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David Foster Wallace
David Foster Wallace
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David Wallace Obituary
Wallace taught creative writing and English at nearby Pomona College.
"He cared deeply for his students and transformed the lives of many young people," said Dean Gary Kates. "It's a great loss to our teaching faculty."
Wallace's first novel, "The Broom of the System," gained national attention in 1987 for its ambition and offbeat humor. The New York Times said the 24-year-old author "attempts to give us a portrait, through a combination of Joycean word games, literary parody and zany picaresque adventure, of a contemporary America run amok."
Published in 1996, "Infinite Jest" cemented Wallace's reputation as a major American literary figure. The 1,000-plus-page tome, praised for its complexity and dark wit, topped many best-of lists. Time Magazine named "Infinite Jest" in its issue of the "100 Best English-language Novels from 1923 to 2005."
Wallace received a "genius grant" from the MacArthur Foundation in 1997.
In 2002, Wallace was hired to teach at Pomona in a tenured English Department position endowed by Roy E. Disney. Kates said when the school began searching for the ideal candidate, Wallace was the first person considered.
"The committee said, 'we need a person like David Foster Wallace.' They said that in the abstract," Kates said. "When he was approached and accepted, they were heads over heels. He was really the ideal person for the position."
Wallace's short fiction was published in Esquire, GQ, Harper's, The New Yorker and the Paris Review. Collections of his short stories were published as "Girl With Curious Hair" and "Brief Interviews With Hideous Men."
He wrote nonfiction for several publications, including an essay on the U.S. Open for Tennis magazine and a profile of the director David Lynch for Premiere.
Born in Ithaca, N.Y., Wallace attended Amherst College and the University of Arizona.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
22 Entries
Harry Simpson
September 12, 2019
At peace now.... Rest well...
Valenda Newell
September 22, 2016
One's "LIGHT" will continue to project creativity to the WORLD. RIP
Cynthia McGarvie
January 10, 2013
In my grad studies, I recently became acquainted with his unfinished novel, The Pale King. The more I learn about his work and life, the greater my sadness becomes. However, I do feel like the last person to arrive at an event right when the guests are reaching for their coats.
Rose Acosta
July 12, 2012
You will be missed
How you can show support
S.A. Lewis
Shelly Lewis
October 14, 2008
David, i'm sorry that you left this world far too soon. That sad day that you passed, you took a lil piece of our hearts with you. Maybe with that, you will write a masterpiece wherever you are. I hope you have found peace now and i hope that your family and others close to you will someday be able to come to grips with such a great loss. You and i may have never met, but you have changed my life and i cannot thank you enough. With Adoration, S.A. Lewis
John T
September 25, 2008
I will miss him.
Jason Fields
September 21, 2008
My deepest condolences to Dave's wife, family, and friends. I'm sorry that I knew him only through his writing. That was enough, though, for me to consider him a kindred spirit. His loss is ours, and it is great indeed.
Ron Novotny
September 20, 2008
As a former Berkeley English major, I can say that David Foster Wallace had one of the most unique and intriguing writing styles in modern fiction. I loved your stuff, David, and will miss reading more of it!
David Shutan
September 16, 2008
DFW had a most profound effect on my life. After reluctantly signing up for a Creative Writing class in 2001 at Illinois State University, I showed up to class on day one to see him in a Nirvana t-shirt and ripped jean shorts. Turns out he wasn't even supposed to be teaching the class, but had to take it on at the last minute due to the grad student who was supposed to teach the class dropping out.
Although I had no idea who he was (really, not a clue), I'd find out later just how many of my peers had tried and tried to get into one of his classes with no luck. And here I was, lucky enough to be in a room with 10 classmates and DFW, twice a week for an entire semester. He brought out creativity in me that I never knew I had.
Add to all this, we all showed up to his class on September 11, 2001 and stayed to talk, discuss, share, or just sit quietly. It was a most appropriate setting to absorb the events of that morning.
I am extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to work with him, and he stands out as one the most memorable mentors I've ever had. He touched many many lives, and his legacy will live on.
Erin Lynch
September 16, 2008
My hope that DFW has found some peace, and my thoughts go out to his wife and family. He was a tremendous talent and will be sorely missed.
ingrid messer
September 15, 2008
infinite jest got me through a lonely summer when i was still figuring out which path to take in life. thank you for that, dfw, and may you be at peace.
Joyce Havenga
September 15, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends.
marilyn freeman
September 15, 2008
what a loss, such a magnificent man, u will b missed greatly
Daniels Family
September 15, 2008
Our sympathies to all who loved David. May you find comfort in your precious memories and solace in "the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort." (2 Cor 1:3,4)
Thomas Widgeon
September 15, 2008
Jesus Loves Me!!
Shawn C.
September 14, 2008
I'm not exaggerating when I say that DFW changed my outlook on life. If you haven't read his 2005 commencement speech he gave at Kenyon University, go read it now. It's simply magnificent. Many times I've reminded myself to consider the thoughtful insights he offers in that speech. I've been putting off reading "Infinite Jest" for some time, but will go pick it up tomorrow and get started.
RIP, DFW. The world is a lesser place without the anticipation of your next book or essay.
An Admirer
September 14, 2008
"This is the nature of genius, to be able to grasp the knowable even when no one else recognizes that it is present." ~Deepak Chopra
My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Mike Miller
September 14, 2008
His writing was daring - sad to hear of his passing.
Juanita
September 14, 2008
David you will be truly missed. May the God of all comforts, comfort your family left behind, and may God hold you in His memory. Psalms 83:18
D.ZIMMERMAN
September 13, 2008
REST IN PEACE DAVIDE FOSTER WALLACE
Liz saldana
September 13, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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