Michael Hall Carolan

The undisputed Master of Instant Cartography, Mr. Carolan is the man who taught me to love history. He vivified ancient events and persons with a style that was equal parts storyteller, scholar, and showman. He had an uncanny ability to illuminate an event with an anecdote or reference. He once likened the waves of barbarians that overran Europe in the Dark Ages to a triple left-hook that sends a boxer to the canvas. He added with a smile, "I once knocked a man out with a triple left-hook. It...

Mr. Carolan was my teacher for Sophomore European and Senior AP European history. Fabulous teacher. Amazing intellect and great sense of humor. Many wonderful memories (I think he gave me my 1st JUG). Amazing to think of the lives he touched. God bless Mr. Carolan and his family. AMDG (Gonzaga '85)

Back in 1981, sitting in Mr, Carolan's class for AP European History at Gonzaga, watching him draw that intricate map of 18th century Europe with the precise borders of the kingdoms, duchies and states. And that unfiltered Camel suspended from his tactile fingers in anticipation of a puff, waiting as he drew so elegantly. His brilliant mind showed me how to appreciate history and its power. The passage of the hours into years has not diminished the impact that Mr. Carolan had on me - the...

AP European history class, Feb 3 1984 I think, he comes into class and asks if anyone knows what day it is. We all guess Hundred Year War, Catherine the Great, etc. He simply says, "No, today is the day the music died." Taught us about Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper too. Great teacher.

History classes are just about a bunch of facts and numbers. Well, not the way Mr. Carolan taught them. Playing the dual role of master storyteller and actor, he transformed the classroom into a stage where we could relive past events that shaped nations. His maps were meticulously drawn from memory as if he had charted the territory himself. I am fortunate for having been your student at Gonzaga. May you rest in peace, sir, and may God bless your family during this time of sorrow.

Mr Carolan was a kind soul and wonderful teacher. His European history class at Gonzaga opened my eyes to the wonder that history holds. Blessings to him and his family.

Mr. Carolan was a legend in his own time. Candid, brilliant, and always entertaining, he was a great teacher. He loved learning and he saw the beauty in history, not just disjointed facts. I had the privilege of having him 2 full years at Gonzaga. May he rest in peace.

Few can make history as captivating as Mr. Carolan. The maps. If not the maps alone, finding humor in the moment. "It wasn't enough that they tossed them out the window, they needed to invent a new word to title it, hence the Defenestration of Prague" We are better for his life with us.

Mr. Carolan was a gifted and inspiring teacher, not to mention a gifted cartographer. You are fondly remembered. Rest in peace.