Manfred K. Hummel Obituary

A great teacher. He taught me English at Rice High School 50 years ago. I still remember him and appreciate what he did for me.

For some strange reason, just today I was thinking of my favorite high school teacher, Manfred Hummel, so I decided to Google him. I was so sad to see that he had just passed away, and that I easily could have been reacquainted with him since I now live in nearby Needham, MA, just a few miles from his late home. Mr. Hummel inspired in me a love of literature and especially of Old and Middle English texts such as

For some strange reason, just today I was thinking of my favorite high school teacher, Manfred Hummel, so I decided to Google him. I was so sad to see that he had just passed away, and that I easily could have been reacquainted with him since I now live in nearby Needham, MA, just a few miles from his late home. Mr. Hummel inspired in me a love of literature and especially of Old and Middle English texts such as Beowulf and The Canterbury Tales -- texts I have read and re-read several times since he first exposed me to them circa 1981-82 at Rice Memorial High School. I fondly remember his kind, gentle demeanor, his wry sense of humor, his passion for his subjects, and his deep commitment to his students. I can still hear his voice intoning the Old English line describing the approaching monster, Grendel, in Beowulf: "á cóm of móre under misthleoum Grendel gongan godes yrre bær . . ." Or in Modern English: "Then came from the moor under the misty cliffs Grendel walking, God's wrath he bore . . ." Still gives me goosebumps! My heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Hummel's family.

Donald "Skip" Lockhart

Dear Margaret, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Betty Jane and Chris Allen

I have always wanted to thank Mr. Hummel for being my teacher and for serving as such an inspiration to all of us with his gentle ways, a man filled with integrity. I had him for sophomore and senior years at Rice, lucky to have learned what I know of the American canon from this good man.

My deep sympathy at this time of loss. Manfred was a wonderful person and teacher. He influenced the lives of many young students and I will always be grateful for his support of my son, Dan
Linda Chiasson South Burlington Vermont

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.

Dearest Margaret -
We have been continually moved and inspired by the full and lovely life that you have both created together - by your commitment to "thinking globally" and "acting locally" - whether it was Manfred moving from Literature professor to building maintenance, and Margaret from State politics to inspiring this little parish to take big risks for justice and inclusion".. And especially holding dear in my memory laughter and story telling around your infinitely expandable kitchen table!. May Manfred's name continue to be a blessing

Love.. John and Tim

Dear Margaret and children, Richard and I were so sad to read of Manfred's passing. I have only the happiest of memories of you, and him, and the kids while you lived in Burlington. We eventually joined your move out of Burlington to Jericho, though it seems that you moved to the suburbs of Boston to be near your children. I hope they and you are doing as well as possible. All is relatively "normal" here, with the exception that

Dear Margaret and children, Richard and I were so sad to read of Manfred's passing. I have only the happiest of memories of you, and him, and the kids while you lived in Burlington. We eventually joined your move out of Burlington to Jericho, though it seems that you moved to the suburbs of Boston to be near your children. I hope they and you are doing as well as possible. All is relatively "normal" here, with the exception that Jessica (almost 49 now), had a recent brush with a rare and aggressive cancer, and seems to have beaten it for now. She has gone back to work and to her passion, skydiving. (Always was a spitfire.) Should you find yourselves back in Chittenden County, we now have a big house, with lots of room, and would love to see you. Our best to you all, Elizabeth (Bernstein)

Dear Margaret and Family,

Norm and I are so sorry to read of Manfred's death. We have fond memories of you and Manfred gardening in our backyard in Essex Junction. Manfred was a good man and enriched so many lives as a friend and teacher.

With deep sympathy and caring,

Mary and Norm Gauthier