To: The St. Lawrence Community
From: William L. Fox, President
Date: March 30, 2012
Subject: In Memory: Douglas Carmichael
With sadness I share the news of the death on March 26 of Professor Emeritus of Philosophy Douglas Carmichael. Alumni who have been in touch with us today remember his gentle humor, delight in good food, fondness for travel, passion for Scottish history and Arthurian legend, and love of family, in addition to his gifted teaching and admirable scholarship.
Doug Carmichael received a B.A. from Bowdoin in 1946 (his attendance being interrupted by military service during World War II), an M.A. from Harvard, and a Ph.D. (1954) in philosophy from Indiana University. He subsequently taught several subjects at the Loomis School in Windsor, Conn., and St. Mark's School, Dallas, Texas; then exclusively philosophy at Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind.; U Mass Amherst, Amherst, Mass.; Indiana University in Jeffersonville, Ind.; and St. Lawrence University (1958-1984), where he served as chairman of the Philosophy department for many years. He wrote a number of scholarly articles, including a translation of the Italian philosopher Pico della Mirandola's 'On the Dignity of Man,' some short stories, and an historical novel, 'Pendragon' (1977).
After retiring, he moved to The Highlands in Topsham. He enjoyed performances by the Portland Symphony Orchestra, The Portland Stage Company, and the Maine State Music Theater. He traveled extensively throughout Western Europe and also made trips to Egypt, East Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tahiti. He had a particular love for Scotland, which he visited at least four times.
He is survived by three children, Douglas A. Carmichael, Megan C. Perry, and Elspeth C. Williams; three stepchildren, Chris Grant, Susie Diachok, and Jo Werner; and three grandchildren. His family asked that memorial donations may be sent to: Maine State Library Talking Books Program, State House Station #64, Augusta, Maine 04333.
