Kenneth Miner Obituary

When I decided to return to school I was deciding between English and Linguistics. I spoke to some mere mortal in Wescoe, peering at his mere mortal library. Then I walked past Watson to Blake Hall. There he was. Kenneth Miner, one of the most transcendent souls I shall ever meet. From that day forward, he was the greatest mentor I shall ever have. I learned how to learn and I learned how to teach in his classes, and as I teach now, I often channel his empathy. I will always ponder where all his books have found their new home. Thank you Kenneth, and to all his family and friends, I share your sorrow. He was one of the greatest blessings ever walked this earth.

I met Ken at a linguistics meeting once, perhaps even twice. He struck me as a very earnest man and very eager to learn about how languages work. Eventually he became employed in Wisconsin and researched the Menominee language, which later became my principal linguistic research interest. He and I could have had a lot to share--another one of those "could have's," except our paths never crossed again. Ken, paec-apenon! (Rest well!)

Occasionally I check online for people from my past. Today I´m saddened to see that Ken
has passed. I met him and Gloria at Bloomington IN hospital when Kepler was born, a day before my daughter, Wendy. My daughter had a birth defect and Gloria immediately welcomed me and my family, as friends, into her family. They were certainly unique and opened my eyes to new ways of looking at life. Ken was also very kind and welcoming. After our years in Bloomington the family visited us twice in Southern Indiana and much later in St Petersburg Fl. It´s not often that people give you the gift of unconditional acceptance and friendship while gently introducing you to a higher concept of the world. I miss both Ken and Gloria and know my life was enriched from knowing them.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I didn't know you, but I knew some of your work. Thank you, Ken Miner, for the Ho Chunk lexicon. It's carried us a long way. My belated condolences to the family.

From the Linguistics Department at KU, our deepest condolences to the Miner family. Most of us came after Professor Miner retired from KU so we did not know him personally. But we will honor his legacy of research and teaching in linguistics to the best of our ability. Chair, Linguistics Department, KU

Dearest Esla and Kepler,
We have so many fond memories of your mom and dad. Your dad was a brilliant, kind and soft spoken. We so enjoyed both their company and have many fond memories of our times together. May he now rest in peace with your dear mom Gloria. Love, Purviz Birdie

Dear Kepler and Esla,
Your father was my teacher from 1981-1991. He was on my dissertation committee. I had three great committee members, each of whom filled a specific mentor role for me. Ken was my intellectual mentor. He treated me like his intellectual equal and was always open to new ideas. He might have had the widest ranging mind of anyone I've ever known. He was also deeply kind and had a great sense of humor.
We both went to the LSA Institute at Georgetown in 1985. He wanted to introduce me to a former student of his. Ken was going to be late. I asked him to describe her appearance so I could find her. He looked at me blankly. "OK," I said, "What color is her hair?"
"Oh, your color."
"Long? Short?" (Mine was an inch long all over.)
Looking puzzled, "I guess about like yours."
"How tall is she?"
He eyed me up and down. "About as tall as you."
I couldn't get more information from him. When I met her, it turned out that she had long white hair and was about 8 inches shorter than me. The life of the mind was so much more important to him than what people looked like.
After I completed school, another friend and I met Ken for lunch regularly. I missed him when he moved to Colorado, but I'm glad he had that time with you.
It fills me with sorrow that he is gone, and it fills me with happiness that he was my friend.

Ken,
When I first came to KU for graduate studies of Siouan and Algonkian languages and linguistics under you, I could hardly have anticipated that our warm acquaintance would grow into one of the closest friendships of my life. We shared many interests: languages and linguistics; ethnology, the history of civilization; jokes; philosophy, including the philosophy of science; art and music; Native American studies generally. On my visits to your home, you and Gloria and I had lots of fun talking together and enjoying her delicious cooking. I would keep you up too late while we endlessly discussed our recent and older reading, and our current thoughts about many topics. I enjoyed getting to know and admire Kepler and Esla. I camped on the floor of your study at the foot of your walls of books, and usually stayed for days. We made several trips together on linguists' business, and studied Lakhota together. We were indeed kindred spirits. After l left KU, we shared frequent telephone calls and emails, while continuing our never-ending conversations. I deeply regret that I was not there with your family when you left this Earth and took the path up the Spirit Road. Since then, I burn prairie sage and sweetgrass for you, to remind you that you are deeply beloved, and to heal the hearts of your family and my own. Wakan Tanka nici un, Kola!

Dear Miner Family,
I met Ken Miner just once at a lunch with Kelper, Sagan and Wilson. He impressed me as a kind and quiet man. I am sorry that he has passed out of your lives. This obituary gives me a glimpse of a wonderful life, a hint of the family stories, and room to imagine him more fully. I hope your memories of times you were together and the example of his words and actions give you strength, peace and joy. Sincerely, Khin Khin Brock

Papa was a great man and such an inspiration to so many, including me. I wear his ring everyday and have nothing but fond memories.

I remember when Professor Miner came to KU. I was an undergraduate in linguistics and had several classes with Professor Miner before I graduated in 1979. He was an enthusiastic, hard-working teacher who expected lots from his students. His Field Methods in Linguistics class helped to prepare me for my future graduate and post-graduate work with German dialects in Kansas and Missouri. He was one of my favorite professors. I can still remember his voice.