Obituary of Robert Hay Carnie

Professor Emeritus Bob Carnie passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 8, 2007 after a long battle with illness. He leaves behind his loving and beloved wife of fifty years, Jean; three children: Morag, Fiona and Andrew; and sisters: Isabel, Ruby, and May in Scotland. Bob was born in Dundee Scotland, where he attended the Morgan Academy. He received an MA in English and Philosophy and a PhD in English literature from the University of St. Andrews. He taught and researched 18th century Scottish literature, bibliographic studies, book cover design, the Scottish book trade, and the works of Samuel Johnson, James Hogg, and Robert Burns. Loved by his students, he taught at Bedford College London, Queens College at the University of St. Andrews, the University of Ife in Nigeria, the University of Dundee, and for twenty years at the University of Calgary. At the University of Calgary, Bob served in the president’s office as Secretary of the General Faculties Council. He was the editor of the journal Abstracts in English Studies. He was also the author of numerous articles and pamphlets and wrote the beautiful Burns Illustrated, published by the Calgary Burns Club. Bob was an avid golfer, fisherman and sports fan. He loved to listen to the music of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. But his greatest passion, apart from his bonnie Jean, was collecting signed decorative book bindings. His extensive collection was donated to the University of Calgary in 2006. Bob was the bard, distinguished life member and past president of the Calgary Burns Club and a life member and frequent speaker at the Schiehallion Scottish Society. Bob was a man who believed that compassion, justice and truth come from within us all, that learning and knowledge are the greatest achievements of civilization and that things of beauty are worth our time and attention even if they have no monetary value. His gentle loving nature, wisdom and wit will be greatly missed by his family. The Carnie family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Vincy Yam and Dr. Han Friesen. Our greatest thanks to our dearest Danielle, who has become part of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made directly to Calgary Health Trust – In support of the GARP Program at the Rockyview General Hospital, Suite 800, 11012 MacLeod Trail S.E., Calgary, AB T2J 6A5, Telephone: (403)943-0615, www.thetrust.ca All friends are invited to a Celebration of Bob’s life to be held at Sierras West, 6868 Sierra Morena Blvd. SW on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 2:00 pm. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Robert Carnie, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.