Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/133183
faculty notes In Memoriam Dr. Humphrey H. Cordes A beloved teacher of classical languages at Latin (1961-1988) and at Loyola University, Dr. Humphrey Cordes passed away on November 1, 2008. His wife Rosemary and his seven children gathered with nine grandchildren, family, friends and former colleagues to celebrate his life at a service on November 6. Included in the service were two poignant reminders of the depth of Dr. Cordes' connection to Latin. The words of the 1973 Latin School yearbook dedication were included in the program: "To achieve a high degree of academic excellence without becoming an effete snob is a rare accomplishment. We are extremely fortunate to have such an example in our midst. His expertise in history is surpassed only by his cinematic knowledge. He is equally at ease with Katherine of Aragon and Katharine Hepburn . . . Yes, this man truly symbolizes the essence of what this school should be. He is always combining his vast fund of information with that marvelous sense of humor. . . ." Closing Dr. Cordes' funeral service were the recessional strains of the Latin School Alma Mater, "Finlandia." Although Dr. Cordes had retired nearly 20 years before his passing, his love for Latin endured. In a letter he wrote to former Latin Head of School Jonathan Slater a number of years ago, he reflected on the path he had chosen in life: "As I look back now, I wouldn't ask for a better lot. I think I was born to be a teacher, and was lucky enough to find my calling after too many false starts and wrong turns; I am happy with my choice, particularly with the faculty and students I have known through the years at the Latin School." In turn, Dr. Cordes was greatly admired by colleagues and students alike. Close family friend and colleague Richard Dolezal recalls his "bashful but educated presence, whose friendship awakened a life-long joy: a friendship filled with humor, insights, knowledge, memories . . ." Other colleagues remember Dr. Cordes' wonderful sense of humor, full of jokes and pranks – always a lively balance to his lofty academic stature. 46 Latin Magazine To Steve Maxwell '68, Dr. Cordes' guidance, thoughtfulness and friendship were life-shaping. "We had many discussions about the war in Vietnam, all of which sharpened my thinking and beliefs about pacifism. He strongly disagreed with me on my many points, but with a grace and ongoing commitment to our relationship. A few years later, when I drew a very low number in the first draft lottery, I applied for conscientious objector status . . . [Dr. Cordes] agreed to write a letter of support for me. In his letter to the Selective Service, Dr. Cordes stated very clearly that although he disagreed with my positions, he knew my beliefs were sincere and entirely consistent with my upbringing. . . ." It was fitting that Humphrey Cordes, a Naval lieutenant who commanded a ship in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater in his early years, also was the compassionate and brilliant supporter of a young person's right to do what was right and honorable: being true to himself. Dr. Cordes, noster magister, noster amicus. Requiescat in pace. • – Linda Hennelly