Philip Dacey

Dacey, Philip On July 7, Philip Dacey died peacefully at his home in Minneapolis at age 77 after a nearly two-year struggle with acute leukemia. He was an emeritus professor of English and a prolific poet who published 13 books and co-edited an influential anthology. Born in St. Louis, Philip was educated at St. Louis University, Stanford University, and the University of Iowa. Between 1963 and 1966, he taught in the Peace Corps in Nigeria and at Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama along with his then-wife, Florence Chard Dacey. In 1970 he accepted a professorship at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minnesota, settling with his family in nearby Cottonwood. During a 34-year teaching career, Philip directed the creative writing program and founded an annual international literary festival. After retiring in 2004, he lived for eight years in Manhattan before returning to Minnesota to live on Lake Calhoun with his long-time partner Alixa Doom. Philip is survived by his three children, Emmett, Austin, and Fay, and Fay's daughters Sorcha and Ingrid. He was comforted in his final months by the companionship of his partner Alixa, who was his caregiver in their home, and by contact with scores of friends and former students. Per Philip's wishes, there will be no funeral service, but readings from a forthcoming book will serve as memorials. Philip donated his body to the University of Minnesota (where he received much of his treatment), which will hold a service this November to honor its recent donors. After being put to use in medical education, Philip's remains will be cremated and interred at Lakewood Cemetery, overlooking the running path around Lake Calhoun which he used daily for many years. Philip desired that any memorial donations be made in his name to `The Nation' magazine.

Published on July 17, 2016