In the Department of English in the 70s, Jim Whitehead and Larry Guinn were my two favorite professors. I took whatever courses they offered. Larry was sort of a mentor for me. Once he found me desperately studying the transformational grammar text at a fast-food joint, where he stopped for a coffee. He laughed gently and urged me to go home and sleep, assuring me that I knew enough. He seemed to judge students' progress by class interaction and what one wrote, rather than any grade system. We knew Larry was a serious intellect and class discussion was at a high level. He was always gentle and encouraging, wise and witty, warm and understanding. Once he had me over for a really excellent beef bourgignon. Recently, he sent a contribution and letter to help a candidate I was supporting, and reiterated a plan to cook for me again. I'm so sorry there wasn't time for that. Although I knew he would never aggrandize himself, quite the opposite, I always felt he should be known as a great man.