Michael Stanley Batts

Michael Stanley Batts, B.A., LittD, PhD, MLS, F.R.S.C

August 2, 1929 - January 16, 2014

Michael passed away peacefully on January 16th, 2014 in Vancouver at the age of 84. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Misao Miriam (nee Yoshida), daughter Anna (Norman), brothers Bill (Jill) and David (Lesley), sisters Kate and Mary, as well as extended family and friends. Michael was born in Mitcham, England and studied languages at the University of London. He then embarked on a long and illustrious career as a German language professor. He began teaching at Mainz University in 1953 and then spent several years teaching in Basel, Wurzburg and Berkeley before settling in Vancouver in 1960. He became a faculty member of the German department at UBC and served as department head for 12 years from 1968 until 1980, developing a full program of Germanic studies. He then retired in 1994. He was a brilliant scholar and amongst his many works, he is best known for "Das Niebelungenlied", published in 1971. Outside of his work and research, his interests included travel, hiking, gardening, theatre, music and books. He was both a generous husband and loving father. Special thanks to the staff at Blenheim Lodge for their care and support. There will be no funeral service but a celebration of life will be held at a later date.