Memories and impressions
I just found out today the reference guru Bill Katz passed away a little over a week ago. I graduated from SUNY Albany’s program in 1995 and had the pleasure of having Bill Katz as my Reference professor. I have to memories and an impression to share.
Impression: He was there to have a good time and keep himself amused. If that was passed along to the students (as it constantly was) all the better for everyone.
Memory #1: As the editor of RQ he was sent a copy of almost every reference text ever released. They literally piled up the walls in his office, many still in the boxes, never opened. He welcomed all students into his office to go through them and take whatever they wanted. I still have the Bio-Bibliography of Boris Karloff I got from that never-ending pile.
Memory #2: One day in class there was a heated discussion over some topic I don’t recall. His final word on the topic was “Me being a good Jew and you being a good Christian, let’s just start throwing stones at each other and get it over with.” The class broke out into great laughter at that point and it diffused the situation wonderfully.
He will be missed.
