Bill Kanouse-Rest In Peace

Your tireless efforts on behalf of every member of the Faculty Association of Ocean County College will never be forgotten.

Comments

[A Friend]

Bill Kanouse was an extraordinary man for his personal achievements as well. He would never discuss it, but he had a high functioning form of autism called Asperger's Syndrome (AS).
The fact that he accomplished so much should be an inspiration to the growing numbers of Americans being diagnosed with Asperger's. I too lament he will never have the opportunity to retire and write, his literary gifts were exceptional.

He was a great instructor who really brought the best out of his students. Very sad indeed.

[Herb Germann]

I will miss Bill. I still find it difficult to comprehend that he has left us. During the months of administrative abuse when I was subject to one bogus Article X hearing after another on trump up charges, he stood by me and supported principles of justice to which every faculty in America would expect. I salute the memory of Bill Kanouse.

Herb

[Citizen Sane]

God help us separate the grief from the anger.

[Citizen Sane]

Rest in peace, dear friend, this most unnatural death notwithstanding.

[Alberto D. Morales]

I cannot express in words how I feel right now. Bill Kanouse was such a good man.

When I found out I was going to attend IU, he was always asking me when I was going, and telling me that I would be much happier there than at OCC. It was good to hear since I was really afraid to move to another state.

He would always correct me when I called him by his formal title, "Professor Kanouse."

"Hi, Prof. Kanouse!"

"Please, Alberto. Call me Bill"

I still called him Prof. Kanouse. I respected him too much.

You tend to respect people that stand up for others, especially when done in public.

On Dec. 12, 2005, when faculty were removed by the administration, he stood up in front of the packed board room and said with much courage, "Are you committed to free speech and free expression on this campus, because there seems to be an element of retaliation in this decision."

Its takes a strong person to do that.

And it took even more courage when I asked him for an interview regarding the firings. I sat in his office - I wish I had my notes with me right now - and he told me EVERYTHING. He was not shy to tell the truth, because the truth was what was hurting alot of the faculty at OCC.

Simply put, "Prof. Kanouse" will always be one of many heroes who stood up against what was wrong - not just in his heart, but with his actions, as well.

I'll miss you.

Alberto D. Morales

P.S. copy and past this link into your web browser to see the interview I had with Prof. Kanouse regarding the faculty firings.
http://media.www.occvikingnews.com/media/storage/paper825/news/2006/02/16/News/Faocc.President.Challenges.Faculty.Firings-1641175.shtml#cp_article_tools

[David Bordelon]

Bill was a great conversationalist. He was genuinely interested in everything from sports to 19th century French history and literature. And you could actually talk to him. If you’d bring up a valid point that was different than his, the usual response was “True, true” or “Is that right?” He’d then incorporate your idea into his own thinking and continue the discussion.

Such openness and flexibility of mind is rare, yet came easily to Bill.

Can’t believe we won’t have a chance to talk again.

[Karen Veselits]

Dear Bill: I never got to properly thank you for your unwavering support as Union President of faculty and First Amendment rights, and my own in particular--at the cost of your own health and well being--during our epic struggle to bring the PERC & Donaldson litigation to justice. You earned my respect and loyalty under difficult and harrowing circumstances. I am deeply saddened that you will now be deprived of the long life you so rightly should have expected and the post retirement writing career you so richly deserved. I am proud to call you a colleague in arms. May you rest in peace, dear friend. Karen Veselits

[Suzanne]

Prayers for his family! Very Sad!