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Henry Kuo Obituary
Born in Hopei Province, Beijing, China on Feb. 29, 1924, Henry graduated from Beijing Normal University, leaving Beijing for Taiwan in 1948, when he was offered a high school teaching position. With the Communist takeover at the end of that year, he was unable to return home and lost contact with his family, whom he would not see again for over 35 years. In Taiwan, Henry taught Chinese to Americans at the U.S. Department of State's Chinese Language School, as well as English to Chinese students.
He met and married wife, Josephine, in Taichung, Taiwan, on March 13, 1958, after a five-year courtship.
In 1961 Henry was invited to the U.S. by the chairman of the Institute of Far Eastern Languages, Yale University, to teach Chinese literature and language. His wife and daughter joined him there in 1963 after being physically separated for over two years. Although accepted to Harvard for graduate studies, Henry chose to teach at Dartmouth College to support his family, and where son, Gary, was born. In 1970 Henry was asked to come to Connecticut College in New London where, as professor and later chairman of the Chinese Department, he remained for 24 years before retiring in 1994. His career also included teaching summers at Washington University, Missouri, and Middlebury College, Vt.
Henry is best remembered by all as a proper gentleman and dignified scholar who loved learning. For him the Chinese department was a family and its students were his "children." Notable publications include "Read Mandarin Books" I and II, "Practical Chinese Conversation", and "Stories for Forty Chinese Proverbs", as well as "Speak Mandarin", which he co-authored. Following retirement, he devoted much of his time to refining his English and Japanese, as well as to his calligraphy. Reserved yet possessing a gentle humor, a man of letters and well versed in classical Chinese, Henry also sang Chinese opera and enjoyed Tai Chi Chuan, talents he rarely displayed. At home he was the appreciative audience in a musical family.
Predeceased by his wife of 34 years, Henry is survived by daughter, Debbie and son, Gary.
As per his request, the family held a private burial on Aug. 16, 2008. A public memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 10:30 a.m. in Harkness Chapel at Connecticut College, New London. The family requests that prayers be sent in lieu of flowers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Henry Kuo
Rick Miller
September 23, 2008
I always remember Kuo lao-shr as the quintessential Confucian gentleman. It was some time after graduating Conn that I again ran into Prof Kuo--oddly enough on the streets of Beverly Hills; from across the street he stood out from the fast pace and glitz, an island of calm in his typical jacket, sweater and tie. The Chinese I learned from him I still use on infrequent visits in China, and I am proud to speak it while recalling Prof. Kuo's intonations and manner.
Mary Burnet
September 23, 2008
Dear Debbie and Gary,
With sadness i learned of the passing of your father from my daughter, Christina, a student of your father's in Connecticut College class of 1981. Our family sends our deepest sympathy to you and your family in your loss.
My late husband, Frank, and I first knew your father as his students in the State Department Chinese Language School in Taichung, Taiwan, 1955-57. Your father was a gifted teacher who inspired us all to learn not only the language but the poetry, literature and history of China, a memory and inspiration which has lived with us throughout our lives.
Years passed and in 1977 our daughter, Christina, entered the Chinese language program at Connecticut College where, to our surprise and delight,your father was her Chinese professor. When she graduated in 1981 your father and mother invited us to a delicious lunch where my husband and I recalled fondly our student days with your father in Taichung, met your lovely mother, and celebrated Christina's graduation, the second generation of our family to have the privilege of your father's tutelage.
Debbie and Gary, I send condolences to you and all your family. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
Sincerely,
Mary M. Burnet
Rob Ingram
September 22, 2008
Debbie and Gary:
Your father was a wonderful mentor and example for me. I still occasionally draw on his example, and often fail miserably. The pictures on the Conn College website do him justice. He always had a warm smile, a soft tone and a kind heart. He treated us like his own kids. He really was a true scholar in every sense of the word. I don't think he ever bragged about a thing he ever did. I just can't begin to tell you what a profound impact he had on my life.
-Rob Ingram '83
Irene Chang
September 8, 2008
Dear Debbie and Gary,
With great sadness that the world has lost a great and dedicated educator. At the time when Mandarin was not a "popular" language, Mr. Kuo has inspired a lot of Conn students to appreciate the beauty of the Chinese language.
With my deepest sympathy and regards,
Irene
Queenie Chiu
September 7, 2008
Dear Debbie and Gary,
I am very saddened to learn of the passing of your father. My mother passed away last July, and I know how hard it is to lose a loved one. My thoughts are with you both.
Mr. Kuo was such a kind and gentle person, and he and your mother were like families to us (overseas Chinese students) when we were visiting their home. I still have very vivid memories of Mr. Kuo's kindness which I will always remember.
With my most sincere condolences and warm regards,
Queenie Chiu '74
Karen (Jespersen) Hutton
September 6, 2008
Dear Debbie and Gary,
I was so grateful to be able to attend the wonderful memorial service for your father today. What sadness and joy I felt as I listened to the stories of his life. I was especially touched by your eloquent tribute Debbie and your beautiful composition Gary. He was understandably so proud of both of you.
And to think that you both remembered me from my days at Conn and Middlebury! I was surprised and honored.
You know I always felt like your father was a surrogate father to me. My senior year it was just me and Frannie in his office studying 3rd or 4th year Chinese. What personal attention!! What a gift!!
He was a remarkably gifted teacher and an equally remarkable gentleman. He loved what he did. What I remember most was his gentleness, warmth, humor, and his dedication.
We corresponded every year at Christmas time first in Chinese and then when he realized the inevitable in English.
My deepest sympathy to you both. I will miss him too.
God bless,
Jean Wong
September 6, 2008
Dear Debbie and Gary,
I am very saddened to hear about your father's passing. I'm sorry that I wasn't at the reception at Harkness to celebrate his life. There aren't many educators as dedicated as he was. I remember that he took my third-year Chinese class of four students and broke it down into two sections! He cared so much for his students, looking after them as if they were his own "children." And he was extremely gentle and poised. He knew how to give that gentle push that kept me inspired to learn more Chinese. I didn't want to let him down. He was tireless in giving to his students, and he expected them to work very hard in return. He taught me a lot about the value and importance of a good eduation.
And I recall with fondness going to your house to babysit. And the times when Henry would make you play music (you would run in and out of the livingroom as beckoned.)
My thoughts are with you during these difficult times.
Best wishes,
Jean Wong
(class of '73)
Michael Beedenbender
September 6, 2008
Dear Debbie and Gary,
I am sorry that I can not be there with you today as you celebrate your father’s life.
Your father was an elegant gentleman, a scholar and one of the finest teachers that I have had the pleasure and honor of being a student. Kuo Laushr will be missed by family and friends, by us, his past students, and by future students that will not have the opportunity to share in person his wonderful approach to teaching and view of life. Luckily for them his teachings are preserved in many volumes.
It was 31 years ago this September that I started in his classes both scared and excited of learning of a language and culture that had intrigued me as a child. Your father’s Mandarin would transfix me in class. I loved listening to his voice. His teachings were a mix of high philosophy blended with everyday life examples. His quiet pride of your mother and both of you sparkled in his eyes whenever he used you in a teaching example or you were mentioned in casual conversation. He was very proud of you both.
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Warmest regards, Michael Beedenbender (Chinese Major - Class of 1981)
Jeffrey Michaels
September 5, 2008
Dear Debbie and Gary,
Your father's passing is very sad news. Prof. Kuo was an incredible teacher, and probably the most patient man I have ever met. He conveyed so much with just his eyes! Instead of correcting my mistakes, he would just look at me, pause, and wait for the correct answer. He seemed to instinctively know when his students needed help and when they just had to reach a little deeper for the answer within. He was truly a gifted educator. I wish I could be there for the service tomorrow morning to express my condolences in person.
Jeffrey Michaels
class of 1981
(Oakton, VA)
Glen Steinman
September 4, 2008
Dear Debbie and Gary:
So very sorry to learn the sad news of your father’s passing. The news just came to me yesterday as I was traveling in China.
Your father was a truly remarkable man who generously gave me a lifetime of inspiration. His graceful dignity was entirely unique and I am forever grateful for having had the opportunity to study with him.
I originally signed up to study Chinese but in the process discovered that your father had an equally endless amount of knowledge to share about life. His teachings in both areas remain and always will remain an integral part of my own life, as will the memory of him as a great teacher and human being, who epitomized virtuousness and made the world much better for those fortunate enough to have known him.
At this time, I also fondly remember your wonderful mother, who was always so kind and hospitable when I visited all of you at your beautiful home.
I send this note from Hong Kong, where I have been living for the last many years, largely as a result of studying with your father, who I will miss so very much, while recalling all that he has done for me.
With sincerest condolences,
Glen Steinman
Class of 1981
Ping Wu and Shang Poa Chang
September 4, 2008
Dear Debbie and Gary,
We are deeply saddened to hear your father's passing. When we moved to Waterford in 1983, your parents were the first Chinese we met. We prepared dumplings for Chinese school fund raising with your mother at your house. Your father was such a gentleman who we shall remember forever.
Todd Ritter
September 3, 2008
I was so sad to hear of your father's passing. Professor Kuo's Chinese language class was one of the highlights of my experience at Conn. I remember fondly the evening he invited our class to his home for a wonderful home cooked meal and casual conversation. Professor Kuo wanted his students to learn more than just the written and spoken language, but also the rich history and culture of China. He had such a gentle, caring way about him. He is a big part of the reason why I continued with Chinese in spite of the difficulties during my first intensive year of study. Since graduating in 1991, I have had the pleasure of traveling to China and Taiwan many times. I still have his textbooks from my days at Conn and look forward to showing them to my son one day.
Michel Martel
September 2, 2008
Debbie & Gary,
I was so sorry to hear the news of your father's death. He was such a large part and one of the best parts of my college years. I will remember his quiet humor, support and care for his students and his special dignity always. To this day he represents to me the epitome of a true "teacher".
Your family were honored guests at my wedding in 1980 at Harkness chapel and Debbie you helped provide the lovely chamber music before the ceremony. My heartfelt sympathies to you both. As I'm sure you know, your father was well loved and respected by all who came to know him.
Michel Martel, Class of 1980
Todd Hudson
August 29, 2008
Debbie and Gary,
I'm saddened to learn of your father's passing. My thoughts are with you during this time.
Professor Henry Kuo was a superb teacher and wonderful human being. My fondest college memories are the classes I took in his office, reading Chinese poetry, prose and philososphy and discussing morals and ethics. There were usually only 3 or 4 of us, including your dad. Nowhere to hide.
I remember not doing my homework one day and I decided to skip class. At 5 minutes past class time, my phone rang. It was Professor Kuo asking where I was. No escape.
This caring and his love of learning compelled me to strive in my studies and appreciate the privilege of studying with him. I remember staying up nights on end in the library translating a poem. I wanted to get it just right.
And let's not forget his wonderful laugh and dry wit. When I returned from my junior year abroad in Taiwan, I brought back many Chinese language books. One was the famous '300 Tang Dynasty Poems.' "Which ones should I read?" I asked. "All of them." he replied simply. "Where should I start?" He took the book, opened it to the first poem and handed it back to me.
Rest in Peace
Tina Reardon
August 29, 2008
Dear Debbie and Gary,
I was so saddened to read the news of your father's passing. Having lost my own father a year ago, I know much of what you are going through. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
The news about your father was all the more poignant because just yesterday I spoke about him at length to my class at the University of Connecticut (Torrington). For over a decade, I have conjured memories of your father and Prof. Chu for the students in my courses in Asian history. Your father was a great teacher. Part of that greatness lay, I think, in the fact that he believed all education has a moral component. He lived his values and demonstrated patience, fairness, the importance of discipline every day. He was a gentle man of great intelligence and he shared his gifts generously with us all over the years. His influence on me was great and I owe him a huge debt that I will never forget.
Tina (Gould) Reardon
Class of 1979
Laurie Norton Moffatt
August 29, 2008
Professor Kuo profoundly influenced my life and I shall always remember him. He added cultural richness to my life and warmly welcomed me to the family of Chinese students at Connecticut College. I remember meeting his brother in Beijing from whom he had been separated for decades by the Chinese revolution and marveling at the impact of history. I wll miss him and cherish his memory.
Warmly,
Laurie Norton Moffatt
Connecticut College '78
Naomi Howe
August 29, 2008
Dear Debbie and Gary, My friend Tom sent me the notice about your Father, and a flood of images came to mind: Remember when we made egg people and decorated them at your house? NuNu, the dog, your Mom's hospitality and charm, and your Father's delight as you performed musical interludes before dinner are things I will always cherish. Your family, and my Chinese language skills, are part of who I am forever. I am teaching high school, in an alternative classroom, and every day my students benefit from the patience, dedication and professionalism that your Father represented. I feel very fortunate to have been a part of the Chinese "family" back in the early 1970s. I think of you fondly, and hope that if you are ever in Maine, you come to say hello. Blessings, Naomi
Robert Rodday
August 28, 2008
Professor Kuo was an amazing teacher. I always enjoyed spending part of my freshman year studying Chinese characters with him. While taking his teaching duties very seriously, he always made his lessons interesting.
With deepest sympathy,
Rob, class of 1989
Katy Everett
August 28, 2008
Dear Debbie and Gary,
Your father was such a gentle, supportive man in addition to being a great teacher. I loved the way he used metaphorical language to express himself. I will always remember his advice when I was taking on too many extracurricular commitments: "If you have $100, you cannot spend $400." I know his wise and wonderfully-expressed advice helped many students over the years. My thoughts are with you during this time.
John McCarthy
August 28, 2008
Debbie and Gary,
My condolences. Your father was a wonderful man and an inspiring teacher. I have such fond memories of his classes and the patience and caring he gave to those of us who struggled with learning Chinese. I still proudly use the Chinese name he gave me and will always remember my first teacher of Chinese.
Beth Hansen
August 25, 2008
Debbie & Gary
I worked with your Mom here at Conn and had the joy of knowing both of your parents. I feel fortunate to have been part of their lives. They leave behind wonderful memories. Holding you in the light...
Christine Fairchild
August 25, 2008
I was so sorry to learn of Prof. Kuo's passing. I have fond memories of being in his class as a senior at Connecticut College (Debbie, I think you were in the class too!). He was a delightful teacher - so dignified and clearly committed to his teaching. He shaped a whole generation of Chinese scholars!
The Chambers & Antilli Family
August 25, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Joe Bobinski
August 24, 2008
Debbie and Gary
My heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your father. He is in my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember the conversations I would have with him when I would return to the neighborhood to visit my parents. May God bless the two of you and may perpetual light shine upon him as he is reunited with your mother.
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