My heart is hurt to learn that Reg is no longer with us.  He was a beautiful soul and inspiring scholar.  He was never on any of my committees, but he deeply impacted my time in graduate school and was a constant support.  I often told him that I considered him my informal mentor and I envied students whose research more closely aligned with his expertise.  

Reg was always there to cheer me on and provide comfort and words of encouragement during my time in grad school and we kept in contact a bit after, too.  In especially difficult periods, when it seemed like probably nobody else was even awake, he'd respond to my distressed emails and offer to talk things through with me.  As a fellow night owl, I really appreciated that.

I loved bumping into Reg on his bike arriving at the co-op or around town.  I appreciated that he kept his office cozy with soft light and music in the background.  He was classy like that.  We talked about the more personal side of being mixed race a lot and  I felt seen by him in a way that was meaningful.  He remembered my birthday, unaided by social media, and could advise me on whether or not my prospective romantic partners could vibe with my Libra-on-the-cusp-of-Scorpio-energy.  I remember arriving to his office frazzled and him insisting on untangling my computer cord of its knots, which was such a random thing, but I still remember it.  I can also remember dining with him at the Alumni house and the Thai restaurant in town, where we shared our last meal together before I moved away.  

I'm super grateful for all of our conversations and your support, Reg.  You left an amazing legacy and will be missed beyond measure.