Sid Bacon

Sid, It was nice to get up this morning and see your blog!  John read it to me while I had coffee.  I wanted to let you know that I have been thinking about TEAM BACON quite a bit and what it means to be part of this TEAM.  In 5th grade we had to play softball at recess - our teacher thought it would be fun - his name was Mr. Phaneuf.  Well we didn't have ball gloves or hats and we girls had to wear dresses to school in those days - so this was the equivalent of recess-torture for me... not to mention I was scared of the ball and am rather unathletic...

Well Mr. Phaneuf used to pick two boys as team captains and they would call out the other players for their teams.  You know where this is heading - yep last pick each time.  Well maybe next to last.

So to be on TEAM BACON has been huge for me.  I like to think we all were "picked" in some way to be part of this TEAM and as I read the guestbook I see that everyone brings something smart, witty, caring, loving, kind, professional, funny, or compassionate to the TEAM.  What an honor to be with all these blogging athletes.

You are the BEST captain and I wish you had been in Mr. Phaneuf's 5th grade class with me.  I still would have been lousy at softball but I know you wouldn't have minded. Love you.

 – Pat Jr.

To Sid, an inspiring professor and caring mentor. Your initiative to encourage undergraduate students in research pursuits positively impacted the students and the field, and profoundly changed my life for the better. You went out of your way to support and guide me in beginning a new path in hearing research, and for that I am very grateful. I aim to one day pay forward to my students what you gave to me. Thank you for all that you gave to all of us, and we will miss you.

– Ann Hickox

It's difficult to compose a toast worthy of Sid. I'm not eloquent enough to describe his caring, gentle ways. I was always struck by his open, easy manner when greeting you. I loved his quick, dry wit in casual conversation. I noticed that he always seemed to observe everything that was happening around him, and that he would take great pleasure just in the presence of family, friends, and even complete strangers. It was obvious that he loved, and wanted to live life, completely.

In his remembrance, it is not enough to say that we are diminished by his absence. I will simply say that we, meaning everyone who was touched in knowing and loving this man are inconsolable.

Sid first touched my life as a professor of my favorite undergraduate course, Psychoacoustics. Little did I know that class would open the door to five wonderful years spent working in his lab. I count myself as one of the lucky ones to have had the opportunity to work closely with Sid for all those years. He was a wonderful professor, a brilliant researcher, and a devoted mentor. I will forever be indebted to Sid for all that he taught me and I will cherish his memory always.

– Nicole Doyle

I have been reading Sid's journal for over a year now and feel as if I not only learned about him and your family as deeply connected human beings but also about handling illness, celebrations and seemingly overwhelming challenges with grace and love.

I remember Sid as a peacemaker.  There was a math faculty who was angry at me but still needed to meet with me so he asked Sid to be at the meeting.  Sid graciously brought us together, moderated for a little bit and then backed away as this person and I began our own dialogue.  We remain good colleagues and we were able to get important work done for students.

Sid's calm manner and non-judgmental ways brought out the best in all of us.

Thank you for sharing your stories.

– Mari Koerner