Kevin J. Hannan

Over a decade ago, Kevin Hannan’s in-depth studies on the language and culture of ethnic Czech Moravians in Texas helped guide my own fieldwork in Texas. I am forever in his debt. While we have corresponded throughout the years, I have never had an opportunity to meet him in person. I wish I had. As a researcher, I have gained much knowledge and inspiration from Kevin’s truly impressive work; and I have learned from our stimulating discussions. As a friend, I have always admired his integrity...

I met Kevin in the late 1990s by the way of his book on Teschen Silesia, an insightful analysis, which helped me focus my research on ethnicity and language in Upper Silesia. Later we met at several conferences in Poland, and exchanged views on various pieces of his and my work in progress. Kevin planned to visit me in Trinity College Dublin this spring, and it came as a shock to me that he will not.

Only a few weeks back I've received a detailed commentary from Kevin on an article I was about to submit. As always, it was witty, detailed in notes and suggestions, and inspiring. I would have never suspected it would be his last one. I’ve learned so much from Kevin over the years of intense collaboration. His contribution to the field of Texas Czech cannot be surpassed. He was a tireless and original scholar, never finished with his research. Over the past year he asked me many times...

Kevin and I never met, but corresponded often, as we both had an interest in the study of Texas Czech language. His ideas and voice will be sorely missed in our small academic circle, but I feel blessed for having had his wisdom to guide me in my studies.

He was and still is a hero. He loved his daughters and Poland so much that he would give his life if they wanted him to do that. He was my teacher and my friend. It is so sad and empty without him here.

My mother (Louise Rozacky) got to know him well when he was working on the history of her father's family -- the Shirocky's. He was my mom's second cousin. I was also looking forward to getting to know him better since I have been taking Czech courses at UT Austin, and my mom had told him that. I had hoped that my daughter and I could go visit him in Poland one day. How sad that we have lost him.

Enjoyed the educational times we shared at the Catholic Czech Club and at the State Fair of Texas. An honor to have met and known him. RICHARD SYKORA