Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Cawelti Obituary
The John G. Cawelti Award is presented annually in his honor by the Popular Culture Association, of which he was founding member.
PHOTO CREDIT: Leslie Travis, 1973
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Cawelti
JERRY W CARLSON
June 6, 2024
I first saw John Ford's STAGECOCACH in a seminar with John in around 1974. I thought it was, well, OK. John then started opening the doors for us. Fifty years later I've taught it many, many times. I hope I opened a few of the rooms that John first showed me.
Raymond J Merlock
December 12, 2023
John was the outside reader for my Ph.D. dissertation. I read THE SIX-GUN MYSTIQUE when I started graduate school in 1969 and met John in person a few years later at a Popular Culture Association (PCA) Convention in Chicago. Over the years at PCA, I was on panels with him and went to panels where he delivered papers. After he retired and became a caregiver for Mary, each year I would inform him who and what work had won the annual John Cawelti Award at PCA. Generous, kind, brilliant, he was a pioneer and a mentor and a grand friend.
JERRY CARLSON
July 20, 2022
In the mid-70s at the University of Chicago I had the good fortune of studying with John and then serving as his Teaching Assistant in his introductory course about understanding movies. I could not have had a better mentor. After one class he said, "By the way, you're teaching the class next week. I'll be at a conference. I didn't tell the students because they won't show up if they know a grad student is in charge. Don't worry. You'll keep them in place." In fact, 3 or 4 left immediately, but 20 or so stayed. I was forever grateful for his guidance and confidence in me. On another note, over 40 years later I still assign his writing to my own grad students. They're still learning from John. RIP, my dear friend.
Ray Merlock
June 26, 2022
John was the outside reader on my dissertation. Among the books on my bookshelf that most influenced me are THE SIX-GUN MYSYIQUE, FOCUS ON BONNIE AND CLYDE, and ADVENTURE, MYSTERY AND ROMANCE. I kept in touch with him through the decades each year sending him information from the Popular Culture Association annual conventions as to who had won The Cawelti Award and inquiring how he was doing. He was a vigorous, brilliant, generous scholar and a pillar of Popular Culture Studies.
George Grella
June 14, 2022
I'm sorry, of course, to learn of John's death; we had known each other for many years, shared a number of interests and areas of research. He was a good friend, a good scholar, a good guy.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in John Cawelti's name
Memorial Events
for John Cawelti
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Cawelti's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
