Albert "Al" Glover P'90, '96

Dear Laurentians,

I write to share the sad news that Emeritus Piskor Professor of English Albert “Al” Glover P’90, ’96, died peacefully at his home in Canton on February 3. He was 83.

Al joined the St. Lawrence faculty in 1968 and taught English and poetry for nearly four decades, retiring in 2005. He was known for his unique, engaging classes and concern for his students. Many remained in touch with him long after graduation, continuing to seek his advice and guidance.

A poet, author or co-author of more than a dozen books and chapbooks, he published five volumes of his own poetry and contributed meaningfully to the literary life of the North Country and beyond. He studied at McGill University and earned his master’s and doctoral degrees at SUNY Buffalo, where he worked with poets associated with the Beat and Black Mountain schools. He later served as editor of Charles Olson: Letters for Origin and River of Dreams: American Poems from the St. Lawrence Valley. He also shared his love of writing as a teaching poet at St. Lawrence’s Young Writers Conference.

Al lived a full and creative life. Among his many accomplishments was the restoration of a historic home in Paradise Valley. He enjoyed volunteer work, playing guitar, writing, caring for his home and family, playing hockey and golf, publishing books, and, on occasion, sitting with great blue herons by the Little River.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia ’81; his sons, Frederic, Manson ’90, and Charles ’96; and his grandchildren, John ’23, Eric, and Ava.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the UU Church in Canton this spring.

Al’s legacy lives on in the generations of Laurentians he inspired — in their love of poetry, in their intellectual curiosity, and in the example he set as a teacher, scholar, and neighbor. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, former colleagues, and students.

Please join us in honoring Al’s life by sharing your memories of him on the St. Lawrence University website. You can read the remembrances of others here. Al was a fierce advocate for the St. Lawrence University Library and for student support and advancement. To honor his legacy, the family encourages contributions to scholarships at www.stlawu.edu/give, by phone at 1-888-758-4438, or by mail to St. Lawrence University, Attention Kim Hissong, 23 Romoda Drive, Canton, NY 13617.

Sincerely,
Kate Morris
President