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ROBIN PEARSALL HOOPLE
Date of Passing: Jun 28, 2006
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryROBIN PEARSALL HOOPLE After a courageous battle with cancer, Robin Pearsall Hoople, beloved father, grandfather, teacher and friend, passed away on June 28, 2006 at the age of 75. He leaves behind to mourn his brothers, Donald (Sally), William (Sandy); companion Sue Chapin; children, Carolyn (Jeff), Suzanne (Dave), Ross (Athena), Jill, Felicity, Chris; grandchildren, Lex (Karen), Cody (Elizabeth), Hart, William, Ilianna; great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Grace; nieces, nephews and many beloved friends and colleagues. Born in Syracuse, NY, Robin received his B.A. from Syracuse University in 1953, his M.A. in American Literature in 1954 and his PhD in American Studies from the University of Minnesota in 1963. He began his career in the Department of English at the University of Manitoba in 1961, and retired from teaching in 1992, but remained at the University as a Senior Scholar. With retirement came time to write. Robin saw two books published and had recently submitted his third. Robin took academic service seriously, and brought to it a deep and ethically-rooted passion for the straightforward. He was a wise mentor, a generous guide and a loving model to all those who wished to become, in the words of his favourite author, Henry James, one of those upon whom nothing is lost. Optimism was his resolution. Robin cherished his children and grandchildren and was overcome with excitement with their every accomplishment. His arms stretched out in excitement at the approach of a friend, a colleague, a student, or an idea. At any moment, a huge smile could overtake his face as he exclaimed Ahhh, I love it! Cremation has taken place. A memorial in his honour will be held on Saturday, July 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the University Club (Faculty Club) located in Pembina Hall at the University of Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alternative Cancer Research Foundation, Calgary, Alberta or The University of Manitoba Bursary Fund. Special thanks to Isobel Waters who was a great friend in his time of need, and Brenda Austin-Smith. From Robin's last journal writings, these words from Whitman: All goes outward, and nothing collapses. And to die is different from what any one supposed, and luckier. Arrangements entrusted to: VOYAGE FUNERAL HOME CREMATORIUM 220 Hespeler @ Henderson Hwy. 668-3151
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2006
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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In 1976, Professor Hoople encouraged me to do graduate studies in English Literature, advice I did not follow. A science student, I got it in mind that I would have to study medicine to be of any use. Forty years later, my first novel is written. As I prepare it for publishing I asked myself, "I wonder if Professor Hoople would find any value in this book." Sadly I missed the opportunity to say thank you to the only person who ever tried to mentor me. Hopefully his death was peaceful. Having spent a large part of my medical career taking care of people at the end of life, when asked why I did this work I said because, "That's when people know the end of their stories and I get to be there to hear them." Though I am certain no one will ever read this note, I write it because as Dr. Hoople suggested whatever else, I am a writer and he devoted to the word. - Posted by: September Williams, MD (Student) on: Apr 18, 2014