In Loving Memory Nelson Lionel Haggerson Jr. 11 June 1927 - 6 August 2009 Nelson's friends have asked that a more extensive obituary be published than was on August 8 2009. It is with pride that his widow, Catherine Rumsey, and his family offer this tribute to their beloved Mytho-Poet. Nelson was born in Silver City, New Mexico, the only child of George an Gladys Jackson Haggerson whom he appreciated and honored all his life. He attended Hurley NM Elementary School and New Mexico Military Institute High School. At NMMI he graduated with a record of 'excellent grades, yearly membership in the Honors Society and no demerits'. In 2004 on the basis of his subsequent achievements was inducted into the NMMI Hall of Fame. Upon graduation from NMMI Nelson enlisted in the Navy. After honorable discharge in 1946 he went to Vanderbilt University TN on the GI Bill, earning his BA cum laude. There he met nursing student Kate Baldwin from Donnelson TN. They married in 1949, returned to Hurley, and together had seven children: Patrick, Fred, Teresa (Haggerson-Lucero), George Edward (deceased), Lionel, Rebecca (Baker), Mary (Sanborn) (deceased). Sadly, Kate passed away in 2001. In Hurley, Nelson became a teacher then principal, at age 26, of Hurley High. In 1957 he became foundation principal at Cobre High School where he, and now his memory 'for his endearing love and commitment as the Principal of all classes', continues to be much loved and respected. He was always invited to Cobre reunions as special speaker, the last invitation being this year. In 1952 Nelson received his MSc in Education from New Mexico Western College and taught there 1959-60. The college became Western New Mexico University and from 1996-2005 he returned each year to teach summer school. In 1960 Nelson graduated from Claremont Graduate University CA with his PhD. In 1961 he became Professor in Education at ASU where he continued chairing doctoral committees long after his retirement in 1989. Altogether he chaired over 270 dissertations, his final three students graduating in May 2009. Again, as at Cobre, he was much loved and respected by all his students as a caring, encouraging and rigorous chair. Many of his students became his friends, remaining in touch with him until his death. Nelson authored 13 books and had a strong publishing record in refereed jourals, including his own poetry, scholarly discourse, biography, autobiography and exploring peace. He was awarded a Fulbright and other scholarships/visiting professorships in USA and abroad. He was an invited speaker at many local, national and international conferences and contributed papers at many others. An active foundational member in many professional associations, it was his joy to be a foundation member of the Emeritus College at ASU, the university he loved and served for 48 years. In 2002, two of Nelson's past doctoral students compiled a volume of essays in his honor by his internationally known colleagues and past students. Many years ago Nelson began to think of himself as a Mytho-Poet. An eminent scholar, Patrick Slattery, wrote in 2002 that Nelson 'has inspired the curriculum with his Mytho-Poetic philosophy for over two decades' ...capturing 'the essence of the aesthetic, spiritual, hermeneutic, and prophetic dimensions of education'. Nelson led in exploring 'these sensitive and important aspects...and no one captures the Mytho-Poetic dimension of research as astutely'. At ASU, at the University of the West Indies, and in other settings, Nelson pioneered the rigorous use of collaborative qualitative action research in Education doctoral research and its reporting in poetry, music, art, dance, and narrative along with scholarly writing. Nelson's Mytho-Poetic reflections were not confined to academe but permeated all areas of his life. His great friend Zeno Johnson Ph.D. in reviewing Nelson's life and writings wrote that 'he moved from objective model making to song singing, singing that moves the heart'. In December 2001 in Australia, Nelson married Catherine Rumsey, an Australian friend of long standing. Together they shared a magical eight years. Nelson always showed love, respect, encouragement, strong support and friendship to his family, lifelong and newer friends, colleagues, students and neighbors. His children, grandchildren and 5 great-grands were his delight. Always ready to learn new things about people and places, he loved to travel to new areas and especially to visit past students and colleagues in far flung places. He was a committed Christian always open to respectful discussion with those of his own faith and people of other faiths. Compassionate and generous, he donated to charitable institutions, universities and colleges, student scholarships, public institutions, his church and political party and gave financial support to family, friends and students when they were in need. Many, many people have spoken of his inspiration and encouragement in their lives. Nelson daily lived his motto 'To Dance with Joy' in all phases of his life. Teaching was his great passion and he fulfilled his mission 'to open human minds around the world with love, kindness, beauty and knowledge.' In the words of Joseph Campbell, Nelson 'found his bliss and followed it'. His was a life of purpose and fulfillment. His legacy lives on in the minds, hearts and actions of those whose lives he touched.