I’m saddened and my thoughts go out to Hiroko, the family, and all the Twain scholars Hal helped over the years. He was such a generous guy. I feel lucky to have known him (and I really enjoyed his novel The Hemingway Files—a fun read and another aspect of his far-reaching legacy of literary scholarship).

[sent from phone]

> On Aug 18, 2021, at 11:41 AM, Peter Messent <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
> We are deeply saddened to hear the news about Hal, and wish Hiroko and other family members our deepest sympathy. When we were collaborating on the Twain-Twichell letters, Hal shared his just-published book about authors and parental grief, Continuing Bonds with the Dead, a book stunning in its insights. We enjoyed our conversations over the years and at Elmira conferences, and know the whole community of Mark Twain scholars will mourn his passing.
> 
> Peter Messent
> Steve Courtney
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ________________________________
> From: Mark Twain Forum <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Gregg Camfield <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: 18 August 2021 05:29
> To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Hal Bush
> 
> I had no idea when discussing with Hal his study of loss, grief, and recovery, that he would force us to exercise his wisdom in dealing with losing him.  It’s hard to imagine the Elmira confab sans Hal.
> 
> Gregg
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
>> On Aug 18, 2021, at 6:41 AM, Bird, John C. <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>> 
>> This is a sad loss. I have been following Hiroko's updates as she dealt with the ups and downs of Hal's treatment. Hal will be remembered for his excellent scholarship, especially his work on Mark Twain and religion. But we will also remember him as a lively and fun loving friend. His guitar playing added to the comeraderie at the Elmira conference. We will sing to his memory next summer. Rest in peace, Hal!
>> 
>> John Bird
>> 
>> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> -------- Original message --------
>> From: Joseph Csicsila <[log in to unmask]>
>> Date: 8/18/21 6:50 AM (GMT-05:00)
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Hal Bush
>> 
>> Hiiroko Bush shared early this morning that Hal died last night. A memorial
>> service will be scheduled for November.
>> 
>> Joe Csicsila
>> 
>> CAUTION: This message originated from an external source
> 
> 
> 
> This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee
> and may contain confidential information. If you have received this
> message in error, please contact the sender and delete the email and
> attachment. 
> 
> Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not
> necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. Email
> communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored 
> where permitted by law.
> 
> 
> 
>