Herbert Bogart

Bogart , Herbert Professor Herbert Bogart died peacefully at home on March 15, 2021, five days after his 90th birthday. He is survived by his wife, Jan; daughters Jennifer Bogart, Julianna Davis; son Jacob (Jake) Bogart and grandsons, Dresden and Jonny Savastano. After completing High School (Bronx, NY), Herb enrolled in pre-med at New York University but his love of literature prevailed! He received his PhD in American Literature at NYU. Prior to finishing his dissertation, he received a Grad Assistantship to the University of Illinois, then spent another 6 years teaching there, followed by a year at the University of California (Davis). He found his niche at Kalamazoo College, where he continued to develop his skills and passion for teaching (1965-1993). During that period, two grants from K College took him to Freetown, Sierra Leone and to London & the Lake Country. Herb also won two teaching Fulbrights scholarships, joining faculties at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand and ten years later, Adelaide University, Australia. His courses expanded over time to include African and American Black authors, Japanese Lit and film courses. He and colleague, Con Hillberry, developed contemporary poetry courses, featuring campus visits by poets under class scrutiny. Herb challenged students to produce their optimal in terms of content and writing skills. Despite demands for excellence, he inspired students with insights and 'magical' interpretations of the text. His wit and sometimes raucous humor in the classroom and out, forged strong student-teacher bonds. Although at times, he seemed to be carrying the world's burdens on his shoulders, Herb never failed to listen to and sympathize with others, often utilizing his gift to provoke a laugh. Herb's main loves, besides literature and family, were food, jazz, sports and travel. If lucky, he combined them all in a planned trip to New York or a lucky strike in Paris. He always hunted for clean, clear bodies of water to swim in, whether ocean, lake, pond, or pool. He found jazz stations wherever he lived and joined any sports team that would have him. After retirement, he and Jan spent a dozen years in Australia where they became citizens plus six years dividing their time between countries. In 2006, they settled in Novato, CA. If there is a heaven, Herb will first seek out friends and relatives, then find a great restaurant in which to dine together. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) nami.org/donate