Ejner Jacob Jensen

I was a former student of Professor Jensen at U of M, and he was one of my favorite professors in the English department for his approach to literature, which exuded a kind and mannerly love of the written word, as well as for his scholarship and insight into literary themes. I am sorry to hear of his passing. As a fellow English teacher now, I understand the quality of his efforts to educate others in the beauty of our mother language.

My condolences to the family. I was a year behind Ejner at Carleton. I remeber him as a true friend and definitely a leader. He and I were waiters in the Mens Dorm,and I was fortunate enough to have Ejner as a Proctor in Burton Hall. Always an interesting story to relate, and, at the same time, a willing sounding board for all. He was without question one of the BEST.

I well remember Ejner and his kindness and gentle way of speaking - he had such a wonderful mind and heart. I am sorry to hear of his death and send my condolences to Pozi and all his family and friends.

Ejner was a man of many talents, even-tempered and thoughtful, with an unmistakable capacity for kindness and good will. In the U-M English Department he cut a unique figure due to his willingness to serve in numerous administrative capacities (including university-wide committees) above and beyond his teaching and scholarly pursuits. This was not out of a sense of soldierly duty, but because he was a sympathetic and generous colleague

For several years, Ejner was the Vice-Dean of the Philadelphia Shakspere Society, of which I am a member. His role was that of the resident scholar, leading our discussions and offering analysis and commentary on our readings. Beyond his evident intellectual and scholarly gifts, he exuded a quiet, almost meditative presence as our discussion leader, respectfully listening to and commenting on even our most inane comments. I took particular pride whenever he complimented me on a contribution, feeling that I had entered the domain of the chosen. I remember him with deep sadness and great respect.

Good people and productive people leave behind many untold stories. Between 1972 and 1973 Ejner and I, with Polly Helmke, as members of the Church and Society Committee of the Presbyterian Church on Washtenaw Ave., conducted a rigorous survey of the large membership regarding attitudes toward offering amnesty to young men who evaded the military draft by fleeing to Canada or Mexico. The congregation was severely split with a pro-amnesty / anti-amnesty division that increased in emotional confrontation even after US involvement in Viet Nam ended. I remember while conducting the data analysis how Ejner wept when returned questionnaires displayed a level of contempt and hostility toward young men who were called cowards; he knew that leaving home and family for reasons of morality was not evidence of cowardice. We documented a conscience / morality division in the congregation that was difficult to ignore while attending services .

Ejner was a loving husband to my mother for thirty years. He became such an important part of our family immediately and he has always been a devoted grandfather to my children, now in their twenties. Among other things, we will all remember Ejner for his kindness, his wit, his eloquent story telling, his love of sports and his Scrabble playing abilities. Ejner will live forever in our hearts and memories.

A loyal and forgiving friend, and a supportive and generous mentor. Directing my doctoral dissertation, Ejner taught me to write, research, and teach - virtually propelling me to a successful business career in corporate communication. I owe him a debt I can never fully repay.