Fred Holly Stocking

How the years pass! And, as they do, once again bless you, Fred!

Yes, I still remember how dashing--and un-Berkshire-mountains-like--Fred looked as he dashed around campus in his cape. I also remember how engaged in discussion with me Fred was as we talked about French 19th-century novels; how he enthusiastically affirmed my insights and rigorously questioned my less well-thought-out assertions. And I remember the eloquent, kind and--most important to me at the time--respectful words he wrote to accompany the Henry Rutgers Conger literary prize I received...

What a wonderful idea to remember Fred on the anniversary of his passing.

Neuroscientist David Eagleman, in his book "Sum," spins out a series of brief imaginings about what may lie on the other side of death. The premise of one of these imaginings is that each of us stays in a middle place (like purgatory) as long as someone alive still thinks of us. We might think what better way to live on than to be remembered, but Eagleman imagines the remembered (like Lincoln) as being like...

Fred was a wonderful teacher and an even better human being. He truly taught me to analyze a piece of writing so my enjoyment would be increased ten-fold. I loved his bow-ties.

Altho we never knew Fred, we grew up on stories about the Williamstown Stockings. WR the first was my mom's great grandfather and Wr Jr. was my mom's Uncle Will. We send our condolences. Her dad, Harry Stocking, was a grandson of WR the first. Fred sounded like a wonderful man to know!
Deb Glantz Hanna and family.

Another old student of Fred Stocking in Portland Oregon. He made a lasting impression and has never been forgotten by me. He is: stories told by the camp fire, laughs over a cup of coffee or a beer. (hopefully Negra Modella) Wisdom which lives on in my children through me. Most important thing I can think of today was that he always saw the best in most everything and loved people for their spirit and enthusiasm about life. He was unique and irrepressible.(sp?) anyone reading this- this...

Condolences to my old Peace Corps friend Sally Stocking on the loss of her beloved father.

We read your messages. Thank you for sharing memories that were Grandpa's as well.

Thank you David for extending the guest book for another year!

I met Fred Stocking as a timid freshman in January, 1982 when I enrolled in his winter study class, "E.B. White and the Art of the Essay." After nearly failing freshman calculus first semester, I was searching for self-confidence, as well as my next major. I recall his winter study class for its personal setting, which Mr. Stocking promoted through his genuine interest in people. In addition to analyzing E.B. White's work, we shared our own writing. Not only did Professor Stocking patiently...