Abstract
A message from Bill Gammage on Hank’s passing reached me in Kobe on 18 February 2012. It was a bright and sunny day, but cold and clear. Occasionally white snowflakes danced down from the blue sky, glittering in the sunshine. From my hotel room on the 8th floor, I could see the Rokko Range clearly in the north of Kobe. Downward gaze spotted locals and tourists milling in the narrow streets of the Chinatown. They were shopping, eating tasty delicacies and chatting among themselves. I could almost hear the noise and smell the food down there. But I did not want to mingle with the crowd. I stayed in my room, as I felt immense sadness that Hank was no more. Even though we all knew that was imminent because of his declining health, I was still shocked when it finally happened. I have been reflecting on my engagement with Hank, which spanned over two decades. Although the sadness and sense of loss are still with me, I feel I was so lucky and privileged to get to know him, first as a respected academic, then as my supervisor and as a colleague over that period. I always ask myself, ‘What Hank would say?’ when I wonder what I should do.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | The Boy from Boort: Remembering Hank Nelson |
Editors | Bill Gammage, Brij V. Lal, Gavan Daws |
Place of Publication | Canberra |
Publisher | ANU Press |
Pages | 55-62 |
Volume | 1 |
Edition | 1st |
ISBN (Print) | 9781925021653 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |