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To the family and friends of Len Roberts,
Thank you for sharing Len with all of us. In doing so, he brought you to us. We are sorry for the great loss.
In a workshop in the summer of 1985, Len told us Fellows of the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project that real love is "tenuous" and that is what "keeps it alive." So, then, in this tenuous life and death thing, Len continues to be very much alive.
We have been enriched by Len's lessons. We are so thankful for his poetry and how he helped us with ours. In another class, Len reminded us that we were to "let the poem speak" because the poem "knows better." With that in mind, let's allow one of Len's poems speak the rest of this note. . . for his poem will know better than I. . . .
Thank you. Bless you.
Good words to you.
Ellen E. Hyatt
WPWP 1985
Tuesday, June 12, 2007 9:32 PM EST
Dear Roberts Family.
While at NCC I had the pleasure of taking a poetry class offered by Len Roberts. What a fine professor and poet. He taught me writing exercises which have actually served as a means of relaxation over the years. What a loss to the community and to the world. My most heartfelt condolences to your family.
Hope Christman Smith
Monday, June 11, 2007 11:48 AM EST
Dear Nancy & family -
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Len was a wonderful person and we are sorry for your loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Dave & Birgit
(Dave's Trucking)
Saturday, June 09, 2007 8:36 AM EST
Dear Nancy and Family
Although I have never met you - I feel I must send this note-
I'm formally from Cohoes and was great friends with Len (Lenny) as I knew him. He was friends with my brother Mike and this friendship then led him to become mine.
He would come to our home often and my parents enjoyed these visits as- even then -he just brought out the best in everyone !
I have not seen him in over 30 years-the last time was on a visit home and he came to visit my husband and me-he stayed the afternoon and had dinner with us and my then one year old son. He later sent me a book of his first works, of which I shall now cherish even more-
I'm so very happy to hear he had a good life with you all-
May he rest in peace-
Sue (Heroux) Evangelista
Friday, June 01, 2007 2:51 PM EST
Dear Nancy and Family,
Although it has been some time since I have spoken with you or Len, I wanted you to know that Len had a way of making people feel important.
Since words were so very special to him, he really listened when people spoke. He always took the time to read a little poem that I'd attempt to write...
offering words of encouragement.
It's been over thirteen year since I worked at Northampton, and yet I can still recall our conversations about raising children or renovating the farm house.
He was a compassionate and gifted person. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Cher Ashcroft
Friday, June 01, 2007 10:03 AM EST
To The Roberts Family,
My sincerest condolences go out to your family. I was a student of Professor Roberts. I will always remember him. I returned to college as an adult student after many years and was very apprehensive about what to expect. Professor Roberts always encouraged me, giving me the confidence I needed to continue my studies. He touched my life and provided me with knowledge and skills to succeed in a way he will never know. He will be greatly missed.
My prayers are with your family,
Tara Torres
Friday, June 01, 2007 8:49 AM EST
Dear Nancy and Family,
My deepest sympathies to you on the loss of Len. I met Len as a student in the Western PA Writing Project soon after I had begun writing. He was a brilliant teacher, inspiring us to love not only words but life itself in all its complexities. Len was so gifted a person and so very kind with it.
I am so sorry you are suffering this awful loss of him. My heart goes out to each of you.
Lois Williams
United Kingdom
Thursday, May 31, 2007 5:14 PM EST
Nancy and family,
It was an old beat up farmhouse in Hellertown that needed a good scrubbing. That is where I first met Len. Over the years, the farmhouse was transformed-rooms added, electric wiring replaced, stone walls constructed, landscaping, painting the outside and in. Yes the poet who was a beloved teacher, was also a mason, carpenter, painter and architect. He was also like a brother to me.
I knew Len for over 25 years. When my life went through turmoil, we would often sit at the Tally Ho and discuss life's strange twists- often he would reference a literary concept. He was an easy listener, compassionate, quick to smile with a good sense of humor.
As our children grew and our families evolved, we often talked about the basics of life- our nuclear families. His love for his wife and children was boundless. He realized how lucky he was to have love all around him- it gave him strength to write and an inner peace. When illness struck, he realized how fortunate he was to have been able to truly see the outcome of the fruits of his labor and he knew it was right.
Melvin L. Steinbook, MD
Thursday, May 31, 2007 11:04 AM EST
Len,
I'll bring my hoop shoes & we can do some one-on-one; oh, and I have a couple of poems maybe you could take a look at them for me.
Thanks, Bro.
Walt
P.S. My condolences to you, Nancy and the family.
You are in my prayers.
Walt Peterson
Thursday, May 31, 2007 9:24 AM EST
Tammy,
We extend our deepest condolences on the loss of your Dad. I know you tried so hard over the last few months to come up with a solution. Please know are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kate and Jay Haney
Bethlehem, PA
Thursday, May 31, 2007 8:41 AM EST
Dear Nancy,
Len has enriched many lives. Over the years I worked with him, he taught my students in New Hope, Quakertown and Council Rock. The children and teachers who wrote under his guidance will always remember him for his gentle but direct teaching. His number one topic during our workshops was his love and pride of his family. His work and memory will live on. Sincerely, Pat Carney-Dalton
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 9:24 PM EST
Dear Nancy and family,
I was more than shocked to hear of your terrible loss. Even though I haven't seen you and Len for some years, my thoughts went back immediately to your beautiful and peaceful farmhouse and barn in which you both allowed me to share such intimate and comfortable times together when I needed some good and close friends. I truly loved coming to see you and sit and talk of all kinds of issues, both personal and worldly.
And of course my relationship with you both during your pregnancy with Josh is still in my mind and how we were able to balance friendship and professionalism in just the right balance. Len wrote us a poem about Joshua shortly after his birth which I still have and I would like to share it now: I am not sure if it was ever published ...
FOLLOWING THE CAT (for Joshua)
The old music calms him as he follows
the cat's thin line of whiskers,
gray and black-striped raccoon tail,
yellow hat with blue ribbon drifting
down. It is the cat of his dreams
who roams through deep fields of wheat
and orchards of fruit, the cat atop
a barn beam thirty feet afloat
in the dust-filled light that barn slats
slice. Cat with ivory teeth and claws,
full-chested cat who hears the horse stomp
two-hundred feet away in its frosted stall.
Ah, the cat who bobs more than the duck
or frog, much more than the bear,
the rabbit someone mistakenly placed at the center.
He knows the cat knows where the mice live
beneath the hay, that cat eyes can see
in the dark. One month old and so wise,
this child following only the cat
who circles the crib on the quietest of feet.
For Bob and Sandy, with warm friendship. Len
My heart is with you on this day of memories... Dr. Bob Echenberg
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 12:43 PM EST
Dear Tammy and family,
I'm sorry to hear about Len's death. I hope the strength and beauty in all of his writing will be some solace to you in your loss. Remember that he touched other lives and minds. He created a legacy that will live on as I'm sure his life and love will live in your memories of him.
Sincerely,
Kathy Moser
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 9:43 AM EST
Dear Nancy,
I just learned that Len died. I'm so sorry to hear this; my heart goes out to you and your children. I would see Len only now and again but he always felt like one of my very special friends. We always spoke of getting together, the four of us, somewhere on an island or on some beautiful piece of coast land. I'll keep that thought with me always.
He was a fine poet and a fine teacher and a fine man. I will miss him enormously.
Yours,
Dave
David Bartholomae
Professor and Chair
Department of English
University of Pittsburgh
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 10:43 AM EST
To the Family of the late Leonard R.Roberts,
I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to all the loved ones left behind by Leonard. We, at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg, especially the staff in the Regional Heart Center, had the privilege to meet, take care and interact even for a brief moment with him during his brief but eventful stay in our hospital. We always wish him the best but the Lord has better plans for him in the after life. To Carol and her children, we share your great loss and sadness on his passing. May his memories give you comfort and serenity and peace in the thought that he has led a very fruitful life on this world with you.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 7:03 AM EST
Dear Nancy,
I was so saddened to read of your husband's death in the paper. You made such a wonderful impact in my life during nursing school and I always enjoyed the stories of your family life w/Len, and your daughter and son. My condolences to all of you. May your circle of friends and associates continue to provide you with some sense of peace during this painful time.
If there is ever anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to page me at work at St. Luke's or call me just for a cup of coffee to catch up.
Sincerely,
Lucy Reichlin Reagan, class of '93
Tuesday, May 29, 2007 8:24 PM EST
Dear Nancy and family, While I never met you, I felt I knew you from the workshops the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project held over the years in Pittsburgh. Len always spoke of you with such warmth and love. I have only fond memories of your husband and father, as a poet, a mentor, a friend. We corresponded occasionally by email, but my happiest memory of Len is when I "caught him" in an error about angels at one of the workshops, and he designated me his theological proofreader. It was a private joke we had, and he actually did occasionally run a poem past me containing references to angels or religious topics. Len was one of the nicest, most gifted people I have ever known. My heart was broken when I read the message from the Writing Project a few minutes ago. All of you will be in my prayers over these next days and months. Your loss is incalculable, as is ours. Sincerely, Sister Rita Yeasted, Pittsburgh, PA
Tuesday, May 29, 2007 3:38 PM EST
Dear Nancy and family-- what a terrible shock to hear about Len's death. He will be remembered on so many levels: as a wonderful father, husband, teacher, poet and friend. I always loved his poetry and profoundly enjoyed being part of his poetry workshop and listening to him discuss how to make a poem come to life in the most direct, concrete ways possible. My favorite memory of Len is watching him at a picnic on his farm. Surrounded by loving family and acres of rich green land, he strode about, showing us around, and I remember being deeply impressed by his strength and vitality. He was so energetic and alive, so comfortable in his skin and comfortable in his home. A rare man who can walk the earth and touch the sky at the same time. A rare poet. A rare friend. I will miss him.
Warmest wishes for faith and courage,
Ruth Knafo Setton
Tuesday, May 29, 2007 2:45 PM EST
Dear Nancy and Family,
I first knew Len as my teacher of literature, and of poetry. What he taught me, in the classroom and in his poetry workshops, I will never forget. I was his student; but, as an administrator at NCC, I was also a co-worker. And over the many years we knew one another, Len proved himself my friend, so many times. I only hope that he felt the strength of my friendship for him as well.
Our strongest bond was, of course, poetry. Being pretty much the same age, I felt Len's friendship in a man-to-man, peer-to-peer sort of way; though from my side of things, any talk of poetry was with a well-earned respect for my accomplished mentor.
I write poetry, though I've never been overly concerned with publishing. More of a serious hobby, I suppose. But more important than the writing of my own poems, I read the poetry of other, much much greater poets. I have what I think is a good understanding of that poetry.
Len gave me that: the understanding. And the poetry in my life has truly changed my life * it has added so much to it; not to mention that poetry has led me to other places, places I would never have discovered without it.
Horace Mann said, "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity." Len Roberts certainly had no cause for shame at his passing. The victories he won were the differences he made in the many lives he touched. I can say for sure that the life of this one small part of humanity has truly been enriched by Len; by his own love of poetry, and by his gift of it to me.
Len, I love you, my friend. I know we will meet again. For you, Nancy, and all of your family, please know that you have my sympathy, and know that you are in my prayers.
With Love,
Jim Johnson
Tuesday, May 29, 2007 11:54 AM EST
Dear Nancy,
The unhappy news of Len's passing reached us in the wee hours on May 26th. My wife, Mary Barnet-Schiff and I were just finishing the redesign of PoetryMagazine.com when an email arrived from Grace Cavalieri with the very saddening news.
May I say, though Mary had a long term relationship with Len who has published many of his great works in our magazine, I was only fortunate enough to have known Len a few short months. You may recall I created a film based on one of his magnificient poems.
When an artist like me works closely with another, either painting a portrait of them or collaborating as Len and I did, a certain intimacy is unavoidable. All I can do is thank God Almighty that I was blessed with such an opportunity. Len's work inspired me to new heights and I shall never forget him so long as I may live.
Len and I were born the same year and that made for a greater feeling of kinship.
The least we could do, as he was always an inspiration to us at PoetryMagazine.com, was to dedicate the redesign of the website to Len's loving memory.
If there is anything we can do for you or your family do not hesitate to call on us. Len will not be forgotten. He reached so many with his kindness and deep worth who will ensure he is never forgotten, only elevated to a place of greatness he so deserved.
With all our love an heartfelt sympathy
Richard and Mary Schiff
Monday, May 28, 2007 5:48 PM EST
Dear Nancy and family,
I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Len's death. He was a great friend. I thought of Len as my older brother in the poetry world. We shared our books and and our love of poetry. At the Dodge Poetry Festival this past Fall, Len called my hotel room the evening we both arrived, and we arranged to have dinner together. It was just two old friends talking about our lives, our families, catching up, apart from all the posturing that can accompany large gatherings of poets. When I remember Len, I will remember that evening together--his thoughtfulness, his warmth and unpretentiousness.
You have my deepest sympathies.
Jim Daniels
Monday, May 28, 2007 4:25 PM EST
Dear Nancy and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Len's passing. Around 1980, Len was kind enough to house us overnight when we attended a James Wright poetry festival, and over the years, our paths and Len's would cross from time to time. We moved from New Jersey to Santa Fe in 1991, and returned in 2002. We were so pleased to see Len again at the 2006 Dodge Festival, and more recently when he was a featured reader at a Passaic County Community College reading in Paterson. When we saw him in Paterson, he mentioned that he was not feeling well, and we were concerned about him. We sent prayers and love to you both. Len was a loving and warm human being, a wonderful poet and teacher, and a generous and good friend. We, and the poetry community, will sorely miss him.
With prayers for comfort to you and your family,
Penny Harter & Bill Higginson
Monday, May 28, 2007 1:55 PM EST
Dear Nancy and Family,
Len was both a mentor and friend, and I often turned to him and his poetry when I needed inspiration. You both opened your home and hearts to me many years ago, and I always think of you in that lovely Hellertown paradise.
Reading through these tributes, I find that the words shocked and stunned stand out--perhaps because the picture so many of us have is Len: vital, smiling, and thoroughly engaged.
We all seek our consolations; mine will be in having so many of his volumes of poetry, each with an expression of encouragement accompanying his treasured signature.
May the passage of time and treasured memories provide healing.
Love, Bob Freedman
Monday, May 28, 2007 1:33 PM EST
Dear Nancy and family:
It was during the 1970's that I met Len at NCC. He had just begun his teaching there and was already a poet. His influence has stayed with me my entire life. At one point, Many years after leaving NCC and Pennsylvania, I even brought my two daughters to meet him.
When my friends called me with this sad, sad news it felt as though a light, a great energy had left the world.
How very many people has Len touched in some way during his life? That is one of his greatest tributes.
Please accept my deepest sympathy and our prayers for your comfort.
Francine Ferrante, New York
Monday, May 28, 2007 6:49 AM EST
I am so very sad to hear of Len's passing. He was a remarkable, caring person. He had calmness about him, which I envied and a smile that opened dialogues. Len valued family, education, students, co workers and justice. He could see the "best" when confronted with the "worst." He could envision the light when there was only darkness. May he rest peacefully in the Glory of eternal light.
Sending thoughts and prayers to the Robert's family.
Kathleen Dolin
Sunday, May 27, 2007 11:59 PM EST
Len was an inspiration to many of us who were fortunate to meet him and work with him through the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project at the University of Pittsburgh. His praise and guidance of my own work was a gift I will forever cherish. His poems are archived along with a recent recording he did at www.poetrymagazine.com where we were lucky to have his poetry grace our pages. He will be truly missed.
Andrena Zawinski
Oakland, CA
Sunday, May 27, 2007 11:05 PM EST
Dear Nancy and Family,
We want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Len was such a wonderful person and a privilege to know and to teach with him at NCC.
Sincerely,
Dan and Patti Simon
Sunday, May 27, 2007 8:52 PM EST
For Len
Like the bard owl who watches
over your valley at night
you perfected your craft
while much of the world slept.
In Loving memory,
Charles McCullagh
New York
Sunday, May 27, 2007 11:25 AM EST
Dear Nancy, Josh and family,
As Dick turned the pages of the Sunday paper this morning I thought I caught a glimpse of Len's photo and smile - we both sat saddened in disbelief.
With tears in eyes I type this. Unlike Len, we can not find 'just the right words' to express our sorrow and sympathy. Our hearts ache for you in your great loss.
It is at times like this that we question God's decisions... when he chose Len, he truly chose the best.
Len contributed so much to the world, his family, students, and the people around him. His warm smile, kindness, friendship, inspiration and literary accomplishments will be remembered by many - especially those who had the privilege to know him. He was a lucky man - his contributions made a difference in the world!
We reminisce about the days Josh and Richard spent summer days fishing together (Richard is currently in Canada fishing). And I was fortunate to see you on occassion at Cedar Crest College. Please know how very sorry we are for you and your family at this time.
With heartfelt sympathy and deepest regrets,
Your friends,
Dick, Laura & Richard Appert
Sunday, May 27, 2007 9:50 AM EST
Dear Nancy, Josh, Tammi and Brad
It is with the greatest saddest that we send our condolences to you. Len's poetry will remain a testament to the man and educator that he has been to students and other educators at NCC and around the world. He has inspired and motivated so many with the ease of words. I am sorry that we can not use the right words to convey our sympathy.
With Love
Terry and Joe Steinhardt
Saturday, May 26, 2007 9:43 PM EST
Tribute to Leonard R. Roberts
I met Professor Roberts during the 2006 spring semester at NCC. I was in his American Literature T/Th class. He had a way of inspiring his students, asking them to look deep into their hearts and souls to answer class questions. He gave me a better appreciation as well as a deeper understanding of literature. During the 2006 fall semester we would pass in the halls. He would always take several minutes to speak with me. The standing joke was for me to ask him if he had his plans yet for his home on his island. I even volunteered to do any painting. The last time we spoke was before Christmas, 2006. He told me he was going to tell the man who kept promising him his house plans that he needed to have them or he was going to find someone else to draw them up. He was so looking forward to spending half of his time on his island where he could write and enjoy the sun with his wife. I can only hope that he finally did get his house plans. Professor Roberts will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. I am so glad I had the opportunity to know him.
Kathy Skrapits
Saturday, May 26, 2007 9:51 AM EST
Dear Nancy,
How shocked and saddened I was to read of Len's death. I consider him a friend of twenty-four years as our paths crossed at Northampton Community College. Most especially I was indebted to him when I returned to NCC to build the Distance Learning program. Len was the first fulltime faculty member to see the potential of being able to teach from anywhere in the world and being able to touch student's lives worldwide. He was a leader among the faculty in daring to master the new (at the time) form of teaching and learning. He was a global thinker and a shining star. Always student centered, he gave of himself and his talents generously. A quiet force at the college, he was deeply dedicated to encouraging student's creativity and expression.
He will be missed. I feel privileged to have known him.
Please know that I will hold you and your family in my prayers and thoughts as you do your grief work. During all the time that I knew him, his family was dearest to him and he spoke of all of you proudly.
Warmest personal regards and deep sympathies,
Brenda Johnson
Saturday, May 26, 2007 9:05 AM EST
We are expressing our condolences to Nancy Roberts and her family about the loss of Len Roberts. We were so sad to read about Len in the newspaper this morning, Nancy. What a sad tragedy. Len was one of the teaching stars at Northampton. We often exchanged travel notes. It is so diffcult to think that Len is no longer with us. We're leaving on a trip tomorrow. Since the memorial arrangements were not announced in the newspaper this morning, we're not sure we'll be back in time. If we're not, I know Len would understand. We'll be thinking of him in June when we're in the Bahamas.
Our thoughts are with you.
Craig and Barb Kilpatrick
Saturday, May 26, 2007 6:10 AM EST
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