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Constantin Behler Obituary
Constantin Behler was born to Ernst and Ursula Behler on December 30, 1958 in Bonn, Germany. While he lived and was educated mainly in Bonn during his early years, his father's appointment as Professor at the University of Washington moved the family to Seattle, which eventually became his home. Constantin attended the University of Washington, attaining a degree in the Comparative History of Ideas, going on to Stanford University for graduate studies leading to a Ph.D., and spending summers with his mother in Germany. Applying successfully to UW-Bothell for a position in its first year of operation, Constantin became one of the first founding fathers of this new branch of the UW and received its first teaching excellence award. He continued his career of enthusiastic and innovative teaching in the areas of philosophy, literary criticism, film studies, and other liberal arts until his retirement in February 2016. Constantin was an energetic colleague, heading up search teams, serving on committees, and working to build a magnet for students in the north end of Seattle. Spending his earlier years in the Behler family home in Seattle with his father Ernst Behler and step-mother Diana Ipsen Behler, Constantin was delighted by the arrival of his two sisters, Sophia and Caroline. He was a most devoted big brother to these two little girls, taking them on hikes, playing games, telling stories, swimming in the lake, making snowmen, and insisting on their wearing hats when the weather turned cold! They adored him and have loved him dearly ever since. He enjoyed our usual Saturday "garden parties"-a label that belies the actual work of digging, planting and weeding in our large yard. He was an excellent gardener as well as a wonderful and experimental cook. We especially loved his "famous" Asian noodle dish and crispy innovative pizzas.
Constantin married Laurie Kempen in the summer of 1997 and in ensuing years found the great joy of fatherhood with the births of Maya and Marius. He loved taking them out on his and Laurie's sailboat on Lake Washington, teaching them German, telling jokes and stories about his dad, and having a good time together. The children were the focus of his life, especially in later years as his illness progressed. He was also a loving uncle to his nephew and nieces, Andreas, Alexa, Stella, and Marley.
Constantin will be sorely missed by all of us in the Behler/Kempen family: Diana Behler (Harold Kempen), Laurie Kempen (Cate Horne), Sophia Behler (Gerard Stannard), Caroline Behler (Paul Klein), and especially by his amazing and talented children Maya (14) and Marius (13). He died peacefully on June 22, 2016 surrounded by his family and their love for him, his hand held fast by his children.
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Memories and Condolences
for Constantin Behler
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Giselle Rozzell
June 28, 2020
Forever in my memory lovely cousin ❤
Giselle Rozzell
June 28, 2019
Always in.my heart dear cousin Constantin xxx
Giselle Rozzell
September 19, 2016
Constantin was my older cousin. He was like a brother to.me when I was younger when.I visited his mum in Germany many years ago.. His mother was my mum's sister. i was very shocked to read of his passing this year..I have lovely happy memories of him in our family. I.miss him today . I have also just lost my father last year here the reason I wanted to get in touch with him .
Sharon Kostboth Harper
August 20, 2016
I just read of Professor Behler's passing in a UW Bothell publication. I was one of his first students when the Bothell campus opened. I enjoyed all his classes, and he soon became one of my favorite professors. He was even kind enough to write a letter of reference for me after graduation. My deepest sympathy to the entire family. I will always remember Professor Behler as an exceptional educator and one quick to smile.
Charles Ebbighausen
August 17, 2016
As a 40 something student who attended several of Dr. Behler's classes in the mid
90's, i am very sad to hear of his passing.
He was kind but demanding.
At the time I was attending UW Bothell there were few Liberal Arts options for working adults in Puget Sound. Dr. Behler's classes were very influential to my current world view. As the parent of five chidren, i know that some of what I learned from him has been passed to them. I can think of nothing more important than anyone can have on any other life.
Gabrielle Robert
August 1, 2016
I was so sorry to hear of Professor Behler's passing. He was one of the three professors I had during my first quarter at UWB and his enthusiasm for teaching was obvious. He had such passion and interest in teaching students to think for themselves and appreciate the power of language in helping people find their individuality. He will be greatly missed on campus. My condolences to his family.
Philip Reinhart
July 16, 2016
I also am sorry for your loss. I knew Constantin only briefly, but from all the commentary, I wish I had known him better and before he became sick. It sounds like he was a very interesting and dynamic person.
Gabrielle Gerhard
July 10, 2016
So sorry that you all have lost Constantin's presence in your family and that we all have lost him as a part of our community. I remember watching him and Laurie gardening and building your home and welcoming Maya and Marius to your family. His energy and spirit were always so present.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Gary Farris
July 7, 2016
Constantin was a generous educator whom I was blessed to have as a teacher and mentor. The range and power of his intellect and curiosity, and his enthusiasm and passion for the things he loved, was always impressive. He always encouraged me, and drove all of those blessed to be taught by him and to know him to greater heights.
He touched my life in ways he probably never realized and I am a better person for having known him and learned from him. He will forever be a shining example in my life and will be sorely missed.
July 7, 2016
Although it has been years keeping in touch with the Behler family, I will always cherish their generosity, sharing their house, stories and wonderful meals in the summer and visits over years I attended graduate school with Sophia and Gerard. Everytime I indulge in a gin and tonic I always have fond memories of those times with Constantin and his family sharing their stories, jokes, and memories. My sincere condolences to you all.
Marne Fox-Barrow
Christy Graham
July 7, 2016
Thank you Constantin and the Behler/Kempen family for many treasured memories from my time in Seattle. Much love (zur Zeit noch aus Frankfurt), Christy Graham
Karla Kempen-Stark
July 7, 2016
So sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful person and his passing is a loss for us all.
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