So Different to So Many Different People

Gene was so many different things to so many different people—a Don Quixote espousing idealistic causes, an empathetic counselor, a brilliant teacher of Shakespeare, an essayist par excellence, a voice for the oppressed, a crusader in the original sense of the word (one who takes up the cross of Christ), and a friend in time of need.
I remember reading a collection of his personal essays once when I was directing a study abroad in England. When I read of his experience in blessing his broken down car, I realized why Gene was so vibrant: he was a man of faith, deep abiding faith. I shall miss him.

—Madison Sowell
from Irreantum 3.3 (Autumn 2001): 39