Bernard Van't Hul

I had the great fortune to enroll in Professor Van't Hul's historical fiction class at U-M in 1983. I remember every book he assigned and more importantly, the knowledge, friendliness and grace that he shared with all of us. Great teacher. Great man.

I also went to Calvin, but it was at Michigan in the summer of 1980 that I took a class with Bernie, a class on short stories. I worked with the ECB for a time, he was very connected to our program in English Education, and he worked me with me through the work of Jay Robinson and Patti Stock at the CEIC in our work in Saginaw. In later years he and Dan DeVries and I wrote poems together, collaboratively written poems, cinquains. And he wrote something for my baseball poetry blog, sharing the...

I graduated with Bernie from Westernin 1949. His days there were filled with humor and fun. We were so glad that he attended our 60 class reunion. He always was the life of the party. Celebrate his life.

I will always remember our great happy hour conversations at the U Club in the early eighties. Bernie was a man of the people. He was always willing to engage on the subjects of the day with both wit and vigor with students, staff, fellow faculty and even "administrators." What a great man. He will be missed.

My sympathy to the family. May the Lord give you peace and comfort.

Dear Nelvia (and Sarah),
I want to convey my sincere condolences during this time. Bernie was kind enough to read big chunks of my dissertation, and give kind and thoughtful feedback, along with advice about everything from navigating the academic job market to navigating life. Those of us pursuing medieval literature remember his vital contributions to the Middle English Dictionary. Whenever I went to his office, he was always deep in work, but also always happy to be interrupted. Love to...

I had "Professor Van't Hul" for Old English back in the early 70's - one of my absolutely favorite classes and professors. Wish I could see his woodcarvings! I am sorry to hear that he is gone, and wish you all comfort in your grief.

I came to know Bernie through our mutual friend Dirk Jellema, of blessed memory. Bernie's visits to Hope College were always occasions for fun and intellectual hijinks. A truly unique individual.
Kathleen Verduin
Hope College English Department

Nelvia, Fran and I are saddened by the news of Bernie's death. We treasure the memories of his wit and his tweaking of the noses of the high & mighty. And we recall, with admiration, all of your contributions to our University, notably the editing of the LSA Magazine when intellectual content dominated over PR glitz.