David had a good head, a loving heart, a generous spirit, and a charming wit. A mensch who left us a million memories filled with laughter. He said he kept P.G. Wodehouse by his bedside to get a good sleep.
I studied literature with him for over 40 years, both in and out of formal school settings He was the most important "adult" in my life outside of my own parents. I owe him much.
As a freshman at ULowell, I co-founded the new drama club. Professor Landman attended our very first production in 1986.
Later, I learned much from him about Chaucer and the Restoration. I remember him very gratefully as a passionate and inspiring teacher.
I first saw David Landman at UMass Lowell, where he was teaching a course about Chaucer. The first thing he said to the class was that he resigned as our teacher; he then proceeded to teach by far the best courses I have ever taken. He taught me literature and spiritual matters for almost 30 years; if I can be said to know anything at all about those two subjects, it is wholly thanks to David Landman. Quite literally, not a day has gone by when I have not had occasion to reflect upon what he has taught. This is true teaching. There are no words that can express the gratitude and the acknowledgement of the debt owed.
I first began studying literature with David Landman as an English major at UMass Lowell in 1978. He changed my life. His philosophy of poetry as being an aural art, to be read out loud and shape the consciousness of the listener (like Music) shifted my focus to ultimately pursuing the study of Music after graduation and later becoming a Music teacher. I will never forget him.
David was much more than a teacher to me; he was my sage. He took me into his life and we both learned so much from each others lives and experiences. He took me to musicals, the theater and even his home for poetry readings. He’s still with me in my life. He was a warm hearted generous man. Condolences to his wife and family
Dave Thompson class of 1989.