W. Richard Comstock

Once again, I express my gratitude for Dick's mentoring during my graduate studies, dissertation work, and beyond. My own teaching and writing continues to be inspired by him.

In remembering Dick Comstock many years on now, I want to add (my original condolences below) that when I left UCSB in 1998 to move to Chicagoland (which was in the end not a wise move!), Dick gave me a farewell gift of a volume of selected poems by the great English poet laureate William Wordsworth. Although I had dipped into the volume over the years, just lately I began reading it cover to cover: the poems are simply wonderful! The genial mind of Wordsworth, his luminous perceptions...

I continue to feel gratitude for the enduring impact Dick had on my life. I retired this past year after 30 years of full-time teaching. He was my teacher, mentor, a member of my dissertation committee, and a friend after I completed my studies. I did my best "to pay forward" what I received from him in the teaching, mentoring, and dissertation supervising I have done in my career. Dick will continue to abide in my heart.

I consider Professor Comstock to be one of my most important mentors. His graduate seminars shaped my perspective on Religious Studies. I was fortunate to be one of his teaching assistants and am grateful to him for serving on my dissertation committee. He was warm and generous. We became friends. My success as a teacher and department chair is due, in large measure, to his impact on my life.

Dr. Comstock was one of the kindest and wisest professors in the department. He was always approachable, always had a twinkle in his eye, always had an astute observation to make. In addition to his scholarly work, he loved movies and could be counted on for a great report on the latest interesting film. He was a good man. Many, many students benefited from his teaching and mentorship. He will be remembered with great respect and fondness.

It was a pleasure to work with Prof. Comstock during his tenure as Department Chairman. I also attended many of his courses in completing my degree at UCSB. His course on "Death and Dying" was always over enrolled. A wonderful professor and administrator who helped build the department to what it is today. He will be truly missed.