Edward B. Germain

EDWARD B. GERMAIN

Dublin NH - Edward Barnard Germain of Dublin passed away on Saturday, February 24.

Ed was born December 1937, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Edward and Katherine Barnard Germain. From an early age, Ed was close to his maternal grandparents, especially his grandfather, an engineer skilled in construction methods. Ed spent years in his grandfather's cluttered basement learning building techniques, which he carried with him much of his life. As a boy, he built radios and developed an interest in magic, performing into his 20s for children and adults. Later, he worked with a professional magician to design stage illusions.

Ed graduated high-school from Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Originally intending to follow his grandfather into engineering, Ed entered Northwestern, but realizing a growing interest in literature and writing, transferred to the University of Michigan, majoring in journalism. In October 1959, Ed met Sara Weeks on campus, beginning a relationship of almost 65 years.

Following graduation in 1961, Ed served in the Navy, based in San Diego, with trips to the Far East including Japan and the Philippines. He and Sara married in 1962, returning to California. In October that year, Ed was communications officer in a ship convoy from the Pacific fleet that sailed through the Panama Canal to blockade Cuba in response to the threat of Russian missiles. After active duty, Ed and Sara returned to Ann Arbor, where he enrolled in the graduate program, and their daughter Valerie was born. He received his PhD in English Literature from the University of Michigan in 1969, subsequently teaching at Pomona College in Claremont, Cal., and Wayne State University in Detroit. Although specializing in poetry, he called on a breadth of learning from medieval literature through the modern period; he especially loved the work of James Joyce.

Wanting to return east, they moved to Dublin, N.H., in 1976, where he taught at the former Nathaniel Hawthorne College in Antrim. They bought an unfinished house with wood heat and a wonderful view, and undertook years of updating and improvement, with Ed doing much of the plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work.

In 1979, he was recruited by a friend for the English Department at Phillips Academy (PA) in Andover, Mass, which became a joyful 20-year experience. He is remembered by former students and colleagues as a passionate and inspiring teacher. At PA, Ed also directed the outdoor program Search and Rescue, taking groups of students rock climbing, hiking, camping, canoeing and kayaking.

In 1982-83, Ed taught in the School Year Abroad program in Rennes, France, and the family enjoyed a year in Europe. As a member of the International James Joyce Society, Ed attended their meetings in Zurich, Rome, Paris, London and Dublin (Ireland), where he was recognized as the only person in the U.S. teaching James Joyce's Ulysses in high school. Sara joined him in Ireland in 2004 for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Joyce's Ulysses.

Ed published poems, essays on teaching, and several books pertaining to poetry, including Surrealist Poetry in English, published by Penguin Books in 1978, which remained in print as a Penguin 20th-Century Classic for more than 20 years.

Retiring from PA in 2000, Ed and Sara worked on renovating their Dublin house for year-round living. Ed soon became involved with Dublin's town government, serving on the Planning Board and as a Selectman. For many years, they enjoyed local music and theatre, and continued to spend part of every summer in the family cottage on an island in Maine, where boating with paddle, sail or motor was one of Ed's happiest activities.

Ed was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Elizabeth. His family includes his wife, Sara, their daughter Valerie and her husband Brad Primavera; his brother Tom Germain and his wife Carol, three nieces; and close friends. A celebration of his life will be held later this year.

If desired, contributions in his honor may be made to the Monadnock Conservancy, www.monadnockconservancy.org.