The Progeny
Father's Day, Part 3
A gentle and learned man passed away, on May 31, 2005.
Succumbing to cancer at age 83, Irwin J. Suloway was the father of Ann, who is married to my brother, Tim.
I used to call him "Mr. Suloway," in our emails, but he soon asked me to call him "Irwin," so that is what I will do. Sadly enough, I did not keep up emailing him for long, and I am the poorer for it.
Irwin was quite knowledgeable in the areas of English and related topics. I imagine one might get that way, if they obtain a Master's and a Doctorate in Victorian Literature. Apparently, the Chicago Teacher's College (later Chicago University) felt the same way, for that institution enjoyed him as a lecturer, Assistant Dean in charge of publications, and eventually, Dean of faculty.
But, these positions of importance did not detract from his kind and gracious nature. He was an attentive listener, and enjoyable to listen to. You could tell he loved learning in general, and he spoke knowledgeably on a variety of subjects. I do wish I had availed myself of the opportunity to communicate with him, more often.
[lesson #1--do not neglect to mine the wisdom of people who know things. People who have lived]
Irwin and his wife, Elaine, were avid concert goers, and traveled to Canada each year for the Shakespeare Festival. I had a chance to go there, once, in college. At the last minute, I opted out. I had a combined recital to prepare for, and the overnight stay would likely subtract substantially from my practice time. Well, my performance was irrevocably mediocre, and I wonder if I did not make the wrong decision.
[lesson #2--do not neglect quality cultural opportunities while in college, for you may never see them again]
After Elaine died, in 2003, our family was privileged to receive a visit from my brother Tim, wife Ann, and their son Asher. Irwin came along with, for he was pursuing some research on his family's history, in southern Iowa. He was in his early 80's and still educating himself.
[lesson #3--one should never graduate from the process of learning]
We talked for awhile, around the kitchen table. I got the impression that he did not go out to concerts, nearly as much. It wasn't the same, without that perfectly matched partner to share the experience, without a cherished companion with which to compare observations.
[lesson #4--do not neglect (husbands and wives) to nurture one another through activities outside of the home]
Irwin J. Suloway was also active in the Chicago Jewish Historical Society. The quarterly, "Chicago Jewish History," had Irwin as its editor for ten years. (If you go here, and scroll to page 14, you will see an article and picture) I am certain he contributed writings to other magazines and journals, as well. A brief bio/tribute of this cultured gentleman can be found in the Chicago Tribune.
Husband, father, grandfather, lecturer, administrator, writer. Just a few of the many hats Irwin Suloway so capably wore. Tweet
Succumbing to cancer at age 83, Irwin J. Suloway was the father of Ann, who is married to my brother, Tim.
I used to call him "Mr. Suloway," in our emails, but he soon asked me to call him "Irwin," so that is what I will do. Sadly enough, I did not keep up emailing him for long, and I am the poorer for it.
Irwin was quite knowledgeable in the areas of English and related topics. I imagine one might get that way, if they obtain a Master's and a Doctorate in Victorian Literature. Apparently, the Chicago Teacher's College (later Chicago University) felt the same way, for that institution enjoyed him as a lecturer, Assistant Dean in charge of publications, and eventually, Dean of faculty.
But, these positions of importance did not detract from his kind and gracious nature. He was an attentive listener, and enjoyable to listen to. You could tell he loved learning in general, and he spoke knowledgeably on a variety of subjects. I do wish I had availed myself of the opportunity to communicate with him, more often.
[lesson #1--do not neglect to mine the wisdom of people who know things. People who have lived]
Irwin and his wife, Elaine, were avid concert goers, and traveled to Canada each year for the Shakespeare Festival. I had a chance to go there, once, in college. At the last minute, I opted out. I had a combined recital to prepare for, and the overnight stay would likely subtract substantially from my practice time. Well, my performance was irrevocably mediocre, and I wonder if I did not make the wrong decision.
[lesson #2--do not neglect quality cultural opportunities while in college, for you may never see them again]
After Elaine died, in 2003, our family was privileged to receive a visit from my brother Tim, wife Ann, and their son Asher. Irwin came along with, for he was pursuing some research on his family's history, in southern Iowa. He was in his early 80's and still educating himself.
[lesson #3--one should never graduate from the process of learning]
We talked for awhile, around the kitchen table. I got the impression that he did not go out to concerts, nearly as much. It wasn't the same, without that perfectly matched partner to share the experience, without a cherished companion with which to compare observations.
[lesson #4--do not neglect (husbands and wives) to nurture one another through activities outside of the home]
Irwin J. Suloway was also active in the Chicago Jewish Historical Society. The quarterly, "Chicago Jewish History," had Irwin as its editor for ten years. (If you go here, and scroll to page 14, you will see an article and picture) I am certain he contributed writings to other magazines and journals, as well. A brief bio/tribute of this cultured gentleman can be found in the Chicago Tribune.
Husband, father, grandfather, lecturer, administrator, writer. Just a few of the many hats Irwin Suloway so capably wore. Tweet
posted by Ma Hoyt | 8:24 AM
1 Comments:
Thanks for reminding us of many lessons we learn and then forget, or worse yet never fully understand. Besides it also reminds us of what is important, how will we be remembered, and to do things that will influence others and challenge us.
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