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William Chaney Obituary
Professor Emeritus of History William Chaney passed away at his home on March 15, 2013 at the age of 90. Professor Chaney was a longtime and beloved professor at Lawrence University in Appleton, and was recognized as a scholar on the Middle Ages and a member of the Royal Society of Arts. Over the years, he mentored thousands of students, many of whom followed in his footsteps to become historians. Many will remember him as a frequent instructor at Lawrence's London Center and on tours of England with students. Lawrence's Main Hall is home to a mighty oak, which grew from an acorn planted in 1995 by a former student. The tree is still known as The Chaney Oak. Professor Chaney earned his bachelor's and doctorate degrees at the University of California-Berkeley and was a Fellow of the Society of Fellows at Harvard University. He was the author of the book "The Cult of Kingship in Anglo-Saxon England" and contributed dozens of articles and reviews to professional journals.
Survivors include two nephews: Victor Chaney of California and Bradford Chaney of Maryland; and a niece: Hollis Chaney of Maryland.
A memorial service for Dr. Chaney will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 22, 2013 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Additional information is available at www.wichmannfargo.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Chaney
Nancy Nivotny
March 11, 2019
Oh my goodness. My friend and I were just reminiscing about Prof. Chaney. We miss him every time we go to the Apollon restaurant and see his table. I still get his blue martini every time I go. He was such a wonderfully interesting man to talk to. He is GREATLY missed!
Patrick Murray
March 21, 2013
It was a pleasure to serve Dr. Chaney for more than 25 years.
Friends of Murray Photo
Patrick Murray
March 21, 2013
It was a pleasure to serve Dr. Chaney on all is photo needs for the last 25 years.
Friends of Murray Photo
Kelly Gonzales
March 21, 2013
I only had the chance to meet this amazing man twice, both times while I was blessed to be seated next to "his" table while we dined at Apollon. His blue martini brought the memories of the blue waters of Santorini back to me. His wonderful stories will be missed and the world has lost an amazing man.
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Priscilla Vanden Heuvel
March 20, 2013
Brilliant intellect; Inspiring mentor; Courtly manners; Rapier wit; Gentle man; Great friend...Bill Chaney.
Nancy Novotny
March 20, 2013
Yes... "The Professor" will be missed at the Apollon! What a truly interesting, gentle man.... AND gentlemen! His "blue martini" is something I have to have every time I go for dinner. He will be sorely missed at "his table"! It was an honor to have met him.
Mike & Stephanie Murray
March 18, 2013
No dinner at the Apollon would be complete without a visit to Professor Chaney's table. Truly a delightful man, our family will miss him.
Leslie Marquardt Vidas
March 18, 2013
Dr Chaney was a gracious, delightful, and engaging person. Always made you feel like your opinion was the most important he could hear. The world is a little colder now.
Michele Knapp-Pingel
March 17, 2013
Prof. Chaney reading this brings tears to my eyes. You truely touched my life!! You will be missed.Enjoy heaven until we meet again!
Teresa A
March 17, 2013
What a delightful person Dr. Chaney was. He lite up our day at my place of employment. I am sure he made a positive difference in the lifes of many. Blessings to the family and friends.
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