I found out this morning that John Ramington, the night librarian, passed away over the weekend. John was one of my favorite people at the library, always extremely friendly and incredibly sweet. We joked around often about the weird array of requests I came in for, ranging from secret shortcuts in pulling articles for my journal ("No, I want to know how to photocopy my face AND for the journal not to find out!") to donating t-shirts for the library archives ("I swear, it's only slightly worn."). He was one of those people who was such a constant, comforting presence during my time here at the law school that thinking about going into the library now and not seeing him there makes me ache and wonder if he knew how much seeing him made me smile.
I know I'm not doing him nearly enough justice, so here are the words of someone who knew him much better than me:
Obituary: John Ramington
I had a sad and disturbing email yesterday (23rd) from the Tarlton Law Library at the University of Texas at Austin. The long-time circulation manager, John Ramington, passed away. John had fallen and injured himself. He called the library and said he wouldn't be in, and later in the day, he died from his injuries. That is very much like John, thinking of other people before he would think of himself.
I remember meeting him when I started my fellowship at Tarlton in the fall of 1993. John was genial, conscientious, knowledgeable, and dedicated to the library. He was fond of art and music and I think he enjoyed being in library because he liked being around the eclectic atmosphere in the place. During free moments we would talk about music and theatre aside from the usual library gossip. We shared a fondness for the music of Leonard Cohen, and I introduced him to music by John Cale. We'd talk about the plays of Tennessee Williams and John would casually inform me that the collected papers of the playright are in the Harry Ransom Center on Campus. John wrote poetry and would show me his verse. He admired the writing style of Ezra Pound and produced Cantos similar in form. John had a tremendous passion for literature.
When I left Texas some two years later John gave me a going away present, a videotape of Leonard Cohen performing on Austin City Limits recorded not more than a mile or so from the library. I watched that tape the other day and thought of John. And then this news came.
I know that John touched the hearts and minds of students, staff, faculty, and the many librarians who passed through Texas on to greater things. I'll miss his kind words, his ready smile, and his calming presence. Rest in peace, friend.
Mark Giangrande, DePaul Law Library
http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/law_librarian_blog/
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