John Haines, the former Poet Laureate of Alaska, has now joined the long-term Dead Poets Society.
From the article: By Suzanna Caldwell | FAIRBANKS DAILY NEWS-MINER
FAIRBANKS — Friends said former Alaska Poet Laureate John Haines was known for being cantankerous, gruff and curmudgeonly. But his lasting legacy will be a collection of poetry and prose that captured his unique view of life and inspired generations of Alaska writers.
Haines, 86, died March 2. He was the author of more than 10 collections of poetry and essays. He was named Alaska poet laureate in 1969 and received numerous accolades for his work.
Those who were close cared deeply for him. Former student and friend Ross Coen said he could be unpleasant, but his intellect and love of Alaska was one of a kind.
“He was a fascinating guy to talk to,” Coen said. “He challenged you to think in ways that only a special person like he could do.”
Author Dan O’Neill put it this way: “The man could be irritating, and exasperating, but when he put the pen on the paper, something else took over.”