How to Write a Thoughtful Obituary for Dr. Robert Dassanowsky

This guide provides a step-by-step approach to crafting a respectful and informative obituary for Dr. Robert Dassanowsky, acknowledging his distinguished career at CU (likely the University of Colorado) and UCCS (University of Colorado Colorado Springs). This guide is designed for individuals familiar with basic writing but may need guidance on the specific nuances of obituary writing.

Prerequisites:

• Basic Writing Skills: A comfortable grasp of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.


• Information Gathering: Access to accurate information about Dr. Dassanowsky's life, career, accomplishments, and surviving family. This may involve contacting family members, colleagues, university departments, and reviewing published works.


• Respect and Sensitivity: A genuine desire to honor Dr. Dassanowsky's memory and present his life with dignity and respect.


• Time and Patience: Writing a thoughtful obituary takes time and reflection. Don't rush the process.

Tools:

• Word Processor: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any other software for writing and editing text.


• Notepad and Pen: For brainstorming and taking notes during information gathering.


• Internet Access: For research purposes, including verifying information and finding appropriate publication outlets.


• Style Guide (Optional): Adhering to a specific style guide (e.g., AP Style) can ensure consistency.

Numbered Steps:

1. Gather Information:

• Contact Family: Reach out to Dr. Dassanowsky’s family (if appropriate and with their permission) to gather essential details such as:

* Full name and date of birth and death
* Place of birth and death
* Names of surviving family members (spouse, children, siblings, parents, grandchildren)
* Information about his education (degrees earned, institutions attended)
* Significant career milestones and achievements
* Hobbies, interests, and passions
* Information about memorial services or charitable donations in his name.

• Contact University Departments: Connect with the relevant departments at CU and UCCS (e.g., Film Studies, Languages, History, or any department where he held a significant position) to gather information about his contributions to the university, awards received, research interests, and impact on students and colleagues.


• Review Published Works: Search for Dr. Dassanowsky’s publications, articles, and books. This will provide insight into his intellectual contributions and areas of expertise.


• Consult Online Resources: Use search engines and online databases to verify information and find additional details about his life and career.

2. Brainstorm and Outline:

• Identify Key Themes: Based on the information gathered, identify the key themes that define Dr. Dassanowsky’s life and career. This could include his dedication to teaching, his contributions to his field, his impact on students, his personal passions, or his commitment to his family.


• Create an Outline: Organize the information into a logical structure. A typical obituary structure includes:

* Introduction: State the deceased's name, age, and date of death. Briefly mention their profession and affiliations (CU Distinguished Professor and UCCS Professor).
* Early Life and Education: Briefly describe their upbringing, education, and early influences.
* Career Highlights: Detail their significant career achievements, contributions to their field, and impact on students and colleagues. Focus on specific examples and anecdotes.
* Personal Life and Interests: Share information about their hobbies, interests, passions, and family life.
* Legacy and Impact: Reflect on their lasting impact on their field, students, and the community.
* Survivors: List the names of surviving family members.
* Memorial Information: Include details about memorial services, funeral arrangements, or charitable donations in their name.

3. Write the Obituary:

• Introduction: Start with a clear and concise statement of Dr. Dassanowsky’s passing. For example: “Dr. Robert Dassanowsky, a distinguished professor at the University of Colorado and the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, passed away on [Date] at the age of [Age].”


• Early Life and Education: Briefly describe his early life and education, focusing on key influences and turning points.


• Career Highlights: This section should be the most substantial part of the obituary. Highlight his significant career achievements, contributions to his field, and impact on students and colleagues. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate his accomplishments. For example: "Dr. Dassanowsky was a renowned scholar of [His Field], known for his groundbreaking research on [Specific Topic]. He mentored countless students and inspired them to pursue careers in [His Field]."


• Personal Life and Interests: Share information about his hobbies, interests, and passions. This section can provide a more personal glimpse into his life beyond his professional accomplishments.


• Legacy and Impact: Reflect on his lasting impact on his field, students, and the community. Consider including quotes from colleagues or former students.


• Survivors: List the names of surviving family members in a clear and organized manner. For example: "He is survived by his wife, [Wife's Name]; his children, [Children's Names]; and his grandchildren, [Grandchildren's Names]."


• Memorial Information: Include details about memorial services, funeral arrangements, or charitable donations in his name. Be sure to include contact information for the relevant organizations.


• Maintain a Respectful Tone: Use respectful and dignified language throughout the obituary. Avoid overly sentimental or emotional language.


• Accuracy is Paramount: Double-check all facts and dates to ensure accuracy.

4. Edit and Proofread:

• Review for Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure that the obituary is clear, concise, and easy to understand.


• Check for Grammatical Errors and Typos: Carefully proofread the obituary for grammatical errors, typos, and punctuation mistakes.


• Seek Feedback: Ask a trusted friend or colleague to review the obituary for accuracy and clarity.

5. Submit for Publication:

• Identify Publication Outlets: Determine the appropriate publication outlets for the obituary. This may include university websites, local newspapers, academic journals, or online obituary platforms.


• Follow Submission Guidelines: Carefully review the submission guidelines for each publication outlet and ensure that the obituary meets their requirements.


• Submit the Obituary: Submit the obituary to the chosen publication outlets.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Difficulty Gathering Information: If you are having difficulty gathering information, reach out to family members, colleagues, or university departments for assistance.


• Writer's Block: If you are experiencing writer's block, try brainstorming ideas, creating an outline, or taking a break and coming back to the writing later.


• Uncertainty about Tone: If you are unsure about the appropriate tone, err on the side of respect and dignity.


• Concerns about Accuracy: If you have any concerns about the accuracy of the information, double-check your sources and verify the facts with reliable sources.

Short Summary:

Writing a thoughtful obituary for Dr. Robert Dassanowsky requires careful information gathering, thoughtful reflection, and meticulous writing. By following these steps, you can create a respectful and informative tribute to his life and career, honoring his contributions to CU, UCCS, and the broader academic community. Remember to prioritize accuracy, sensitivity, and a clear, concise writing style. The goal is to create a lasting memory that reflects the impact and legacy of his life.