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Dr. Henry A. Christopher, a retired associate professor of political science, died Tuesday, Nov. 2, at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. Louis County of complications from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. He was 75.
From 1969 to 1988, Dr. Christopher was chairman of the political science department at the University. After joining the University in 1966, he spent two years teaching in the Dominican Republic. He also worked at Kent State University from 1962 to 1965. He retired in 1991 as an associate professor of political science.
Dr. Christopher was honored by the University in 1978 with the Nancy McNeir Ring Award for excellence in teaching and advising, and in 1985 with the Burlington Northern Faculty Achievement Award. During his tenure, he was chosen in a student survey as one of the top 10 SLU professors.
Born and reared in Boston, Dr. Christopher earned a bachelor's degree from Boston University and a master's degree and doctorate from Northwestern University in Chicago.
During World War II, he served in the Army as an assistant on Gen. Douglas MacArthur's staff. He also served as an intelligence officer in the Korean War. He retired from the Army Reserve in 1963, after attaining the rank of major.
Dr. Christopher's life with Alzheimer's disease was described in the Winter 1997 issue of UNIVERSITAS.
A memorial mass was celebrated Nov. 8 at St. Francis Xavier (College) Church. Dr. Christopher's body was donated to Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
Among the survivors are his wife, Yvonn Christopher; two daughters, Ellen Mannino of Overland Park, Kan., and Dr. Anne Gill of Ann Arbor, Mich; five sons, Larry Christopher of Creve Coeur, Paul Christopher and Matt Christopher, both of St. Louis, Dr. Tom Christopher of Atlanta and Brian Christopher of Chicago; a sister, Lena Bevilacqua of Boston; and 12 grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Henry A. Christopher Fund at Saint Louis University.
John Kysar, former director of benefits, died Nov. 23. He was 64.
Mr. Kysar retired on June 30 after working exactly 10 years for the University. He had worked as a benefits consultant for SLU and other colleges and organizations immediately before joining SLU.
Mr. Kysar is survived by his wife, Bobbi Counts Kysar, who is the director of compensation and HR information systems at the University; three children; and three grandchildren.
"John Kysar brought his vast experience in benefits and human resources to Saint Louis University for the sole purpose of improving the lives of people who work for SLU," said Kathy Hagedorn, vice president for human resources. "His decisions were always guided by the question, 'What is the best decision for the people of SLU and that is also something that the University can sustain financially into the future?' As a human being, John taught us all so much about living life to the fullest and being thoughtful of every other person. He was first of all dedicated to his family and friends, and yet managed to be incredibly productive in his work life. He was a friend to everyone he met, and we will all miss him greatly."
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