Christopher-Leland-Obituary

Photo courtesy of A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors - Crooks Road

Christopher Towne Leland

Detroit, Michigan

Oct 17, 1951 – Jul 23, 2012 (Age 60)

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BORN
October 17, 1951
DIED
July 23, 2012
AGE
60
LOCATION
Detroit, Michigan

Obituary

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A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors - Crooks Road Obituary

Obituary to be updated soon CHRISTOPHER TOWNE LELAND October 17, 1951 – July 23, 2012 Christopher Towne Leland was born on October 17, 1951 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His proud parents were Benjamin T. and Julia "Judy" (nee Sanford) Leland. He was of English and German descent. He died on July 23, 2012 at Detroit's Receiving Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. He was 60 years of age. He was a longtime resident of Detroit, Michigan. Chris was a proud graduate of Pomona College in Claremont, California and the University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California. He was a longtime professor of English at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He was an accomplished author of ten books. Chris was the loving companion of Osvaldo R. Sabino for 33 years. Beloved son of Benjamin Towne Leland, Jr. and the late Julia "Judy" Elizabeth Leland (nee Sanford). Dear brother of Julie L. Long (the late John C. Long, MD) and Jonathan W. Leland (Annette). Uncle of Benjamin, Daniel, Julian, Marshall and Eraine. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial tributes to Wayne State University English Department in Memory of Dr. Christopher T. Leland, WSU Fund Office, 5475 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202-4095. On check memo line: IMO Dr. Christopher Leland 220796

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I have meaningful memories of the time I spent as a student under the tutelage of Christopher T Leland. I had the opportunity to attend one semester of a graduate level English class at Harvard, and Christopher's appreciation of my writing gave me such encouragement, such confidence, the likes of which I had never before experienced, that I have kept those endearments close to my heart, and have been shaped by them I am certain. Such selflessness, such kindness, and encouragement does stay...

I was Chris's student at Harvard University years ago and always found him to be passionate, kind, and utterly encouraging of my writing. I had been hoping to speak to him again after so many years but, instead, found this obituary, which greatly saddened me. I send all my love and regrets for not having gotten in touch sooner to his partner.

Thinking of Chris and honoring his memory by continuing my passion for writing. He was my thesis advisor at WSU, my mentor, my biggest fan! Before he left, he let me know that the creative writing department would be in good hands. I selfishly asked him to stay on the planet longer, but I think he knew it wouldn't be.

I'm in Southern CA now - trying to channel his energy! I'm thankful every day for having known him; I only wish I could encourage other writers as well as he...