This is crushing news and hits hard. I have Michael's family and friends in 
my thoughts. Twain may have thought of death as a gift, but to be taken from 
your family and your friends in the prime of your life feels like a calamity 
to me.

As I thought back over the years, I searched the internet and found this, as 
fine a tribute as anyone could wish for, and others might find it as 
comforting as I did--

http://www.cicu.org/teachers/detail.php?teacher=7

There are also comments about him at www.ratemyprofessor.com that bring his 
wit and generosity into clear focus. That website is best-known for assorted 
libels and snarky comments from failed students, but in Michael's case it's 
a very pleasant trip down Memory Lane, and brings a smile.

Michael might have winced at the thought of some kind of memorial at the 
next Elmira Twain Conference, but I'm sure that day will come. In the 
meantime there is just grief.

Kevin
@
Mac Donnell Rare Books
9307 Glenlake Drive
Austin TX 78730
512-345-4139
Member: ABAA, ILAB
*************************
You may browse our books at
www.macdonnellrarebooks.com



> From: Mark Woodhouse <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Michael Kiskis
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Date: Sunday, May 8, 2011, 7:48 PM
>
> 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
>
> --=20
> 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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> 



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