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Dr. Harry Peter Kroitor
Dr. Harry Peter Kroitor
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Harry Kroitor Obituary
Dr. Harry Peter Kroitor, 84, of College Station, passed away Saturday, November 15, 2008. Interment will be held at a later date in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Harry was born and grew up in Regina. He went to the university in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where he earned three undergraduate degrees with top honors and later completed his doctorate at the University of Maryland. He taught English literature, rhetoric and science fiction at the University of Buffalo for five years before he moved to College Station in 1958, to continue his passion for teaching and became a full professor within a few years.
A pre-medical undergraduate, he maintained interest in science throughout his life, especially biology, space exploration, and literary treatments of science in such works as Star Trek, Star Wars and other works of science fiction. Harry retired on December 31, 1989, with 31 years of service. He was granted Professor Emeritus status in the spring of 1990. While at A&M, he was the only professor to have won all four teaching awards in the university, which include University-wide, College of Liberal Arts, Student Affairs and Honors program.
After retirement, Harry spent a great deal of time with friends and former students, continued to write poetry and published a book of poems titled When Stars Explode. A lifelong learner, he never lost the thirst for knowledge.
Harry was never married but will be greatly missed by his three "adopted" families with whom he formed close relationships, Larry, Carolyn, Thomas, and Patrick McConathy of Houston; Anne Marie, John, Jim, Stephanie, Michael, Christy, and Sydney Elmquist of College Station; and Mike, Shane, and Kevin Seery of Georgetown, Texas.
Harry was preceded in death by his father, Alexander: his mother, Rose; and his sister, Mary.
Survivors include his brothers, George and Allan and wife, Dianne; nephews, Kent and wife, Loree, Scott and wife, Heather, and Michael and wife, Tracey; and niece, Stephanie and husband, Ryan.
Please leave condolences at www.callawayjones.com.
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David Martin
July 6, 2025
"Oh I like that!" Dr. Kroiter would say when a student in his class made an erudite or incisive comment in his English 334 "Science Fiction Present and Past" class. I never had to read so much before but it was worth it! Great teacher, encouraged independent and critical thinking. A rare soul who inspired and molded the minds of his students in constructive ways.
Dick McClain
November 17, 2022
HP, I was "born alive" in one of your Texas A&M freshman English classes in September 1960. You were the "best of the best," an outstanding professor, mentor, and life-changer. Rest in peace in that "hell of a good Universe next door," my friend.
Sharon Joyce
April 26, 2022
I still treasure Dr. Kroiter's comments and notes from honors English, 30 years later. He reached my young mind in ways that still matter deeply today. His early encouragement was profoundly important and I wanted to thank him somehow.
Peter Heimberg
January 6, 2021
Harry taught me how to write as a freshman physics student. He was also an outstanding role model as a playful and critical thinker. I will always be grateful for that.
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Dick McClain
December 11, 2008
Alan/George, my sympathies to you and your families. Harry was one of a kind. He was a teacher, mentor, and friend to me for nearly 50 years. He willingly shared his knowledge and understanding of literature and poetry, his perspective on great ideas and great works with his students, friends, and teaching associates. H.P. seemed to take a personal interest in everyone he met but especially his students. He could captivate a large Shakespeare class, a graduate seminar, or a small discussion group like no other professor I ever encountered. Each class was a memorable performance and he challenged us all to excel as students. He was a positive influence on all of us who knew and loved him, and he will be greatly missed.
Janet McCann
November 24, 2008
Thanks, Harry, for all the years of friendship--for being a mentor way back when--for teaching me how to use my TRS-80 computer--for all the great discussions of poetry and life.
Krista May
November 24, 2008
I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to know Harry. He became a great friend, and I enjoyed the time we spent together talking about ideas, literature, and life. I'll greatly miss our book group meetings. He brought such a great sense of humor and intelligence to our meetings. I miss my friend.
Laura J Quinlivan
November 24, 2008
Harry was a good friend of mine. I enjoyed his sharing of his great knowledge and experience. I will sorely miss him, he had become quite a strength in my life.
Veronica Grooms
November 23, 2008
There are a few professors who made a memorable impact in my life, Dr. Kroiter was one of them. He was a truly great teacher and will be remembered fondly.
Robert Mousner
November 23, 2008
Harry, You were the best English professor at TAMU. You will be missed.
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