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Eugene Curtsinger Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Curtsinger
Robert C. Howard
November 18, 2008
Dr. Curtsinger was my English professor at UD as well as the Academic Dean. Although I graduated in class of '61,I started with the very first class...had a tough time..It was Dr. C. who gave me encouragement to "stay with it"He was brilliant, funny and fair! My condolences to the family and I know his soul will rest in peace.
Donald Nelson
November 18, 2008
With deep sympathy to Dr Curtsinger's family
Requiescat in Pace,
Donald F Nelson
UD Class of 1966(BA History)
Robert & Suzanne Alexander
October 30, 2008
Gene’s Eulogy (Delivered during the Memorial Service, Church of the Incarnation, Saturday, October 25, 2008)
[Opening: the following were spontaneous musings: our having been here 30 years ago and living for a semester in the Curtsinger home—Christine just a young girl then; the strangeness of returning 30 years later and becoming close to Gene and Barbara. Our dinners with the two of them; our bi-weekly dinners with Gene after Barbara’s death; something of the purifying Fr. Robert spoke of in his homily going on with us in our friendship—I hope. Gene’s two pranks: moving the out-house in the middle of the night—“3 feet back”; he and Jim taking the condoms the Army gave them when they went on furlough, and like good Catholics, filling them with water, going up to the top of a build-ing and dropping them on people passing below; their glee at hitting officers!]
That was Gene
[Among other things about Gene that I’ll miss is looking over in Mass and seeing that shock of white hair above his glasses and his steady, unmoved expression, fully present, fully taking in the Mass, fully enjoying the irony of knowing that he was a living character in a story, participating in the One Great Story that was the source of all the stories he wrote. I think he secretly felt mirth in the irony of this, and it’s one of the reasons his writings are all comic.]
Four things stand out when I think of Gene:
• He was a wordsmith;
• He was unfailingly cheerful;
• He wanted always to put people at ease;
• He had a prescient, rarified sense of the mystery of God’s graces and the ways in which they play out in our lives.
Gene was a wordsmith (a scop, a bard, a foundryman): his vision of the world was ultimately sacramental. He loved words because they sparked off miracles; they didn’t just point to them or speak of them. They were their agents, their vicars; they were entrusted with powers, when they were used well, to carry miracles out. He wanted to convey something of this to his students. Works of literature weren’t just stories or poems to him; they were sacraments, the lives of near-saints written out in blood, not ink. Not to see it this way was to miss something. I think that’s why Gene wanted to write more than to be a critic. He knew that any analysis that didn’t partake of the miracle contained in a story or a poem was partly wrong. Each reading of a piece of literature was a new birth, the bringing to life of some new consciousness in each of his students, some unperceived miracle that would unfold, even explode and multiply, over a life-time. Our teaching of literature, how we used words, was supposed to capture something of these mysteries. His did.
Gene was cheerful; in a quiet, understated robust way, he was always cheerful. His favorite work was Moby Dick, a work he loved because it’s one of the few books in the Western Canon in which a poet looks squarely into the abyss of evil and despair and wrenches out of it a comic vision. His cheerfulness wasn’t the result of insensitivity or callousness or some refusal to feel or to feel deeply. His cheerfulness was his way of giving witness to our faith that Christ is with us and we have every reason for putting away our sorrows, our wounds, our hurts, and being grateful for the gift that is the world around us: I think the words, “Let us rejoice and be glad” were inscribed in the center of his heart. He and God wrote them there together.
Gene instinctively wanted to put people at ease. I don’t think he liked confrontations and tried to avoid them. But he was a trickster; he could no more pass up a good prank or jokes than a man dying of thirst could pass up water: they were life to him. As he aged, he wasn’t always proud of things he had done as a boy, but he came to see there was a gift in what was natural to him and what gave him such delight. At some point he saw that God was a great Prankster Who had been play-ing tricks on him all his life. I think he forgave himself his early sins then, and all the tricks he did afterwards were done in love. He knew we are never completely at ease till we’re one with the next world, and tricks and puns and jokes tumble us into incongruities; they help us to laugh. They unsettle us at first but finally put us at ease with the next life. As he aged, Gene came to do this more and more gently, just like God among us, or at least one part of Him.
And Gene had a rare sense of God’s grace working in our lives. I was in the English Department office one day with Gene and another colleague; he had a keen scent for the needs of other people, where they were emotionally or spiritually struggling in their lives, and he recalled a scene in Dostoevsky’s Crime in Punishment in which a grace was offered to Raskolnikov that wasn’t accepted. His words were, “He wasn’t ready yet.” I couldn’t hear those words without wondering how much they were meant for either me or our colleague—would they be the seeds for some change later when we were “ready”? Gene knew that God never forces, He only solicits; He waits for opportune moments. And so did Gene: he was patient, always open, always attentive: his spontaneity and his playfulness were the fruits of his trust in God. He was willing to risk offering himself, even to risk being foolish, whatever the occasion, knowing that if he could catch something of God’s graces in words, something of their light—what we experience as puns or sparks or just pure foolishness—“How you?” he’d always say—he might bring some joy. And there was no new joy here that wasn’t in some ways extending God’s Kingdom. Gene got paid by the University; he was working for God.
One of our colleagues responded to Gene’s death by saying: “It’s like the anchor chain to our past has suddenly parted, and we are unmoored.” Gene would have loved that simile and easily shared the sentiment, but I don’t think he would have seen his death that way or wanted us to see it that way either. I think he would see his death, like most deaths, as an occasion for grace. Christ had to leave; so did Gene. So long as he was here, we would have counted on him, depended on him, to do what only Gene could do. Now that he is gone, his presence to us is like the fish, multiplied; it is in us, all of us, asking us to do the things that ordinarily we might not, that we might find too hard, too against our own ways: to be a little more playful with words once in a while; to be cheerful; to put people at ease; and to be open to God’s graces all around us, always.
Twice in my life while being here Gene made me want to become a better person. Once was when I had finished reading his piece on the History of the English Department. As I meditated on the differences between our school and most others, I marveled at what we had, what we’d been given by people like Gene and Louise and Don—and how much of his cheerful spirit was still present, and this while he labored under the shadow of a cross, as he put it—a phrase I think he got from Tom. The second occurred just a month ago. I had applied for a fellow-ship and asked Gene if he would be willing to write a recommendation for me. In his letter, he paid me a complement unlike any I have known in my life. I think I can say, it’s the kind of thing you say only when you love somebody deeply—even if those are not the words you use. I wept as I read his letter—and once again, all I could feel was how much I wanted to be a better person because of Gene.
The one thing I find impossible to say, sending Gene off, are the words, “Rest in Peace.” How can anyone as playful as Gene go to Heaven and not take his mischief with him? Heaven will be more fun, more playful, more mischievous, for his being there—if such things are possible. And all things are possible with God. Heaven will be changed with Gene there—just as God would want it.
Thank you for Your great gift to us, Lord; how good is Your work. We are glad to give Gene back to You, truly glad. Help us to make good use of his plenty.
I have an rsvp to make: Jim, Buddy, Michael, Mary, Christine, all the rest of you Curtsingers, quietly wild and fiercely independent off-springs, shoots of Gene and Barbara: tell Gene and Barbara we accept their invitation, and, hard as it will be, we’ll try, try not to be too hasty.
Mandi Stevenson
October 28, 2008
Dr. Curtsinger truly was one of my absolute favorite professor at UD. I happened into a Senior class of his when I was only a Sophomore, by fluke of the Registrar's office...and for once, Thank God!! I took three more classes with him. I never would have gotten through UD without you and your gentle pat on the back every class. My condolences and great thanks go out to the family for sharing this great man with so many.
"Now, all I want is a Coke!"
-Class of 2007, BA English
Christine Curtsinger DeVries
October 27, 2008
My testimonial at the funeral Mass:
Several weeks ago a nurse came to my father's house to do an
assessment of his health, and part of this was checking his mental
capabilities. She asked him if he knew where he lived, a very routine
question, she thought. Dad responded "I live in Eden." He went on
to explain that he had lived in Paradise for 50-something years with
my mother, and that he was looking forward to joining her down the
road.
His Paradise, his Eden: sharing his life with my mother and being
surrounded by beauty in its many forms, the children and Madonna
sculptures that filled the house, the mesquite-studded hills of the
University, poetry and pecan trees, students wisdom-hungry, whales
in waiting.
His vision of life was one of gratitude, and, in Eden, everything is a
gift.
Gratitude enabled him to see beauty and brotherhood in the sea and
sun and blood following the bombing of his ship in Okinawa.
Gratitude allowed him to accept the gift of love that was my mother,
Barbara, and his five children.
Gratitude shaped his faith so that he could recognize and call forth
the goodness, the divine in each pilgrim he met.
My father entered the last few months of his life with gratitude that he
had time to prepare -- anticipating but not hurrying -- a reunion with
my mother, as well as the glories that await us beyond this life.
A couple of months ago when I was saying goodbye to head back to
Austin I tried to hide my tears from him as I saw him failing so quickly,
not knowing if I would see him again. He looked me dead in the eye
and said "Remember, this is a celebration."
Writing and teaching were his grateful responses to life; family was
his joy; laughter his song of praise to God. He is home now,
celebrating in ways beyond even his imaginings.
stephanie landregan
October 26, 2008
Dr. Curtsinger was a great man and teacher. Barbara and he were my friends since Rome in 1972, where I was his TA, and I regret that so many years have passed without my sharing a new story and laugh. I'll never forget his humor, a very special man indeed. The ability of Dr. Cutrsinger to ennoble the minds and sensibilities of those of us who were with him in Rome cannot be diminished by his passing. I have made better life choices based upon kindness and with a twinkle of the eye because of his sharing his view of life and the joy of living it. I know we will all miss him.
Mary Ellen Sauser
October 26, 2008
There was no one quite like Gene Curtsinger, certainly no other professor. I loved this man. He was a teacher, a mentor, a friend. He had one of the most finely honed BS detectors I've ever known; and his criticism and praise of my writing were equally great gifts from which I always learned. I deeply regret not staying in touch with him after I left Texas - I guess I just thought he'd always be out there somewhere. And, perhaps, he always will. He will certainly always be deeply in my heart and in my loving memory. He touched many young minds and hearts in his over fifty years at UD. We are all the richer for his presence in our lives.
Joan Harkenrider
October 25, 2008
In '74 I was a freshman who struggled up to Braniff every TUE/THU at 8am for Lit Trad I. I shall never forget the day Dr. C discoursed on the concept of nobility. He asked, "Is not an ancient Greek pine as noble as a shiny, silver lid on a new metal trash can?" He was amazing! I'll never forget him, that panache and sparkle in his eye. Hugs from my family to yours. I am presently out of town and not able to deliver them in person at the services.
Laura Felis Quinn
October 25, 2008
Dr. Curtsinger was a fixture at UD and has left an imprint on the hearts and minds of so many people over the years. May his journey home to Jesus bring peace.
John Lynn (Class of '88)
October 24, 2008
Heaven is a more joyous place today - Dr. Curtsinger has joined Uncle June and the stories are flying now. Stories that Dr. Curtsinger had us all read as part of the Lit Trad series. My deepest sympathies to Dr Curtsingers family and to the UD family - both those there today and those of us who had the pleasure of his wisdom over the years.
Michael Craigue
October 24, 2008
As sad as it is to hear of his passing, thinking of Dr. Curtsinger again brought a smile to my face. His knowledge of literature, his teaching style, and his love of life were an inspiration to many.
Clarice Peninger
October 24, 2008
Dr. Curtsinger was one of the most witty and interesting professors I had either at U.D. or S.M.U. He was so able to cut through the high-flying lit-speak, right to the heart of the matter. Seldom Without Love remains one of the funniest works I've ever had the pleasure of reading. He will be missed.
Ismael Parra
October 24, 2008
My prayers go out to the family. Dr. Curtsinger was a wonderful professor who will be greately missed. Back when I had his class and we were reading "Moby Dick" he would refer to me by saying "call me Ishmael" which later eberybody was doing. So everytime somebody repeats that phrase to me, it reminds me of those days with Dr. Curtsinger.
Class 1996
Sarah Nixon
October 24, 2008
Dr. Curtsinger was our English professor in Rome [spring 81]. One of our assignments was to keep a journal of our outings into Roma and other wonderful places. I still have this journal and read it from time to time; each time I do so, I think of Dr. Curtsinger's wisdom behind this brillant 'assignment.' But that's how he was. He touched the lives of every single one of us who walked through the door of his classroom, and he will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to the Curtsinger family.
Hunter Hammett
October 24, 2008
A great teacher and a good soul: may he enrich the life after as he did in this life lived.
Andrea Davis
October 23, 2008
Dr. Curtsinger was a wonderful man. I remember how passionate he was in his discussion of the novels we read in his class. Thank you for touching my life!
UD Class of 1994
Adrienne T
October 23, 2008
I will forever remember Dr. Curtsinger's enthusiasm and passion for every novel we read in Lit. Trad. IV at UD, but especially the clear delight he took in "Moby Dick"--no matter how many times he had taught the class over the years.
My condolences to his beloved family. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Sister Mary Brian Bole, SSND
October 23, 2008
Your dad wrote lines that formed books and other people's lives. He taught with his words and his life. As I read his books he became the lodestone for my language and imagination. (He would have a witticism for that last comment!) I shall miss him tremendously, but I know he is
with his Beloved. Blessings and prayers for all of his family, whom he loved deeply ....
Tim
October 23, 2008
Our prayers are with your family. Praise God for Dr. Curtsinger's life! I will always fondly remember his guidance during my years at UD.
Lynne Weber
October 23, 2008
Dr. Curtsinger had a great influence on my teaching career. He taught me to view American literature in an entirely new way, and he introduced me to the great author Henry James. I appreciate all he has done to illuminate literature for generations of students.
Mary Weaver Hundt
October 23, 2008
My love and sympathy to the Curtsinger family. I attended U. D. in Irving as a transfer student in January 1960 and graduated in June 1961. Before graduation, every senior had to take the Literacy Test and write a 500 page essay on a topic that was given to us. My essay was about 50 words short and I was told that I had failed this test. I would not get to graduate with my class and would be required to take an English Writing Class during the summer. I was devastated. Dr. Curtsinger came to my rescue. He read my essay and even though it was a few words short, he gave it a passing grade. I was allowed to graduate with my classmates. I have always been so very thankful to Dr. Curtsinger for this wonderful gift that he gave to me. I will miss him very much.
With my love and prayers,
Mary E. Weaver Hundt, Class of 1961
Colleen (Stead) Cormier
October 23, 2008
Dr. Curtsinger was a joy to have as a professor and was a mentor in so many ways. I still repeat the stories he used to tell in class (many, many years ago) and will always be grateful to him as a writing mentor. This was a man who truly loved life, and life truly loved him. His soul may be in Heaven, but his legacy with UD will live on always. My sincere condolensces to the family during your time of loss. Your father, grandfather, uncle and friend will be dearly missed.
Carolyn Anderson Swann
October 23, 2008
Thank you for sharing your Dad with us at the University. He was one of the best!
Lois Herrin
October 23, 2008
Dr. C. has deeply impressed the minds and hearts of so many students throughout his career. His eloquence, style, dignity and grace will be remembered by all UDers who were fortunate enough to participate in his courses. You will be missed, Dr. C.!
Teacy Thompson Bernardy
October 23, 2008
When I was a freshman at U.D., Dr. Curtsinger taught me English. He gave me my first F and I will never forget him for it (in a good way).
You see, my first English paper had a sentence fragment. I tried to show him that it was a typing error (yes we used typewriters back then). My handwritten draft had the complete sentence. He just told me that he wasn't a proof reader and that if I needed one I should find one. I never turned another paper in to him that wasn't thoroughly read. He taught me to be a good writer, and he also taught me to take pride in my work.
He was also my professor in Rome and I really got to know him there. During the fall of 1972, I visited seven countries and twenty six cities and made my first 4.0 for the semester. I liked him so much that I really wanted him to be proud of me.
I hope that when he reached the kingdom, he was welcomed with open arms and "job well done". May God bless and comfort his children and grandchildren and may he rest in peace.
Jan & Brian Farrington
October 23, 2008
Our sincere condolences to Dr. Curtsinger's family and friends. We are both former students of his, and we remember him fondly--in fact, a couple of his books are still on our shelves.
Anita Apple
October 23, 2008
Condolences to Dr. Curtsinger's family. He was a wonderful teacher.
Anita Apple
Class of 1965
Randy Beeler
October 23, 2008
Dr. Curtsinger taught me how to read a text, taught me how to write fiction, and, most of all, how to enjoy God's blessings. I am the teacher I am today because of the Grace God poured through Dr. Curtsinger's classroom into my life. Now my students are the beneficiaries of his gifts. Dr. Curtsinger, I will never forget you or cease to pray for you. Pray for me!
Diane Edwards
October 23, 2008
We are saddened to hear about your father. His life has always been an inspiration to Tom and I since we met Dr. Curtsinger at UD. Classes of 67& 68.
Jim D'Avignon
October 23, 2008
I thought, when I heard the news of Dr. Curtsinger’s passing, “I cannot believe that he is gone”; but then I realized he is not. He is with us always, in the communion of saints, and also in the hearts and in the minds of those of us fortunate enough to have known his dry wit and endless patience.
Mikail Marie McIntosh-Doty
October 23, 2008
I was one of those "hundreds" of students who were told at one time or another by Dr. C that if we'd take a handful of commas, stand back, and throw them "vaguely in the direction of our essay" we'd do a better job. Like many of those students, I went on to teach writing and editing to spite him. I remember my gruff & demanding nemesis with great fondness. What a loss for UD. My prayers for you all.
Laurie LeFave
October 23, 2008
May he go with God. He was a good teacher.
Teresa Gorman
October 23, 2008
I took classes from Dr. Curtsinger for both my graduate and undergraduate degree. He was a great teacher and had an absolutely hilarious sense of humor. He and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Teresa Gorman '98
Otis Klecheck
October 23, 2008
He was a wonderful man and father. I knew him in college.
Nathan
October 23, 2008
Dr. Curtsinger was a man of great personal warmth. He will be missed. I was so grateful for the time I had him at class in UD; he made me laugh like no other with his story of riding a motorcycle under a horse. May he rest in peace.
Nathan, former student
Colleen Zarzecki (BA English, 1988)
October 23, 2008
My heart broke a little as I saw the news from the University today. Dr. Curtsinger was the real thing -- darned if he wasn't right that I'd be reading Moby Dick for the rest of my life, and finding more and more in it each time. His discussions of Henry James in both American Lit and British Lit were masterful. My deepest condolences to the UD community, but especially to the entire Curtsinger family.
June Cornish and son, Br. Maria Juan Bernardino of the Most Holy Sacrament, Hanceville, AL
June Cornish
October 23, 2008
Condolences to the family, and yet rejoicing in such a life served and lived so full of love. He was a blessing to me as a professor, as well as a friend as I'm sure he was to all who knew and will always love him.
John Hasler
October 23, 2008
Good memories...a tough, but fair Professor that made literature live...I will always appreciate Dr. Curtsinger and his classes...his encouragement for me as an actor...and the impression he made on me just by his everyday demeanor and love of life and students...
UD C'73/74
Debbie Martin
October 23, 2008
Shelly, You and your family are in my prayers today.
Donnelly's Colonial Funeral Home
October 23, 2008
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Brenda Holloway
October 23, 2008
Michael and Shelly, our hearts go out to you. I know how hard it is to lose your beloved father, as I lost mine in December 07. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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