Emeritus Professor Barry Dalsant, who passed away last month, was a former English Department Chair and General Faculty President for HSU. He taught at HSU for over 40 years, leaving behind multiple generations of students who were inspired by his passion for English, quick wit and easy sense of humor. His colleagues describe Barry as kind, generous, a good friend, mentor, and colleague. There are many stories of the significant impact that Barry had on the lives of students, faculty, and staff.

Barry grew up in Denver’s northside in a middle class neighborhood dominated by World War II one story houses. His neighborhood was adjacent to the Highlands area which had been the first settlement in Denver. After high school Barry was accepted into Harvard where he completed his undergrad in English. He went on to receive his Masters in English from the University of Wisconsin and then his PhD from UC Berkeley. He received his first full-time teaching offer from Humboldt State University and made the county his home for the rest of his life.

In 1994 he married Humboldt-native Jennifer Eliason, whom he met as the Administrative Assistant in the English Department, in a relationship that lasted until her death last year. He didn’t have any biological childen, but he loved being stepfather for Jennifer’s three children; Brendan, Trevor and Megan.

He always kept his life on an even keel and navigated it with a steady hand. That was true even after his stroke and the physical problems that followed. He always had an aura of peace and serenity around him. He was comfortable in his own skin. He was kind, supportive, very bright, and had a wonderful sense of humor which he put to good use.

He will be missed but not forgotten.

There will be a Memorial gathering for Barry:

Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Place: Green and Gold Room, Founders Hall, Cal Poly Humboldt
*Parking should be free at Cal Poly Humboldt on Saturdays.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Barry Dalsant’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.