ROBERT K. FAULKNER Jr.

FAULKNER, Robert K. Jr. A passionate professor of political philosophy at Boston College Known as "Bob", passed away, on August 3, 2023, at 88, with his children at his side. A passionate professor of political philosophy at Boston College and a devoted husband, father and grandfather, Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years, Margy. He is survived by his two grateful children and their spouses, Robert C. (Donald MacDonald) and Elizabeth (Kevin O'Halloran); and three adoring grandchildren, Chase, William and Margaret O'Halloran. Bob graduated near the top of his class from Dartmouth College, an experience he enjoyed immensely and where a spark ignited his deep interest in political philosophy. Subsequently, he won a Marshall Scholarship to Oxford and earned a PhD. at the University of Chicago under the teacher who would become his lifelong intellectual inspiration, Leo Strauss. He also met his lifelong partner, Margy, a fellow graduate student at Chicago. Professor Faulkner published multiple scholarly books, among them, "The Jurisprudence of John Marshall", "Richard Hooker and the Politics of a Christian England", "Francis Bacon and the Project of Progress" and "The Case for Greatness: Honorable Ambition and Its Critics". After a less-than satisfying stint as a professor at Princeton, he joined the faculty at Boston College in 1968, where he found and helped develop a community of colleagues who would bring him over 50 years of professional and personal fulfillment. He retired at age 81 as a Research Professor Emeritus, retaining his office and his engagement with students and colleagues. His intellectual curiosity and writings aside, he will be remembered for his character and his many contributions to individuals and communities. Nothing satisfied him more than attracting talent to his field and encouraging the curiosity of his students, so many of whom stayed in contact. Bob had a practice of writing to the parents of exceptional students, highlighting their talent and inspiring the student to pursue the field. By his colleagues, he was described as "full of good humor and grace, a steady hand through turmoil." He served as Department Chair and was actively engaged in nurturing the department and its members, many of whom were cherished friends until his death. As a measure of the community's respect for him, former BC President, Father J. Donald Monan, asked Bob to speak on behalf of the faculty at Fr. Monan's retirement ceremony. Ultimately, Bob loved people, and wanted the best for individuals of any stripe who were good souls. He attracted devotion from his gardener, contractor and neighbors as much as he did from students and colleagues. He would shock neighbors discussing politics by listening deeply and engaging in lengthy conversation. He conducted Shakespeare reading groups with interested neighbors, to their and his delight. The young children of the neighborhood would shriek with laughter and glee as he would practically roll around on the grass playing with them before sending them, all riled up with grass stains on their clothes, back to their parents. For his children, he nurtured their individual interests with commitments of time, and their education with sacrifices to send them to excellent schools and most of all, unwavering commitment and love. He was both forgiving and able to ask forgiveness of his children. Most of all, Bob set an example for integrity, pursuit of deep personal fulfillment in life and the ability to navigate difficult times with optimism, candor and fearlessness. Born in Western New York, he lost his mother when he was 12 and his father when 22, and had no self-pity for the fact. He finished life with complete lucidity about his impending death and showed only grace and eagerness to connect with loved ones while he could, engaging in candid final conversations with dozens of people in his final days, including each of his grandchildren. Less than 24 hours before his death, able to speak but a word, he requested champagne, making the most of the moment with loved ones. He died as he lived. He will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Boston College, Political Science Department, at https://give.bc.edu/campaigns/15467/donations/new?a=3974040 and direct to the political science department and in memory of Robert K. Faulkner. A Memorial Service will be held on September 23, at Boston College. The Burial Service will be private. Burke & Blackington BurkeFamilyFuneralHomes.com

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