July 22, 2009
To the Williams Community,
The College has lost one of its oldest and best sons with the death yesterday of Fred Stocking, Morris Professor of Rhetoric, Emeritus.
Few had deeper roots in the local soil. His grandfather, Class of 1869, was minister of the White Oaks Church. His father grew up here and graduated in the Class of 1905. Fred, raised in Detroit, came to Williams as a freshman in the fall of 1932. After graduating in 1936 and graduate school at Michigan, he joined the faculty in 1940, retiring in 1983.
Highly visible on campus and in town (always in bow tie, often in cape) Fred was a delightful teacher and as supportive a colleague as one could hope for.
His writing focused not only on his scholarship in Victorian literature, history, and culture but, as a frequent contributor to local newspapers, on the matters of the day.
All of this -- teaching, writing, colleagueship -- were marked by by a rare combination of erudition, warmth, and wit.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Best regards,
Bill Wagner,
Interim President
A Memorial Service for Fred Stocking is scheduled for Sunday, August 16, at 11:30 a.m. at the Faculty House, to be followed by a reception. Remembrances can be submitted at www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=47375088317.
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