The John R. Locke Memorial
Memories and SentimentsHere are many thoughts people shared on the University of Arkansas's Memorial Guestbook shortly after Dr. Locke's passing. There are many who knew him for years and some who knew him far more briefly, but hardly anyone ever parted from even a casual conversation with him without the feeling of having encountered a great soul. These passages below well represent the multifaceted experiences people had with John Locke. These statements have not been modified. The guestbook is currently incomplete--restoration of the entire postings of the Guestbook is in progress.
Phil Williams John was someone who actually did a fine job of practicing many of key teachings of the great East Asian religions that he occasionally discussed in classes. Like a Confucianist mindful of filial devotion, in the 1970s he helped his widowed mother move to Fayetteville from New York City, where she had been encountering some problems such as the theft of her social security checks. John went so far as to build his mother a new addition on to his old house on Center Street, and I remember how pleased she was to have a whole section of this house to decorate and arrange as she wished. John was also pleased to see her taking long walks on the safe streets and fresh air of Fayetteville--quite a contrast with New York back then. Like a Buddhist, John had compassion for others, often even when they did not deserve his compassion, such as when he merely abstained rather than joining the other members of James Kelly's doctoral committee in voting him out of the doctoral program (in spite of feeling uneasy about the palpable resentment that Kelly had begun to focus on John at least as early as 1998, when he told me about it). John knew how to practice Buddhist quiet sitting or meditation, and was willing to share this knowledge with others. Philosophical Taoism may have been the closest to his heart; the ability of a human to feel at one with nature was reflected in John's yard as I remember it in the 1970s, so overgrown with large trees and shrubs that you could barely tell that there were streets on two sides of his corner lot. His calm but sunny disposition reflected a man content with the simple and natural pleasures of life that Taoist thought recommends. In a country with normal handgun restrictions, John would have almost surely been able to live out his years in peaceful retirement. He would have been 6 to 8 times more likely to have survived a knife attack than gunfire, as Harvard's Edwin Reischauer survived a vicious stabbing by a crazed assailant in Japan and lived to the ripe old age of 80. It was simply too easy for John's murderer to buy an easily concealed handgun, pull it out his briefcase, and fire lethal shots at a man who had been such a good friend, colleague, and teacher to so many. In a way, the murder of this esteemed scholar both grieves those of us who knew him and embodies a serious flaw in our society that baffles almost all of my friends from foreign countries: the notion from the "frontier mystique" that handguns should be available to virtually anyone who has come of age and wants to buy one.
a former student There is a line from Chaucer that Dr., at the time Mr., Locke pointed out to his freshman world literature class in the fall of 1970: "Gentle is he that doeth a gentle deed." I don't know what to say, I don't know what to think, I don't know what to do when the gentle die in this most ungentle of ways. To say that it is ironic is to so understate the case that it can only be said with a touch of irony. This is an evil without redemption. Nothing can undo the murder of John Locke, or make it anything less than an outrage. But we must make some good come of this, no matter how puny it may be in comparison to the offense, because we must respond to evil with good, or we are lost.
John C. Tomme I knew John in Paris, in the late 50's. I forget where we met, but that's unimportant: Paris in some ways is like a village. I do remember that for a time he lived on a boat tied up on the Seine. I visited him once there and we drank wine together. He decided finally to have a costume party on the boat and take it downstream. It was a wonderful party. I dressed rather unimaginatively as a sailor; I forget what John wore. I think he was too busy piloting the boat to worry about a costume. One of my most treasured possessions is a large black-and-white photo taken at the party. Later I introduced him to Arthur Fiechter, who was my best friend in Paris. The three of us used to pal around together and play billiards in Latin Quarter cafés. We were students with our whole lives ahead of us. I went back to the States in 1960 and didn't see John again until 1969. I spent the whole summer in Paris that year after defending my doctoral thesis in June at the université. John, who had just begun his career at Arkansas, was there with his wife and a group of students. I wonder if it was the same group Michael Phillips, who called John "Dad", mentions in his own memorial remarks. I have photos in my scrapbook I took of John and his wife that summer. I hadn't seen or heard from him for 31 years when I learned the tragic news of his death from Arthur, with whom I had just recently renewed contact. I am absolutely overwhelmed by all the testimonials for him, and deeply regret that we had lost touch with each other. People have said so many wonderful things about John. But the thing that resonates the most in my mind's ear is his great laugh. He punctuated with laughter practically everything he said. And I'm sure, despite our great sadness, he is laughing somewhere. Maria J. Stafford My office is next door to Dr. Locke's. It took me a year to realize how special that was, how lucky I was. He has brought so many good things to me:ideas, thoughts, what it feels like to be in the presence of someone who is truly present WITH YOU. I have enjoyed and been changed by our many conversations (though I was hoping for many more this year). I have two especially wonderful memories of him: Once I offered him some chocolate chip cookies leftover from a class I'd taught. He wasn't shy. He reached his hand into the bag one time, then another, and another.... My other and perhaps last memory of him is his incredible child-like sense of interest and fascination of the unknown. One day I ventured to show him (a very busy man at the time)my new deck of Osho Zen Tarot cards. There are 79 of them and they're beautifully illustrated. With an exam he was grading still on his lap, he went through that deck, looking at every card and admiring its beauty. I admired his beauty and will miss its human form. When I think of wu-wei, I will always think of dear, boodgie Dr. Locke.
Billie Giese-Vella Thank you all for coming here and sharing about John. John is a sentient being whose presence is connecting us and flows with meaning. When I was teaching this afternoon I shared some of my feelings and stories about John's life and death with the college students in my class. Afterwards, a young woman (named Destiny) asked me, "Do you think that this teacher's death is illunimating the meaning in your own life?" I am pretty sure that John's smile floated onto my face. Several hours after I heard the "news" about John's passing in this world I read the following passages: "And even if forms are nothing without the light of the world, they nonetheless themselves contribute to this light." --Albert Camus
Missy Leflar Many people are missing John. Perhaps we can best honor him by making the effort to remember the lessons he tried to teach us (especially those he taught by example). If we want to live in a manner that helps and not harms others,I believe John would smile and say to us "Choose". I am missing my friend.
Denise Rogers I took Dr. Locke's class in Asian literature when I was a graduate student there about 5 years ago. Like others who have already spoken so eloquently about Dr. Locke, I found him to be a cheerful, peaceful man who took a genuine interest in helping students expand their awareness. He was a challenging teacher--enthusiastic, energetic, and encouraging. He was also a strong believer in the benefits of the Buddhist way of dealing with life; I wish Jim Kelly had been able to avail himself of this philosophy in his heart. Dr. Locke's life has been cut short, and as with any premature death I read about, I have been considering how I live my own life. What impressed me most about Dr. Locke was how well he had lived his life as a teacher, a dancer, a follower of wisdom, and as a seeker. I hope my own life has as many dimensions as his had by the time I leave it, and I hope as many people are as enriched by my sojourn in this world as those who knew John Locke. Those of you who knew him, please remember his laugh: head thrown back, face toward the sky, smiling evermore
Chris Huggard John Locke is one of the most wonderful people I've ever known. Since first meeting him some ten or twelve years ago, he has been a shining light of enlightenment and integrity. He always took time to ask how things were going and what the latest news was in my life. His kindness was unmatched among the university professors who I've known at the UofA as a student and teacher there in the 1980s and 1990s. His gentleness exuded from his shining face that always had a smile with his warm eyes and cuddly demeanor and countenance. Most of all, I'll remember his wit and charm and his unmistakable laugh that was soft, yet deeply genuine. He was a gift to those of us who knew him. And ironically, he cared perhaps more than any other university professor about the students in their studies, concerning their activities, and in their daily lives as ordinary people searching for guidance and understanding. John was a truly great man, one of those behind-the-scenes sages who took little credit but made great contributions to our sometimes troubled society. I love John Locke and will miss him dearly. He is a true inspiration in life and death and will remain in my heart as one of the finest people I've ever known. God bless his beautiful soul.
Debra Valentino I am deeply saddened to hear of John Locke's death. I was a graduate assistant in the English Department in 1980-81, and I spoke to John daily on my way in and out of my office, which was right across the hall in what was then called "Communications Center." I knew John as a friend and a colleague; we took yoga classes together on Saturday mornings. He was always warm, vivacious, gentle, and kind-hearted. A dedicated scholar, and a favorite of a good number of students. I am especially moved by the violent loss of such a peace-giving soul. He was the kind of man who remained in one's memory for his graciousness and good will. If he had survived, he would have forgiven the man who shot him....that's how compassionate he was. There are four of us former students now teaching English here at EIU, and all of us are devastated. We want our former professors and friends to know that they stay with us, in the best of ways, as did John. Anonymous My heart goes out to the family of Dr. Lock. I did not know the man, nor did I know much about him, but from what I have heard and the things that are written here, he must have been an incredible man. I am deeply sorry for this terrible tragedy that you are having to endure, and I only hope that you may find a ray of light somewhere, somehow through all of this. Do not let this tragedy darken your hearts as well. KB I never had the pleasure of being in one of Dr. Locke's classes but from what I've read in the guestbook he was a man very much admired and loved by those around him. As a UofA alumni I would like to say to the students, faculty and family of Dr. Locke that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time in your lives. jenny This summer I got started on a thesis project that examines different meanings/usages of the word "community." By asking a few people in our local area "what does the word community mean to you," I figured I could define what the word "community" means to me. To me, community is something more than a local area... it is a particular quality of realtionships and interactions. The people on my list were diverse, with one main type of commonality - kindness, openness, and love - aparent in words, actions and eyes. Dr. Locke was on my list of people to include. He never received my invitation. Though I never had a class led by Dr. Locke, I lived vicariously through my husband's enrollment in his various courses and I truly learned a lot. (I kept saying... "Next semester I'll take lit of the quest") When I'd see Dr. Locke at the pool, or the co-op, or the laundrymat, though he didn't know who I was, he always greeted me with a nod and a smile, sometimes conversation. John Locke was one of those folks that made me feel good about living in Fayetteville. To me, John Locke somehow took emptyness and meaninglessness out of the word community and made it something real. My heart goes out everyone in this tragic time of loss and sorrow. May we reach out to each other and continue to live as authentically as possible- as did John Locke - creating community along the way... Philip Williams I agree with the sentiments of Jen D., in that the murder of an innocent and peaceful scholar, Dr. John Locke, who had been somewhat hobbled by a recent leg injury and was only a few months away from a well-deserved retirement, was less a "tragedy" than a heinous criminal act by Kelly, a disgruntled doctoral student totally lacking in self-control. When at the murder scene rounds of ammunition are found in a briefcase full of envelopes addressed to Kelly, it is obvious who snuck that gun into John's office and cowardly shot the only professor on his doctoral committee who had not voted him out of the doctoral program in late summer. Kelly didn't know the exact breakdown of that vote, but he wanted to lash out violently at that decision, and John unfortunately became his lightning rod. My admiration for John dates back to the mid-1970s, when I was a U of A undergraduate major in English and Comparative Literature, and in the Honors program, from which I graduated in 1978. John was one of several U of A English professors whose broad cultural background and effective teaching served as a source of inspiration for me. I eventually went on to graduate school at Cornell and UCLA, where I eventually received an MA and PhD in East Asian literature--a subject for which John had long had an infectious enthusiasm. Though I rarely visited Fayetteville more than once or twice a year, I did visit John from time to time. The last time I visited John in the summer of 1998, we were chatting about his work as head of comparative literature, and he mentioned a particularly difficult doctoral student who regularly rejected the kind of patient advice that had helped so many of John's other graduate students complete their degrees successfully. He mentioned that the guy had bombed his comps. Even then, John mentioned that he didn't know how to handle this graduate student and felt threatened by him. I hoped at the time that somehow this doctoral student would realize that a PhD in Comp Lit was perhaps a wrong choice, and that he would find something more appropriate to study in line with his own interests and level of persistence. Little did I know that he would cruelly murder a fine human being such as John. I shall close by expressing gratitude for John's scholarship and friendship, which he so generously extended during his long and commendable career at the U of A. He was the victim of a terrible vendetta; the fact that John's murderer committed suicide after killing John does not expiate Kelly's criminal responsibility for this outrage one whit, in my view.
Muzical Clark Waite I offer my deepest sympathy to the family of Dr.Locke and the Department of English. A wonderful person has departed from this Earth as we know it, but a wonderful spirit will remain with all us. You are all in my prayers. God Bless. Muzical Waite---U of A Graduate, English Department 1998.
Kuldeep Saxena Its always tragic to loose precious lives that too in such a brutal manner.
Concerned Citizen Dr. Locke's death was a true tragedy, and my heart goes out to all of you at the University of Arkansas. Having experienced gun violence in my own high school many years ago, I know how devastating this can be. However, those of you in this guestbook who are politicizing this tragic death over the issue of gun control should be ashamed of yourselves. This is neither the time, nor the place,to trumpet the moral righteousness of your beliefs about who should, or should not, have guns. Please, allow Dr. Locke to rest in peace, and save the gun-control arguments for other fora.
Michael Gibbs To the faculty of the University of Arkansas, especially those in the English dept... You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time..... May God comfort you and bring you peace.. Michael Gibbs Phil 4:13
Vicki Lombari Kimpel Hall was the center of my universe from 1985-1997, and even now, whenever I walk into that building, I feel as if I have come home. Dr Locke was my advisor during the years (1987-1997) that I pursued a PhD in Comparative Literature here. But even before he was my "advisor," he was befriending and advising -- that was his way. Since my first graduate assistant office was only a couple doors down from his, we were always passing each other in the hall with smiling words of greeting. I knew him through my original office mates -- first through stories of what was said in his classes and then through the social gatherings we'd all attend. It seemed inevitable that I'd be drawn to the comparative literature program and the wonderful lessons and discoveries awaiting me there. I was, like many others, shocked & devastated Monday (8/28) afternoon when I heard on the radio about the shooting which occurred in Dr Locke's office. Approximately 48 hours later, I am still trying to process it, find some acceptance and balance so that I can let it go and move on, taking with me the lessons in life, teaching, and questioning that Dr Locke passed on to me over the years. I did make the first step towards that healing yesterday when writing to friends about Dr Locke. I am going to include that message here in case something in it helps others. Monday night and all morning Tuesday, I kept hearing Dr Locke saying "Be here now" probably because part of me is trying very hard to avoid living and feeling in this moment, but another part, the part that was his student for so long, believes he would advise "being here now," accepting the moment & feelings for what they are. I've been on the verge of tears now for what seems like a very long time. Without conscious thought, I have been trying to block out the thoughts, feelings, memories, pain. Ever since I heard that it happened in his office, I have been having memory flashes of the times I've been in that room -- what a safe haven it seemed, a place in which to take a deep breath, relax, and face whatever choices or conversations or ideas needed to be handled. I see all the books, remember how every time I was in there I would look around for new titles, wonder what was in those volumes. That room, his office, always felt like a different place, another reality than the rest of Kimpel Hall; going in there was like stepping into a different world somehow. I imagine I can still feel his pat on my shoulder or the light rub on my back encouraging me, supporting me, letting me know he is there for me if I need him to be. I guess in a way he still is and always will be. I learned so much from Dr Locke, not just academically, but about life. I am a much better, wiser, happier, more positive, more peaceful person because of the many things I not only heard him say but also integrated into my life, my thoughts, who I am. As I have typed this paragraph about how Dr Locke has affected my life, I have moved beyond the verge of tears to the tears themselves, finding a way to be here now after all.
Wai Fai, Yee I took an English Literature class under Professor Locke during my undergrad years - a required course to graduate during my time. I could not understand the rationale for such requirement in the Electrical Engineering curriculum but I took the class anyway. I will be honest and say I did not enjoy it at the beginning (since it involved no math, programming or technical stuff) but later found it to be quite interesting. Professor Locke taught the students in his class to ask questions and to look at things differently. In a way he opened up a new dimension in the way I think and not take things at face value. Somehow he knew I did not like the class at the beginning and he started to pick on me since I was the only engineering type in that class. By doing so he challenged the way I think and helped me to look inside of myself. I have to say, his class was one of the best I took during my years at the UofA. It is sad to hear that a peaceful person such as Professor Locke died such a tragic death. Thank you for the opportunity to travel down and share life's path with you, Professor Locke, however brief it was. You'll be missed even if you are not the engineering type.
John Alfred White Since I finished my Masters in English from the University of Arkansas in the summer of 1966, I missed knowing Dr. Lock; it is wonderful to know that the English Department moved forward to offer comparative literature and that such an outstanding scholar and professor taught fellow students; the fact that this happened in "Kimpel" Hall is shocking enough since I did study under Dr. Ben Kimpel, the kindest, wisest and most encyclopedic mind I ever knew; my heart also goes out to Chancellor White and President Sugg, both of whom I knew while at the University from 1958-1962. With such caring gentlemen there, I know that the academic community and the citizens of Fayetteville can draw together. My prayers and thoughts are with Dr. Lock's family and the family of the anguished student who killed. God bless us all and help us forgive.
Scott Lunsford John was my World Lit teacher and martial arts instructor in the early seventies( same as Jeff Wilson, I too, a Zambini Brothers band member). Everytime I saw John for the next twenty-five plus years these things would happen to me: I would smile, I would immediately become more aware of everything around me, I would speak carefully because I knew he would hear everything not being said , I would hold onto his eyes as my stamina would allow and I would always, in every instance hear his voice for days - it help me walk a little more lightly. I see him turning and tilting his head and smiling and nodding yes as he listened to me. I would try to anticipate his response but his words always surprised, refreshed and settled the time with hope.
Wee, Hui Kit I'm currently an international graduate student in the UARK. Buddhism believes suicide for all reasons is very irresponsible to those who care and love us; expecially parents that bring us to this world. To take away another person life for all reasons are not acceptable generally. All lifes including insects and animals has the right to continue to live on this planets and please nobody is to simply take away others lifes. Personally I do not agree why we give so much right for people having a gun here.
Jackie Cason I attended U of A from 1985-1992. Even though I was not a comparative literature student, John served as the chair of my master's oral examination committee, and he directed my dissertation. I can honestly say that without him, I never would have completed the degree. I had moved 4000 miles away after finishing coursework and exams, but John would call me each semester and kindly leave me the section numbers to sign up for dissertation credits and keep working. Our paths kept crossing, and he was always there when I needed him. I remember John from the early days of graduate school when we were all frightened by the prospect of teaching others. I didn't meet him formally at first, but every time I passed him in the hall he smiled, greeted me, and radiated a feeling of joy. By the time we officially met, I already knew him somehow. One time he came over for a family dinner at our modest little house, shared a meal, and sat on the carpet playing trivial pursuit. The whole family visiting from out of state squeezed around a table in a tiny little kitchen. John had no pretensions and just fit right in. I was even more fortunate when he visited Alaska on a cruise and shared a meal with us in our home here. I never knew how much he had been around boats and how much he knew about them until we sat around talking about his early years in New York. I realized then how much he listened. As a teacher, he listened far more than he talked. When he shared his life, it was a gift. His companion, Way, accompanied him on that trip. Way, my sympathies are with you now. Thank you all for sharing your memories. John, I will miss you.
Rebecca Stapleton I have never attended your university but I want to offer my heart felt symphathy to the students, faculty and family of Dr. Lock. I am a graduate student at MTSU in Tennessee and I find it heartbreaking any time a tragedy like this occurs. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. God Bless You, Rebecca
Jeff Wilson I met John (we all called him that) in the early 70's as a student in his World Lit class. An amazing man, he went quickly from teacher to friend. I felt like I got to know John from studying Jiu Jitsu from him in his home. John always included a healthy dose of Buddhist philosophy in every session. When our dojo went to turnaments, we always got the heck beat out of us...but we could out-meditate any of those guys. When the Zambini Brothers played our first public concert...there was John. He told me he had framed the first dollar bill he had made playing music and asked if I was going to do the same, giving me that wry smile of his. Dr. Locke has had a life-long influence on me, as you could tell if you saw my bookcase; and that, at least, doesn't stop now. I'm doing Shi ta ti - Shi mow ie, John...but it's not helping much right now. Good bye, my friend. Jeff Wilson
RYAN WYRICK I always considered K. Hall a peaceful place of learning-a center of good will- and it is inconceivable that something like this could happen there.Good luck to the family of Dr. Locke and his family in the English Department in dealing with this loss. -RYAN WYRICK Class of 1995
Scott Elder I was a student at the University of Arkansas from 1982 to 1987, where I studied music. I was fortunate enough to enroll in a section of a sophomore-level world literature class taught by Dr. Locke. What an amazing experience! I went on to take his "Literature of India and the Near East" course. Certainly he was a great teacher, but at one particular time when I needed a friend, I turned to him, and he temporarily stepped out of his role as a teacher and became a friend. It has been more than ten years since I was a student in Fayetteville and last spoke to Dr. Locke. On hearing of his death, my greatest regret was that in the years since we spoke, I never let him know that by being a friend, he had made a friend for life in me. He deserved, at least, to know. But what a consolation it is to read the other tributes here and to find that Dr. Locke had so many friends--and that by extension, so do I. We all share a debt of gratitude to him.
Kelley Schwartz Dr. Locke and I would chat where I used to work. I was most struck by his lack of pretension in our interactions and by his kind, smiling, intelligent eyes. I was not his student, just an aquaintance. He struck me as someone who had a genuine interest in others and who truly engaged with the world. This is a rare quality, and the shock of his death will continue to resonate within me for a long time.
Phil Schiefer Dr Locke gave me directions for the path to enlightenment. It's a road I still travel today, observing, thinking. It's a little more lonely than before. Thank you, sir
Bob Zordani John Locke was a kind and gentle man, an absolutely brilliant teacher, a human being of the highest order. His death is sad news indeed.
Taylor Atkins John Locke was what professors are supposed to be: sages, disseminators of wisdom, rather than just walking encyclopedias. His words come out in my own lectures on Asian thought and culture. His methods of gentle remonstration are models for all instructors, or for anyone else who seeks to guide others. What a life he led and what a legacy he left. He prosletyzed, yes, but who could find fault with what he said?
Whitney Adams I'm in Colorado, but my heart remains with Arkansas, and the U of A. God Bless you all..........
Robert Rhodes To a true Zen man, from a former Fayetteville neighbor. You taught by example. Gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha! Bob Rhodes Gibbon, Minnesota
Allison Hogge Dr. Locke, You wore green camouflage tennis shoes to class. You laughed with a single wheeze of delight at anything that pleased you (and much pleased you). You had a peculiar walk so that, as you came down the hall at Kimpel, it looked like a wave was making its way down your body, from the top of your very tall head to the soles of those green camouflage shoes. You never looked down on students even though many looked up to you. You taught me about modals, and Dr. Locke, I'm sorry because I didn't think they were important at the time. Now I think of all the times I walked past your office when I could have stopped to talk and of all the classes I could have taken from you when I opted, instead, to take calculus. Now all I think of is "should've, could've, would've." You made me read The Epic of Gilgamesh. The version in our anthology began with this verse:
It is our story, Dr. Locke, the one we're singing for you.
Capt. Tony B.Hall I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr.Lock.I work for the Arkansas Tech University police in Russellvile.On behalf of myself and my officers our condolence go out to the student and staff. In a tragic incident like this words cannot express our sympathy. May God bless you. Capt. Tony B. Hall and the officers at Arkansas Tech
Unih Ballah Why was Dr. Locke murdered?
Clarissa Smith I graduated in May; Dr Locke contributed to my senior thesis, among other things. I wrote this for another place online but I'd like to put it here, too. I apologize for its length, but it's still not long enough to do him justice, is it? Shi, shi/Bu shi, bu shi/Shi, bu shi/bu shi, shi. Eulogy for Dr John Locke One of the most intriguing people I've ever known has just died. I don't know how to describe him, except to say that in China or Japan he would have been one of those slightly crazy, oddly charismatic, mystical but earthy poets, like Li Po or Basho. In our world John Locke was a man who served in the military in Europe, was married to a woman who left him for Joseph Campbell (so he said with a chuckle), studied Zen, taught gongfu, traveled Japan with a Shinto priest, traveled all over Europe and Asia, spoke I don't know how many languages, communicated even if he didn't speak the language, and, serene, never intimidated anybody unless he needed to, despite being so very very tall. Somewhere along the way he picked up a PhD, too. He taught comparative literature, and if his head was in the mystic clouds his feet were firmly on the ground. He had a great (sometimes sly) sense of humor, and delighted in making fun of his own 'things'--he dragged me back into class once to repeat my horrible 'koan' joke. I've said a few times that I hope I'm that "mad cool" when I'm his age, and I still do. I can't conceive that this man would be shot in anger and hatred, but at the same time, he lived an incredible life. He was a friend, counselor and teacher to everyone. (I've had many teachers I respected, but he was among the small handful I would have invited to my wedding someday.) He taught his students about more than Chinese and Japanese literature or whatever each course was called; he taught us about consideration, about kindness, about joy, and letting go of fear and anger. And he taught us about death. The semester before last, we studied Japanese death poetry and mystic 'fu' poetry in his class. I have a chill when I remember the light in his eyes. His last semester, he taught us about the steps of the heroic journey, which directly inspired the theme of my thesis. I am sure that he took the next step on his journey with his own laughing grace. I am afraid that I remain deeply shocked and saddened, though. Dr Locke, forgive us for mourning you.
Sara Merritt I was one of Dr. Locke's students from 1981-1984. He was my professor, mentor and friend. The last conversation I had with him when I was still a student, (I went back to see him several times)was when he allowed me to enroll of one of his graduate comparitive lit classes as an undergrad. About the 2nd week of class, I asked, "Dr. Locke, where are the footnotes?" He said "what footnotes?" I said "the ones that translate all of these languages I don't speak?' He screwed up his mouth and nose, like only he could, that totally twisted look, and said "Sara, I think I need to talk to you after class." When we talked after class, he apologized for forgetting that I didn't meet the language required! He was just the best. I can never forget him teaching class in a yoga position on his desk with his feet tucked under his arm pitts. I will iss him always, and I am so sorry that I didn't correspond with him more. Let me encourage you all to write your professors or email them and let them know how much you appreciate them. I think John knew years ago, but I let a couple of others know today. Do that, Life is too short, even for the gentle people, and none of us know when it will end.
James Motley It was with great sadness sadness that I learned of Dr. Locke's tragic death. It has been many years (thirty to be exact) since I've had personal contact with him. I had the privilege and pleasure of being in the Lausanne Program of International Studies, of which he was Director. Under Dr. Locke's supervision, our foreign language group spent six fantastic weeks in Europe studying French and touring. The memories I carry with me are of a man who was a teacher, an adventurer, a leader, and above all, a very kind and patient man. As I sit here in the peacefulness of my home in Hawaii, I will think of Dr. Locke, and I thank him for being a part of my life and for giving me one of the best summers of my life.
drw4@aol.com I do not want to detract from the kind words that other people are writing about Dr. Locke at this time of grief and respect. But I am trying to determine if it was Dr. Locke with whom I interacted in 1997-1998. If you worked with him, is it possible his Kimpel Hall office was messy, and did he oversee the readers of the Junior English Exemption Essay Exams during that period of time? Thanks for letting me step in and ask my question. God bless his family.
Lee G. Dr. Locke was the embodiment of peace, knowledge, and compassion. You had the sense that he truly understood the human condition, both universally and personally. Dr. Locke taught wisdom in ways you never see in a college institution, and I'm speaking for many when I say that his teachings are so alive in the lives of countless. Though it's been a decade since I've had him in class, his words have been with me in some form every day. It will remain so.
Eduardo Alfonso Caro I had the wonderful experience to be in one of Dr. John R. Lock's class when I was a master's degree student at the University of Arkansas. I really think I was so fortunate to have been in his class. For me, He was not only a professor who came into the classroom to teach. No. He was even more than that: He was a wise knowledgeable peaceful human being who really cared about his students. Indeed, I remember Him as a father, a father who really cares about his children. He was always there with a pleasant smile giving wise advice and encouragement whenever needed; always showing a bright way out to everything. Every time I ran into Him in the hallways in Kimpel Hall, I was always met by His warm greetings and smile. All ot this, together with His humble way of being, will surely stay in my heart and on my mind forever. Undoubtedly, He will always be with us: the positive encouraging marks He has left, on every and each one who had the luck to have met Him, can not at all be erased. Fayetteville, Arkansas, the University of Arkansas, and the whole world educational community will miss this Man, a great leader, a wondrous example to be followed by this troubled postmodern society. I am quite confident that Heaven's Domain will smile as Dr. Lock gets in. My most sincere deepest sympathy to both Dr Lock's family and to the University of Arkansas, which is already a big part of my heart.
BL John Locke. A name that has been passed amongst my group of friends, with near mythological status, since we entered into our academic careers. It would be passed on to others as they too embarked upon theirs. I remember the first time someone told me of Dr. Locke. He simply said, "You really must take this professor. He is unlike anything you've ever experienced." And that was true. In Dr. Locke, I found a teacher who was as far outside the ivory tower of education as I would ever come across. A man that taught in such nontraditional and provoking ways that I was soon hooked on his modes (modals?) of teaching as well as the person who taught the courses. As we progressed through the university, time and Time again, we would ask the question, "Did you manage to get into one of Locke's classes?" Most of us would take courses outside of our major, sacrificing a semester in our academic pursuits in order to sit in on one of the many classes that Dr. Locke taught. I was lucky enough to take two of Dr. Locke's classes, and it truly did change my life. An earlier poster spoke of the 'is' thinking that he encouraged. I both laugh and cry when am reading that. Another great teaching that I remember was about classifying yourself. Never say, "Yes, I am a smoker." You say, "Yes, I am smoking." Admittedly, this rationale served me for years as I justified my nicotine habit, but as time goes on, I see the far reaching implications of this thinking. The man was and is a truly wonderful human being. I'll never forget his gentle voice, his simple nod of greeting, his insightful mind. You are missed John Locke, but you live on. Om mane padme hum, BL
MARIA MASHINGO I pray that Dr Lock after a very outstanding job in this world may he rest in peace. Amen.
td Dr. Locke was a wonderful teacher,mentor, & friend. I was deeply saddened to hear the news of his untimely death. He put so much life into his classes and as a student of his, he touched mine. Although it has been a few years since I was a part of the English Department working on a BA degree, I still feel close to those teachers I knew there....and Dr. Locke was one I shall never forget. I use many of his classtoom tactics in my own classroom today. He will live on in the hearts and minds of those he touched and inspired. John, you will bemissed........
Victoria Pennington When I heard of this tragedy, I was in shock to think that a crisis would happen that close to home. I have to say that it has been awhile since I sat in Dr. Locke's classroom but I do remember how wonderful an instructor he is and was. Just remember, Dr. Locke will always be teaching us lessons about literature and life through the memories of his time at the University. Thank you Dr. Locke for inspiring many students to go further in life and learning.
Susan Schakel Marable It's been over 20 years since I sat in one of Dr. Locke's classes ...but I think of him often...and what he taught has become a part of me. In John's classes I learned new ways of relating to the world, and to myself. Through his eyes I saw a loving spirit that runs through all living things. Good teachers stimulate our minds,great ones stimulate our lives and hearts as well. Thank you John for being a great teacher. And thank you Darla for the parting words in your message.I had forgotten them...now I have them back...Now I will repeat my mantra until my mind Quiets..[I can almost hear John's voice]...shi ta ti shu ma wi shi ta ti.....
cm i'm currently a doctoral student entering my second-year in a business program. it is very sad that these kinds of things happen, my heart goes out to locke's family and his memory. it must be said though that this kind of pressure to continnue and succeed in a doctoral program is quite natural; staying 10 years in a program is not. it upsets me that this kind of thing has to happen and i know after seeing its effect i will not turn to this path of destroying lives.
Sheila I am sitting here in Ohio pondering this sad situation. I am a middle-aged college graduate and have recently returned for a subsequent Bachelor's, hoping to go on to a Master's and ....? As with most returning adults, I am in a special position to respect and admire college professors. We are there to learn this time, and that usually leads to a great deal of mutual respect between ourselves and our professors. We old-timers need as much encouragement as the younger ones, and it sounds as if Dr. Locke provided that, especially to Mr. Kelly. How sad that the beautiful and often more pure academic world is now touched by the string of shooting tragedies. Never, since the Kent State shootings, which occurred when I was in college the last time, have I felt such an infringement of the violent aspects of life into the peaceful realm of learning. My deepest condolences to all of Dr. Locke's students, past and present. Perhaps Dr. Locke would have you remember Wordsworth: "...we will grieve not, rather find, strength in what remains behind."
Staci While I was a teaching assistant at the U of A (in the English M.A. program), I was lucky enough to have an office just a few doors down from Dr. Locke. I remember standing in his doorway, talking about the comparative literature program. I always wished that I could be his student. I even thought about doing my Ph.D. in comparative literature once I finished the M.A., mostly because he seemed to believe that I could. The day I took my oral exam, I was sitting out in the hall trying not to look panicked. Dr. Locke came by and made me laugh. He was always so encouraging and friendly, and I wasn't even his student! It was an honor to know him, and his kindness was a great comfort to me during my time at graduate school.
chelle I made a mistake.. If we believe that we are free then we are only free to get a weapon to hurt or kill someone.
al
Chelle I had not been blessed by having Dr. Locke as a professor. I do know that this is a horrible incident and one that we will not forget. This incident is just another sad reminder of the guns on US campuses. How many children have to die before someone does something? That use to be my question until Monday August 28, 2000. Now it is......... How many people have to die before someone does something? What possibly could have led Kelly to kill a Professor someone who to my understanding helped Kelly in every way he could. I don't know how I feel about Kelly dying by his own hands. Are we really free if we live in fear of a person. If we do something that a person does not like then they can get a gun and kill us. If we believe that are free then we are free only free to get a weapon to kill or hurt others. For our government is not really helping. I do not know what they could change. The other thing that I wonder is what can our University do differently. I don't think that the U of A can do anything different. IF you feel like you have no other way than to kill someone or yourself get help...There is a way. Death or killing someone is not. Killing someone is a way out of your problem. Life is not fair and the world is not black and white. It is grey.
Darla Simmons Ferriss I left the University of Arkansas in 1982. What I remember most vividly about Dr. Locke is: His influence on me caused (linguistic falicy) my mother to be the most angry I'd ever seen her be with me when I arrived home speaking purely in present tense. "I'm having negative attachments to what I'm hearing you saying, Mom." I loved his references to various periods of his own life, such as "...that was when I was being married..." He once wrote a single word across the front page of a paper I'd written for one of his classes, (I couldn't stay out of them) the title of which was "Some Psychological Aspects of the Tao Te Ching." The word was "Deep". He gave me an A minus. I've loved John since the first time I met him. My husband (I'm currently "being" married) saw the news article today and told me about John, having heard me speak for years about the inigma that was John R. Locke. John always generated the sense that nothing, nothing was beyond our reach if only we tried. I know that I will never again meet anyone with the same jest, wonder, and appreciation, for life in all its complexities; John seemed to wake up to a new world every day. It is not surprising to me that John's was the only abstaining vote of the five who voted to drop Mr. Kelly from the program. John loved to practice what he preached. We can all still learn from this wonderful, warm, fantastically human and humane man and I for one plan never to stop. John, "You're only doing what you're doing, when you're doing it." Love
Teresa Haney I did not know John Locke but the incredible things that have been said about him in the last few days have lead me to only have one explanation for his death. God must've needed another angel up in Heaven. It is sad that his death was not peaceful. I just hope the campus community can come together about this and help each other deal with it. It's unfortunate to have lost such a knowlegdable figure at this University. We must work to strive to do our best and continue to learn and expand our experiences with people and education. I think that is one good way to honor this man's memory.
Shirley Marc I considered John a friend of mine while living in Fayetteville because we shared so many of the same interests and popped up at the same places so frequently, and shared so many wonderful conversations. Such an intelligent, quiet, gentle, peaceful, loving person - it is so sad that we have again lost one of our best.
Jen D. I never knew Dr. Locke but from what has been said he was a fine human being. It is terribly sad that he had to be a victim of such a horrible act. And I feel that all of the headlines that read "2 Victims in U of A Gunfire" or others similar are completely incorrect. Locke was a victim. He was the victim of the murder committed by James Kelly. Kelly should not be labeled as a victim but as the criminal!!
M.E.E. Although I'm not an alumni I still feel shocked at what happened. As the parent of a college bound student I wander about the safety of college campuses and this tradegy only heightens the anxiety. I want the best for my child but am hesitant to let her attend college until I know her safety is assured. Thank You and my prayers go out to all who have suffered in this tradegy.
Kondwani Phwandaphwanda May The Lord Almighty reward you for your work that claimed your life in a most unlikely place, time and fashion. Only God knew it. May your Soul Rest in Peace. Love from Kondwani
Geoffrey Blaisdell I have known John Locke since I was a small child. He and my father, Nesbitt Blaisdell, were colleges at Culver Stockton College in Canton, MO and the the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA. My earliest memories of John were from 1965, as he and my father played ferocious games of chess in our Iowa City home. Over the years, John has remained in my life, either through personal visits to my father, who now lives in New York City, or through his writing. On Monday, August 28, the world's light dimmed as John left the world. He and his love and compassion will be sorely missed. Peace, Geoffrey
Kathleen Smith I am so saddened by this tragic event. My husband and I were in Dr. Locke's classes in the late 1960s and respected him so much. What a sad loss for the university community.
jh Thank you Dr. Locke for sharing your love of learning with many...
JLHF
PJ This is such a sad loss. I've missed Professor Locke's smile and his warmth since I left the University, but this new loss is a loss for the world. He was truly special. I loved the way his classes taught more than just literature. He sought to give his students tools to cope with life, with stress, and with their emotions. He seemed as interested in teaching peace and wisdom as he did academic skills and knowledge, and to me, this made him a special resource on the campus. Also, thank you Dr. Locke, for the personal help and advice you gave during a difficult time. My life is richer for having met you.
BRIDGET SEWARD
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