W. Bliss Carnochan

I remember him well from my years at Stanford, 1961-65. He was young and golden then, and had a sizable number of English Lit students who admired him and sought his friendship and advice. He had great influence over many lives. My best friend at Stanford, Nora Crow Jaffe, followed in his footsteps, attaining her Ph.d. in English Lit at Stanford and went on to teach and write about 18th century literature -- particularly the work of Jonathan Swift -- at Smith College. She remained in touch...

I remember Bliss coming to Peninsula School one or two times. I was just a little kid however I was struck by his kind face and his elegance; he radiated intelligence. Sorry to the family for your loss. Lisa, I remember you as well, and I send my condolences.

I am so very sad to hear of Bliss's death. We have been in touch since I was his student at Stanford in 1972, and he encouraged me to go to graduate school in English. I last heard from him some months ago, when he wrote of wanting his ashes spread in the High Sierra, in the place he loved best in the world. When he did not write in response to our holiday card this year, I sensed something was amiss and was just about to write to him again. Bliss had a profound effect on my life, and I know...