I will second Pete's tribute. Michael was such a quiet, sage counsel when I was doing work as a rank amateur at Quarry Farm in 2003; a friend who Lisa and I always gravitated toward at the various conferences; and a wise, funny and provocative instructor at the NEH Summer Teachers' Workshops we've had at the Mark Twain House. He was scheduled for the session this summer, and the teachers will probably never know what a gap his loss has put in the program. Like others have said, it is beyond belief that Mike is no more. 



Steve Courtney
7 Union St.
Terryville, CT 06786
860-589-6412






----------------------------------------
> Date: Mon, 9 May 2011 07:59:54 +0100
> From: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Michael Kiskis
> To: [log in to unmask]
>
> I had this news on first starting up my computer today, and am, of course, =
> deeply shocked by it. Michael was personally very generous with his time an=
> d money to me when I was staying in Elmira and beneath what seemed a somewh=
> at shy exterior I found someone of real wit, intelligence and most importan=
> tly, warmth. I remember him telling me about his BMW racing - a great hobby=
> for an academic! My condolences to his wife, Ann, who was kind enough to d=
> o publicity photos for Steve (Courtney) and I when we did our Twichell Civi=
> l War book and made the very best of her poor subject matter! And to his fa=
> mily. What a sad loss. If any friend or colleague writes a full obituary, c=
> ould it be posted on the Forum please.... Pete
>
>
> From: Mark Twain Forum [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mark Woodhouse [mwo=
> [log in to unmask]]
> Sent: 09 May 2011 01:48
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Michael Kiskis
>
> With great sorrow we announce that Michael J. Kiskis passed away today,
> Mother's Day, in Binghamton, New York after suffering heart failure. He die=
> d
> surrounded by his caring and devoted wife Ann, friends and family members.
> He was beloved and he was one of those rare individuals who knew how much h=
> e
> was loved and he loved in return. Those of us who were among his friends
> recognized that he was and will always be our greatest gift. As Twain said
> we are thunder struck by his loss.
>
> As plans are made for a memorial celebration of his life, information will
> be shared.
>
> Ann Ryan, Laura Skandera Trombley and Mark Woodhouse
>
> --
> Mark Woodhouse
> Head of Technical Services
> College and Mark Twain Archivist
> Elmira College
> One Park Place
> Elmira NY 14901
> 607 735 1869=
> =
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