Edward Countryman

My Godfather, my uncle, my pride. I loved you Ed, even though you weren't in my life much. The memories I have of you visiting are ever-present. As a child, I didn't appreciate it when you visited us in VA so that you could go to Yorktown and other historical locations, but as I grew, I understood the importance of those places that I had taken for granted. I will always miss you and always be proud of you.

In Loving Memory of Ed

Although saddened to learn of his passing, I am also gladdened at the thought of his spirit having passed on to a new plane. I envision him eagerly exploring, contemplating, and continuing to read to his heart's content, perhaps making occasional mischief and evoking laughter along the way. May he rest in peace. As a graduate student of his, I enjoyed how he proposed thought-proving connections, questions, and perspectives of looking at history. He was always supportive of students and I am grateful to have known him. I can happily still see him, chin in hand and looking up at the ceiling in thought, or speaking in front of the classroom, or engaged in conversation in his office. This last was a simultaneously intimidating and exciting prospect, until you got to know him better and how much he enjoyed learning from students and sharing what he knew. My sympathies to his family, loved ones, and to all those who loved and admired him.

Professor Countryman is/was my favorite professor at SMU. As a history major I had the honor of taking two courses from Professor Countryman. Each class was captivating and made me want to delve deeper into learning about history, particularly the history of the American South. Professor Countryman also helped me to fine tune my research, writing and analytical skills. More importantly, he made me feel seen and valued in class. I am grateful that I had an opportunity to "catch up" with him a few years ago when we both ended up a lecture on the SMU campus. Professor Countryman will forever be among my fond memories of my time at SMU. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Professor Countryman was one of the first professors I had in the SMU History Department, and from Day 1 on, he challenged me to read critically and think freely.

When I took a second course with him, Countryman questioned why I chose the course. He remarked that many students did not take him twice if they weren´t up for a challenge!!!

The thing I remember most about Professor Countryman outside of academics, is he took a sincere interest in the well being of the students in his class. Even almost 30 years later, the life lessons I learned, make me a better person and "student of life" each day.

Since writing this obituary, one month ago, I have been deeply touched by the beautiful memories, stories and tributes sent by many people whose lives Ed touched.
Thank you to everyone who has left a message here in Ed's guestbook, those who have posted on Facebook, X, Bluesky, and those who have sent messages by email. I have loved the anecdotes, which all ring true, and provided the laughter that Ed enjoyed.

Our family greatly appreciates your thoughts and well wishes.

Karon (daughter)

Ed and I were good friends and classmates at Manhattan College. When I worked in academic and scholastic publishing in the mid-1990s, Ed was generous enough to contribute articles to several reference works my various employers and I developed. Best of all, Ed agreed to serve as editor of an American Studies-style scholastic encyclopedia on the history and heritage of the Old West. This work is one of the two or three happiest memories of my working life, and it was largely Ed's participation that made it so.

My sincere sympathy to Evonne and her beautiful daughters, whom Ed made his own. I pray for the eternal repose of his soul in heaven. As I shan't be far behind him, I also pray for an eternal reunion in God's sight.

Ed and I were at Manhattan together. I was a year ahead of him. Ed worked with me on the school newspaper The Quadrangle. Together with John McFarland, Ed and I drove down to Daytona Beach for a late summer college beach party. We were the only northern license plate at any parking lot we were in. It was a different time.
I was at the dinner at Manhattan celebrating Ed's accomplishments.
Time and distance eventually separated us. I am very sorry to hear of Ed's passing. I hope it was peaceful. My condolences to the family.
Dominick Pistone

I am Ed´s sister-in-law and I´m writing on behalf of me, my husband and our two children. To us he was just Ed. Gentle, calm, quiet, unassuming, unpretentious and with a wickedly dry sense of humour. Ed has left us all, far too early and he will be sorely missed; gone but will never be forgotten.

My condolences to the family including his sister Judy Countryman Fournier.

I am truly sorry for your loss. My prayers and condolences go out to you
Frank Fournier

My first graduate course at SMU was with Dr. Countryman. His patience was invaluable. Grateful. Rest in paradise.

Dear Ed. You were my strength during the darkest days we shared in our early teens. I do remember as a kid you were always reading. Anyone who knew you knows that books were never far away. I am so very proud of you and always will be. Rest in peace, dear brother. I love you.

Judy

I knew Ed from the Conference on Iroquois Research. My deepest sympathies to his family and to all of us who were lucky enough to call him our friend.

Here´s to our Chickasaw honky tonk adventures. You will be missed, dear friend. Thanks for always being an advocate for Indian Country!

I did not know, Dr. Countryman personally, but, my condolences to the family and loved ones and friends, colleagues, etc who knew him, as the, what seemed to be, a truly genuine person. That each day. We are lacking more and more, genuineness. May his soul continue to rest and the creator source provide some to ones who are hurting.

RIPower Dr.Edward Countryman ,and thank you for all the wonderful things you did ,you will truly be missed .I am deeply saddened to have heard about your passing for you were indeed a role model , friend & Scholar who influenced me in the most profound ways of learning .Thank you ,I also appreciate your contribution to writing the forward to my 1st book ,may your soul rest peacely until we meet again gone ,but never forgotten Salute Sir love you sincerely ,LaRome Armstrong

We miss you Ed. Thanks for all the love, support and care you gave me from the age of 9