JOHN DANA BERNARD

1935-2021

The Bernard family announces with deep sadness the death of John Dana Bernard on July 10 at his home in South Portland, Maine, at the age of 85.

John was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1935. He earned a B.A. in English History and Literature and an M.A. in Teaching from Harvard University, and a Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Minnesota. During his distinguished career, he taught English Literature at Washington University from 1967 to 1978, and was a founding faculty member of the University of Houston Honors Program in Houston, Texas, from 1979 to 2005. He taught courses in literature and poetry and a popular interdisciplinary course about the Renaissance. He was well-loved by his students and fellow faculty and received several teaching awards. He authored Why Machiavelli Matters: A Guide to Citizenship in a Democracy (2009), and Ceremonies of Innocence: Pastoralism in the Poetry of Edmund Spenser (1989), and edited Vergil at 2000: Commemorative Essays on the Poet and His Influence (1986). John was also a devoted political activist. When he and his wife Artis retired to South Portland, Maine, they contributed time and resources to the Maine Peoples Alliance and other organizations working to protect the environment, eradicate racism and homophobia, and nourish democracy.

John was predeceased by his wife Artis. He is survived by his children Jennifer, Rebecca, Yael, and Ben, and his grandchildren Sage, Indigo, Julian, Elwen, Oliver, and Leo.

John will be remembered and greatly missed for his brilliant mind, sharp wit, deep engagement with the world around him, and lifelong love of art, music, and literature. Gifts in his memory may be made to Maine Peoples Alliance or the Good Shepherd Food Bank. Memories and condolences, as well as requests to be notified of a future online memorial service, may be shared with the family at www. directcremationofmaine.com.