Loyola University of Los Angeles in my time ('47-'51) Mr. Carothers taught English Romantic authors, a fitting subject for this kindly, gentle, sensitive man of letters. Whatever grade he gave me, I'm sure it was more than I deserved. Oh yes, his class was taught in one of those famous WWII prefab "igloos." In the minds of many in my generation, Dr. Carothers stands as a much admired icon of that era. May his soul enjoy the eternal reward which God has promised to those who love him.

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