Reginald A. Saner

Ah, just learned of Reg's passing. He was the grand old man of Colorado verse and the first recipient of the Karen Chamberlain Award for lifetime achievement in this state's poetry. While he will be missed, his books live on. (photo by Jimi Bernath)

I only just learned of Reg's passing. Condolences to his family. I was a grad student in one of Reg's classes in 1984. I remember one time he asked me if I would read and critique his poetry, but I declined, thinking I was wasn't up to the task. It was quite an honor to have been asked, something I'll always cherish.

I loved Reg Saner. I met him in 1984 when I took his advanced Shakespeare class at the University of Colorado. He was well aware of me, because his son Timothy, a kind of armchair rock climber, had all my books and, Reg told me, thought I was some kind of Greek god. Reg playfully told me Tim would say things like, "Why can't you write like Pat Ament." Of course Reg was a wonderful writer and an incredible teacher. I took several graduate poetry classes from him and an independent study,...

I just discovered Reg because I just read a wonderful essay he wrote that was published in The Southwest Review, about the Hopi on the Second Mesa. Never knew him in person, but I know him through the depth and insight of his writing. So grateful to God I found this piece of writing and am looking forward to reading more of his work now!

A funny feeling came over me today and I checked in on Reg. I'm so sorry Anne and Nick. I loved Reg very much as did my beloved Dad. They were almost Twins in many photos. You all will remain in my prayers always! Love, Jim

Reg Saner was an amazing professor. He had a deep impact on my life, encouraging me to move ahead with my dream of writing fiction. I am now a USAT bestselling author of 35 novels. I'm not sure I would have achieved that without his support. I loved his writing. "Reaching Keet Seel" blew me away, in part because I had backpacked visited that area and could see the landscape with such clarity through his words. My heart goes out to those who loved him. I just learned of his passing today and...

Professor Saner was hands down the best professor during my four years of college