Father Daniel Ramsey Barfield

Father Barfield was a great, great teacher and man. I was a student of his, and I was blessed to know him. - Don Gerz

Fr. Barfield was the main reason I became an English teacher. I remember being in his class one afternoon. We were reading and acting out "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Fr. Barfield made it seem perfectly natural to think and speak through Shakespeare's characters. I was trying to do so when all of a sudden the whole universe of the English Renaissance opened up to my mind and being, and I could see everything. I could even see that there were things that I and none of us would ever see or...

I had been talking about Fr. Barfield just minutes before I found out about his death. He was the main reason I became an English teacher. I remember being in Fr. Barfield's class. We were reading and acting out "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Fr. Barfield made it seem perfectly natural to think and speak through Shakespeare's characters. I was trying to do so when all of a sudden the whole universe of the English Renaissance opened up to my mind and being, and I could see everything. I...

I had Fr. Bafield for, I believe, sophomore English. I thought he was a great teacher, but I'm sure I wasn't the only one in the class that thought him a bit demanding.

One day, during class, his back went out on him and he went to the floor, unable to do anything but lie flat on his back.

Although I now know he must have been in excruciating pain, he kept his sense of humor.

While lying there on the floor in front of the class, he said, "If any of...

Dan was a mentor to me when I was a young scholastic, thirty-three years ago, teaching in New Orleans. Dan brought me to Baton Rouge to experience the gracious hospitality of his parents and family. Both of us shared that appreciation of things Southern. I had Dan "vest" me at my ordination. I teased him because he put my chasuble on backwards, but I wouldn't have changed things for the world. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to be with Dan twice during his sabbatical. I am glad that...

I am very saddened to hear of Fr. Barfield's sudden passing. Not
only was he an oustanding Teacher and Administrator at Jesuit High School, he also had become a friend, counselor, and was an incredible role model for all of us. I was hoping he could have attended our 30-year class reunion this past weekend, and was hoping it was only because of his hectic schedule that he could not make it. I am sorry I did not keep in touch with him through the years, but thankful I had the blessing...

Father Barfield,

Thanks for the guidance, caring, and mentoring.

Tom
Class of '73
Jesuit High of NOLA
Go BlueJays!