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Dr. Gerard Gouvernet

Gerard Gouvernet Obituary

Gouvernet, Dr. Gerard
Brighton: July 18, 2008. He is survived by his wife Suzanne; and son, Philippe, daughter-in-law, Shannah, and Ava. Dr. Gouvernet was a long-time professor in the Department of Foreign Language of SUNY Geneseo.
A Memorial Gathering will be held Tuesday, July 29th, 5 PM at the Genesee Valley Club, 421 East Ave. Donations in his memory may be directed to the Geneseo Foundation, Erwin 202, Geneseo, NY 14454 (to benefit the Department of Foreign Languages), or the Pluta Cancer Center, 125 Red Creek Drive, Rochester, NY 14623. Anthony Funeral
& Cremation Chapels
2305 Monroe Ave. 244-0770

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle from Jul. 20 to Jul. 27, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerard Gouvernet

59 Entries

Melanie Chevez

August 3, 2009

I had the pleasure of having a work study in the Language Department my four years at Geneseo.

It was a joy to talk with Dr. Gouvernet (and Val) on a daily basis. He had such a positive outlook and was such a kind man.

He will be missed.

November 2004

May 31, 2009

Phara Souffrant

February 1, 2009

He will be sorely missed but we will remember his great contributions to the SUNY Geneseo campus.

Trisha Atwood

November 28, 2008

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Dr Gouvernet. My husband and I both took French classes with him, and truly enjoyed it, especially during our recent trip to Paris! Dr Gouvernet was a wonderful teacher, and a wonderful man. Our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. The Geneseo community has lost a true gem.

Sarah Dziekonski

October 11, 2008

I know I am a bit late in signing, but I wanted to say how sorry I am to Dr. Gouvernet's family. He will be sorely missed. He challenged me and made sure that I worked for everything that I learned. I know that I am a far better student for having had him as a professor. He was also so kind and so patient and he helped me even when I didn't ask him to. Gouvey, our hearts are broken. Rest in peace, Monsieur.

Jody Slentz-Roos

October 9, 2008

Dr. Gouvernet remains always a warm Geneseo memory in my heart. He was a brilliant man who had the highest expectations for his students. So much of who I am today - a French teacher for the past 23 years - I owe to Dr. Gouvernet and the wonderful foreign language department at Geneseo. Cher prof, you will be sorely missed. Adieu, Jody Slentz-Roos, class of '85.

Christian Lopez

September 30, 2008

My Professor! May he rest in peace. Dr. Gouvernet was a great mentor for me. He pushed me to go to France after my first year of school and forced me to speak it well and love it's wine. We shared many laughs. He was always supportive, energetic and understanding.

I will miss him and I am thankful that he was part of my young adult life. He had a tremendous impact in my studies and I am thankful because I learned so much from him.

God Bless you Dr. G and my many sympathies to his family.

Christian A. Lopez

Laetitia Stevenson (Ferino)

September 25, 2008

I was deeply saddened to hear a few days ago about the passing of "Gouvy" and I would like to pass my condolences to his family.
He was so extraordinary kind to me during my year as a TA in his Dpt. at Geneseo. He helped me get started when I got there, he was always there when I needed advice or support and had a great sense of humour. We had this habit of going for lunch together every Friday, which was one of the best times of the week for me, where we got to know each other quite well. He was so funny and generous.
You've made my time there a little bit more special, and I know that every one of your students had a deep affection for you.
Rest in Peace Dr G.
Your southern French fellow "Pataraque"

Julianne Oliver

September 18, 2008

So sorry to hear about Dr. Gouvernet. He had to teach one of my Spanish classes mid semester due to another prof's illness and he proved to be a compassionate man.

Lacey Teixeira (Garrett)

September 17, 2008

M. Gouvernet,

C'est de tristesse profonde dont nous devons dire adieu. You always challenged and supported me--I will never forget your seemingly unending patience (meme si je vous ai bien agitee). A votre famille, je vous offre mes condoleances. Gouvy, vous serez toujours a nos coeurs.

Bises.
Votre pasteque banquierre.

Lindsey Metzger (Smith)

September 13, 2008

When I read the alumni newsletter, I was saddened to learn that Dr. Gouvernet passed away. Although he was never one of my professors, I first met him at my freshmen orientation when I chose my classes. He was the first memory I had of Geneseo. He was a great contribution to the Foreign Languages and Literatures Department and he will truly be missed.

Kevin Sullivan

September 8, 2008

How saddened I am to hear of Dr. Gouvernet's passing. To us fellow alumni, "Gouvy" was always cheerful, warm, and a master of the quick "one-liners" that always seemed to make us laugh. Dr. Gouvernet's help with my study abroad experience in Montpellier was invaluable, and I join the other alumni in wishing the best to his wife and family.

Sarah Hart

September 5, 2008

I was deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Gouvernet's passing. He was a one of a kind professor who always brought a smile and enthusiasm to his class. I can't remember ever having a bad class with him, his love for the French language was contagious. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Sara May

September 5, 2008

I was saddened this morning when I heard of Dr. Gouvernet's passing. I was lucky enough to take two classes with Dr. Gouvernet during my time at Geneseo. At first, I thought I was in way over my head, but Gouvey would not let me get down on myself. He was always encouraging and available to me and all of his students for extra help. He held all of us to high standards and then helped us reach them, which is one of the greatest qualities I think any professor can have. I will always fondly remember his gentle nature and quirky sense of humor. Even two years after I had taken my last class with Gouvey, he would warmly greet me whenever he saw me in Welles and ask how I was doing. Ever the passionate teacher, he would ask in French, just to make sure I was keeping up with everything I had learned. Gouvey, Geneseo n'est pas la même sans vous. Dieu vous bénisse et votre famille. Vous nous manquera beaucoup.

Beth McCoy

September 5, 2008

I was saddened to learn of Gerard's death. I am in the English department and thus had the privilege of being greeted graciously by Gerard every morning. As a colleague and human being, he carried himself always with dignity. I know that he had a great impact on many students. I mourn his loss and send peace and condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Tiffany Scriven

August 26, 2008

Dr. Gouvernet was without a doubt one of the most kindest people I've ever been fortunate enough to know. You could see simply by looking at him that he was a kind man, he had kind eyes and a kind smile. I once did a portraite of him with the purpose of showing his kindness through those features.
I enjoyed going to classes, not so much for what was being taught, but for the many tangents he went on. The stories that had absolutely no point, the silly jokes that almost no one understood, and the different looks and expressions he would come up with.
Gouvie was not so much a teacher as he was a mentor and a friend. Throughout my years at Geneseo I began to see him as a kind of grandfather figure, someone who was protecting and looking out for my well being. He was never too busy to talk and he would let me borrow French films and make suggestions as to which ones to watch.
I only visited his home one day while in Montpellier but it was a beautiful experience. Gouvie had the unique ability to make any student feel special, he's the only professor I know who had nicknames for half of his students!
I remember his wife telling me after he had been on sabatical for a semester that he was bored and couldn't wait to get back to teaching. That was his calling, what he loved to do. He was the most caring teacher I've ever had and I can only hope to follow in his footsteps.
Gouvie you were greatly loved by all your students and you are greatly missed.
I hope his family can take comfort in reading these entries and know that Dr.Gouvernet impacted many, many people during his time on this Earth.

Jasmine & Chi-Ming Tang

August 25, 2008

I am so sorry for the saddnest news of Dr. Gouvernet as I have just returned from China. He was a very nice and kind person. He was very passion for his students and his colleagues. I am glad that I had the opportunity to talk to him and his wife in the department when they came to pack his stuff before he left.
Please accept me and my husband Chi-Ming's deepest sympathy to the family.

From: Jasmine & Chi-Ming Tang

Deanna Richards

August 22, 2008

When I found out Dr. G had passed this summer I was really upset. Having taken three classes with him over three semesters I feel that I knew him pretty well. He was always really interested in what was going on and really wanted to help his students do well. I will miss him greatly as I continue my French studies and will always remember the lessons he taught me.

Katherine Choiniere

August 21, 2008

I spent two semesters in French class with Dr. G. I loved his sense of humor and his patience, never failing even at 8:30 in the morning. He will be greatly missed by me and many others. My deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.

Christopher Hromalik

August 20, 2008

I just entered the homepage of the Foreign Languages and Literatures Department for the first time in a while and I am shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of Dr. Gouvernet. He was an exemplary professor and I find it hard to believe that he will no longer be able to share his passion for the French language with future students. Outside of the classroom, he was a caring man and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to both know him and learn from him. I wish all of his family and friends the best throughout this difficult time.

Reyna

August 19, 2008

Que pena tan grande tengo en el corazon. Con diferencia a mucho, desafortunadamente el Senor Gouvernet nunca fue mi profesor puesto que mi concentracion fue en Espanol. Aunque no fui su alumna nunca le falto a este gran ser humano ser cordial, amable, y hacer unos cuantos chistes. Siempre con una sonrisa hacia radiar el departamente de espanol con un aire de alegria. Era un placer ir al departamento y saludarlo. Yo me gradue en el 1999. Aunque no he tenido contacto con el desde ese tiempo, los gratos recuerdos viven pernamentemente en mi memoria. Gracias senor Gouvernet por traer una sonrisa en mi cara cuando lo veia. Mis condolencia a la familia. Ahora hay otro angel mas cuidandonos.

Cindy Nagle

August 18, 2008

It's been incredibly sad to absorb the news of the loss of Dr. Gouvernet. But I'm very lucky to carry wonderful memories of my time studying French at Geneseo, having him as a professor for some of my best classes, and living with his family in France the summer after I graduated.

M. Gouvernet had an unwaveringly gracious manner, imbued with equal measures of intelligence and sly humor. Whether discussing French literature or business in the classroom, advising on courses or career paths or how to resurrect Le Cercle Francais club, encouraging me to enter the petanque (French bocce) contest in St.-Veran, or rooting for his favorite rider in the Tour de France - in everything, he had high standards and high expectations, but never intimidated.

I credit him with my becoming truly fluent in French, due to the Gouvernets' St.-Veran house rules: "Speak only in French, unless you need to ask how to say something in French!" That was the most wonderful summer of my life, and I thank the Gouvernet family for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity from the bottom of my heart.

Mme Gouvernet and Philippe, I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. I hope that seeing so many wonderful tributes to him here helps to comfort you and ease your sadness. May it also comfort you to know that he has made a profound and positive impression on so many students, including me, that will last our entire lives.

Michelle Pinto

August 14, 2008

After hearing of the untimely death of Dr. Gouvernet, I was immediately stuck with grief. While I was only a member of his class for one semester, I learned more from a single semester under his guidance then I did in five years of French instruction. I remember the first day of class I was frightened by the fact I could not understand a single word out of his mouth. However, with time and patience, I was able to understand a decent amount of what he said. I thoroughly enjoyed his class and the community of French teachers has lost a great teacher and a person. I will never forget my semester with him. His harsh grades and grammatical critiques made me have a better Frenchwoman, and his kindness and humor made a mark in my life forever. Gouvie, you will be greatly missed.

Benjamin Wright

August 9, 2008

I was shocked to learn of the untimely death on July 18th of Gerard. He and his wife Susanne shared a two family house in Belmont MA with us for 13 years when he was obtaining his doctorate from Harvard. My deepest sympathy on the occasion of his loss is extended to his wife Susanne, son Philippe and new daughter in law Shannah.

Rose McEwen

August 7, 2008

As we all realize, no words can accurately express how significant a single human being, Gérard Gouvernet, was to the lives of so many. I've struggled for days trying to find words that would best express how beloved Gérard was at SUNY Geneseo and how much he impacted our lives.

Exactly 10 years ago, when I was a new hire in the Department, Gérard, then the Department´s Chair, began what would be a decade-long training, mostly by example, of what a kind, patient and wise leader should me. As I find myself training new colleagues—hoping to follow Gérard´s kind lessons--I realize that in the same manner as today his lessons reverberate in my mind and in the minds of my colleagues, the seeds of Gérard´s teachings always found fertile ground in his students, who also saw in Gouvie, as they fondly called him, an academic mentor who instilled in them the passion for all things French but, more significantly, served as an exemplary role model of how a noble human being should be.

Dr. Gouvernet/Gérard/Gouvie has really not died. It is somewhat gratifying to know that his presence will remain with us as long as we live and, in fact, will outlive us--in those to whom we are able to extend some of the remarkable kindness, patience and wisdom he always showed us.

Au revoir, mon professeur!

Sara Kelly

August 5, 2008

Dr. Gouvernet's kind smile and reassuring presence will certainly be missed by all of his colleagues and students. I am grateful for his example as a lover of languages, teaching, and people as well as his devotion to empowering those around him to broaden their experiences and live fuller lives.

Linda House

August 4, 2008

I was so sorry to hear of Gerard's illness and death. He will be missed. I always appreciated his subtle humor at Chair's meetings. I will remember him and all his family in my prayers.

Bruno Bernardino

August 4, 2008

I was so sad to hear of Dr. Gouvernet's passing upon my return to the US. I wish to express my sincere condolences to his family, friends, students and colleagues. Along with the others who spent our junior year in Montpellier, I have so many wonderful stories of Goovy. He was a giant among his peers. He left a mark on all of us, as he did on Geneseo. He was a mentor to many of us, and each time I was in Geneseo we’d have lunch. Always the intellectual, he wasn’t one for technology. I recall fondly all the times he called me to his office to help with the computer or all the typing projects he subcontracted to me. I hope to pass to my students the passion and knowledge he shared with all of us during those wonderful four years that we were part of the Foreign Language Family. I will miss his humor the most. I regret not having been able to attend the memorial service.

Emil Lou

August 4, 2008

At first I could not think of what to write here because of my shock at Dr Gouvernet's passing, but the words can flow more easily now that I've had time to process the news. I was devastated to hear of Dr G's passing. He was a great professor, mentor, role model, and friend, and had more influence on my life than he could possibly have known. I count myself among those innocent and naive freshman who wandered into his advanced-level class as a freshman at Geneseo, thinking there was no way I could keep up. He provided endless encouragement that boosted my confidence in myself and my abilities, which extended into many other endeavors as well. It was through great selflessness and sincere desire to see me succeed that he helped me obtain a fellowship to study abroad in his hometown of Montpellier, an experience I count as one of the best experiences of my life. He used his connections there to enrich my experience, and I am forever grateful. He tirelessly arranged an exchange program for future Geneseo students to have the same experience by studying in Montpellier, starting the year afterward, an arrangement which continues on. On my subsequent visits to my alma mater's campus, through medical school and residency, I always looked forward to our chats and visits in his office. Now, as an oncologist, I am affected even more deeply by his loss to cancer, but am grateful for his role in helping me along my professional path and helping others.

I will miss him deeply and extend my most heartfelt condolences to his family. Qu'il repose en paix.

Edward Drachman

August 3, 2008

I got to know Gerard when he represented the Foreign Language Department in the International Relations Major. Gerard was always so polite, considerate, and helpful to colleagues and students. He will be missed.

Ed Drachman
Department of Political Science and International Relations

Sara Germain

August 2, 2008

I was so sad to hear of Dr. Gouvernet's passing. I was lucky enough to have spent four semesters in his classes, and the French Department has lost a most favorite Professor and beloved mentor. Gouvy's smile and sense of humor were what made him and his classes so memorable. I wish his family peace, and the comfort of knowing that he was looked up to by Geneseo students and faculty alike.

Eugene Stelzig

August 1, 2008

Mon cher collegue is what I used to call you when running into you in the Welles hallway--our paths would cross from opposite directions (North--Foreign Languages, South--English). You always tolerated mon mauvais francais with considerable indulgence. I got to know your wonderful sense of irony when we would both walk back from department chairs' meetings in Erwin--le sentiment cache etait que plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose. your irony was dry, nuanced, and very tolerant and cosmopolitan: old world, which is what we are often lacking in this brave and crass New World. I also recall several years ago when I went to your office to show you a letter of rec for a job candidate by none other than the legendary deconstructor Jacques Derrida, and you pointed out that it was obvious from his French usages (the rec was in francais) that he'd been living in the U.S. too long. You brought something tres precieux to the little college in the valley, and I will miss seeing and saying hello to you in Welles.

With bon voyage to you, and deep sympathy pour votre famille.

Sincerement,

Gene Stelzig

Susan Salmon

August 1, 2008

Dr. Gouvernet will be missed by so many students at Geneseo. I didn't get the chance to work closely with him but heard from the education students the admiration they had for him. He was always kind and I loved to hear him speak. I know his family must have wonderful memories to comfort them. My sympathies to all who had the great fortune to know him and work with him.

Tom Greenfield

August 1, 2008

Dr. Gouvernet took over as chair of the department just as I arrived as dean. He was very serious about assuring himself and others that he would perform well in his new leadership capacity, and was sincerely, although needlessly, modest about his abilities to do so. To the surprise of no one who knew him, he proved to be an excellent leader and mentor. New colleagues often spoke about how much they relied on his reassurances and guidance as they began their careers here. I worked with him most closely when he provided the essential leadership and personal commitment for establishing our Montpellier exchange, a breakthrough Geneseo study abroad program in a non-English speaking setting. We could not have set up that excellent program without him.

Gerard was a gentle man and a gentleman; I miss him.

Jeff Gutenberg

August 1, 2008

I remember how helpful and gracious he was when I needed some assistance in translating French survey responses into English.

Jeff Gutenberg
School of Business

Joanne Menke

July 31, 2008

My sincerest condolences to Dr. Gouvernets' family. I will miss his sly sense of humor and willingness to help all who came to his office. He was always a man of grace and will be missed by all who knew him.

Robin Sacher

July 31, 2008

Cher Dr. Gouvernet,

J’ai des mémoires profonds de vous et vous cours. Vous étiez un excellent prof dont je me souviendrai pour toujours. Maintenant quand j’enseigne mes cours de français, j’utilise votre exemple des homophones en français (verre, vers, vert) et mes élèves l’adorent. Vous êtes parti de cette terre avant votre temps. Vous me manquerez toujours.

A bientôt,

Amy Smith

July 30, 2008

As one of the many students Dr. Gouvernet taught, I think I speak for all when I say that he will be deeply missed in the Geneseo community. I remember on my first day of college French when I almost cried and walked out because I couldn't understand a single phrase. Six semesters later, I remember being extremely upset when he left mid-semester. Dr. Gouvernet was one of the most caring, devoted professors that I have come across in my time at Geneseo. He had a unique personality and teaching style and was always there when I needed extra help or guidance. I will never forget his classes filled with obscure French songs, funny stories and time killers (such as forty minutes of hangman) but what I will remember the most is his love of teaching, the French language and his kind heart. He has certainly left a lasting impression on me. I am extremely lucky and grateful to have had him as a professor and I am saddened for the students that will not have the privilege to study with him. I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends. I will never forget you Gouvey, thank you for everything.

Cristina Rowley

July 28, 2008

I wish to send my deepest condolences to his family. This is a very difficult time for you but hope you find comfort in the outpouring of love from his students and friends.

Gerard was a kind and generous man who welcomed me to the department and was always there with advice and encouragement. I feel truly blessed for having known him and for having called him a friend. I will miss him greatly and our department will not be the same without him.

Carolina Marin

July 26, 2008

Don Gerardo, Doctor G, Gouvie, you were such a wonderful human being, tu parlais toutes les langues, tu avais habité partout, your smile and your patience were infite, you were wise and humble comme si rien c était... Such a beautiful human being it s rare to find; you were my colleague, my teacher and my friend, I will never forget you. Espero vivir suficiente para ser la mitad de lo que tú has sido. My deepest condolences to the family. Descanse en paz, hasta siempre Gouvie.

Geneseo - 1998 Graduation

July 24, 2008

Magali Tenias

July 24, 2008

Je tiens à partager de tout mon coeur la tristesse de la famille de Dr Gouvernet. C'est un homme qui m'a énormément marquée, par son sens de l'humour extraordinaire, sa grande intelligence et sa sympathie. Il était devenu un ami que je vais regretter et dont je chérirai le souvenir pour toujours. Adieu Gouvey

Marianne Houghton

July 23, 2008

Dr. Gouvernet was a true gentleman, as a professor always helpful, as a collegue just the kindest individual possible. I am greatful to have been part of his department and I shall greatly miss him. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family.

Ariane Baer

July 23, 2008

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Dr. Gerard Gouvernet's family. While I had the opportunity to be his student for only a semester, I automatically saw the connection he had with students and fellow colleagues. It was easy to see how much Dr. Gouvernet was admired and respected by all who came in contact with him, including myself. He will truly be missed.

Mlle Elizabeth Hyde

July 22, 2008

I was of the many students that had the unique opportunity to study with Dr. Gouvernet. He had certainly become more than a college professor to most of his students including myself. Dr. Gouvernet was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration in my life. I looked forward to each class with him hoping to hear one of his many funny French jokes or to share in a laugh over a grammatical trick he would play in order to make one of the students say something ridiculous that they didn’t really understand. I feel truly blessed to have had this man as a part of my life even if it was only for a few short years. He was and always will be an example that I will live my life by. His kindness and dedication to his students, his love for teaching and his wonderful sense of humor will live on with each of his students including me. My deepest condolences to his family and loved one, he was an amazing man that truly made a difference in the world. Dr. Gouvernet it was truly a pleasure and an honor to be your student, you are by far one of my finest and dearest college memories and a man I will certainly never forget.

Jennifer Rybak

July 21, 2008

First of all, I wish to send my deepest condolences to Dr. Gouvernet's family. I, too, remember the very first day of French class with a very charming professeur. I remember thinking, "Oh là là, that is a VERY thick French accent...I hope I will be able to understand the homework assignments!" I was quite intmidated at first by Dr. Gouvernet, but soon realized that he was a charming, fun-loving "gentilhomme." Since graduating from Geneseo in 1992, I have seen Dr. Gouvernet at various activities because I was inspired enough to teach French myself! He had such a passion for sharing the culture of France with his students. That is something that has stayed with me and will stay with me forever, and will be passed on to my own students for years to come. So UN GRAND MERCI, Dr. Gouvernet, for inspiring me so much! Votre sourire nous manquera beaucoup-vous serez le gentilhomme français pour toujours, dans tous nos coeurs! QUE DIEU VOUS BENISSE.

Amy Hopkin

July 21, 2008

My condolences to Dr. Gouvernet's family and friends. He gave to his students the gift of his language and his homeland by starting the Geneseo exchange with Montpellier. The year in Montpellier changed my life, and I am eternally grateful, Gouvy!

Katherine Somerville

July 21, 2008

I only have the fondest memories of my time in Dr. Gouvernet’s classes at Geneseo. To a nervous freshman in my first college class, his thick French accent seemed daunting. It was his caring nature and gentle mocking (he was forever asking if I had danced on bars over the weekend) that made me persevere through four years of French classes. He was truly a gifted teacher who accepted us the way we were, but pushed us to be the best we could be. I hope to be able to instill the same love of the French language and culture in my students that Gouvie cultivated in me. Geneseo has lost a treasure. My heart goes out to family, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Gouvernet.

Hannah Huhr

July 21, 2008

I am heartbroken to hear the news of Dr. Gouvernet's passing. He was my French professor for my past 2 years at Geneseo and out of all my professors, I reached out to him most because he accepted me so gently and allowed me to feel comfortable.
He was truly a kind-hearted man who encouraged his students to become more engaged in learning-and not only academically.
Dr. G is a legacy in my college life, and in many others' as well.
I send my condolences to his family.

Rest in Peace, Professeur Gouvernet.

Beverly Evans

July 21, 2008

I would like to express my sincere condolences to Gerard's family. The many students, both former and current, who loved him will deeply feel his passing, as will I. He was a kind presence as well as someone with the rare ability to face serious illness with unfailing grace and complete dignity. In this, and in so many other ways, he was an example to us all.

Korie Kasper

July 21, 2008

Dr. Gouvernet was one of the most helpful professors that i have had...I will truly miss his down to earth personality and wonderful sense of humor...Vous me manquerez Gouvey...

Amanda Neill

July 21, 2008

I am so heartbroken at the loss of Dr. Gouvernet, "Goovy". I have known him for many years as he was friends with my grandmother, Suzy Neill, through the French Alliance, and I was fortunate to have him as not only my advisor while at Geneseo but as a wonderful professor. I will never forget my junior year in France, when Goovy came to visit us and was sitting at a little cafe in the middle of "place de la comedie". We all looked at each other and said, "Oh my god...there's Goovy". This is but one of so many fond memories that I will cherish. His death is a huge loss for everyone. My heart goes out to his wife and son. May the wonderful memories of him help you through this difficult time.

Gros Bisous,
"Pasteque" (as he called me)

Cynthia Klima

July 21, 2008

Dr. G interviewed me in 1993. I remember a phone call I got at the MLA convention. This strong French accent was on the other end of the line and I was invited for an interview with Dr. G. I was met by this kind, wonderful man and I was really hoping that I would be working with him because the interview was so friendly. It was with great pleasure that I accepted the job in the Dept. of Foreign Languages and Literatures. Dr. G was very supportive and giving. He helped me a lot on my way to getting tenure and promotion. But most of all, he was a friend.
Under the definition for "Mensch" in my dictionary, Dr. G's name will be added. He was a Mensch in the true sense of the word. I will miss him deeply.

Arlene Brennan

July 21, 2008

I'm saddened by the loss of Dr. Gouvernet, who brought style, humor, and charm to the teaching of French at Geneseo.

Without his gentle prodding, I never would have left my comfort zone and travelled to his home city, Montpellier. The memory of that experience will stay with me always, as will my affection and respect for Dr. Gouvernet.

Meagan Licata

July 21, 2008

Dr. Gouvernet was by far my favorite French professor at Geneseo. His classes were difficult, but even if he called on you and you didn't have the right answer, he never made you feel stupid. Always willing to look over a composition, or a proposed schedule, or a paper.. he was gentle and kind and always with a goofy joke up his sleeve. We knew him as knowledgeable, fun loving, generous, and compassionate. Although I only had classes with him for two years before I switched majors, I will always remember him when people tell me my accent sounds like I am from the south of France - just like Goovy. Au revoir, Monsieur.

Kathleen Jones

July 21, 2008

Dr. Gouvernet was a professor of mine who I will always cherish. Although it would be my first and last class of his, French composition was a class where I learned a lot not only about French but also about life. On the first day I thought I must be over my head for having signed up for his class despite the fact it was a required course for my major since I couldn’t understand every word he was saying and therefore falsely assumed he would be an irrational professor. But through time he demonstrated that he was a gentle and very understanding human being who tried his best to help me understand the material.

I quickly learned that it was in his nature to expect highly of his students and to instill courage and hope in them so that if they can get through his class then they can aspire to anything if they put their mind to it. And it wasn’t only me who recognized his sweet and fun loving personality but other students as well in which he crossed paths with. Not only is his death heartbreaking for his family, friends, and fellow students but also the future students who will not have the blessing to know what a great guy he is.

May Dr. Gouvernet rest in peace !

Eric Dawson

July 20, 2008

Dr. Gouvernet was a great man and my thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. I will always remember the personable nature of his class and the many jokes and stories he would tell so that no matter what grammar point we were struggling with, the class was always enjoyable. Geneseo will be much changed without him for years to come.

Joe Gianfagna

July 20, 2008

I'm saddened and shocked by the passing of my friend and alltime favorite professor, Dr. G. He was much more than a peculiar french professor adored by his students. He was a true gentleman, scholar and all around good human being. I've never wanted to work harder to please a professor than I did for Dr. G. He was a tough professor, and hard work was the only way to pull off any sort of good grade in his classes, which were as much about joking and socializing than they were about learning about Moliere (his favorite), French culture or le subjunctif. I hope that he is happily enjoying some good wine and cheese in a little french castle in heaven. I will miss him and his guidance so much. Here's to you Gouvie!

Elizabeth Robinson

July 20, 2008

I want to send my deepest condolences and all my love to the family - Dr Gouvernet was such a wonderful man and one of my favorite professors at Geneseo.

I remember my very first day of French class at Geneseo, I was a Freshman in an upper level class and scared out of my mind because it was only day two, and I showed up 7 minutes late to class because I had my times mixed up. He heckled me a bit but the semester went on to be one of the toughest yet most encouraging. I was lucky enough to also take a directed study with Dr Gouvernet after my year abroad in Montpellier, and we spent a lot of time laughing, and he spent a lot of time being patient with me as I worked through translations and making goofy errors. He will be so missed and while I feel badly that there are more students to come who won't get to know and love him like every student who goes through the Foreign Language department, I feel so blessed and lucky that I did.

Que vous soyez en paix, Professeur. Vous me manquerez, mais je n'oublierai jamais les lecons que vous m'avez enseigne - concernant la vie, et le francais. Merci du profondeur de mon coeur.

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