Tribute from Eric Rajah
Dr. Denise Herr, though I was not her student, became an influential figure in my life over nearly three decades of collaboration. Our partnership on numerous projects showcased her unwavering dedication and support. In my video tribute presented at her memorial, the depth of her impact will be evident. Dr. Herr served as a personal source of encouragement, recognizing possibilities in my ideas and skillfully crafting words that transformed concepts into reality. Her absence will be keenly felt, and her legacy of inspiration and mentorship will be greatly missed by all fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her.
Words, Ice cream, Laughter (and the Oxford Comma)
For nearly 40 years Dr. Densie Herr was an incredible source of strength and encouragement to me and our family. Denise turned my thoughts into words and words into action. Countless speeches, PowerPoints, brochures, and programs were written and edited by her. She made sure I practiced my delivery in her basement. Even though I was not one of her students I learned many valuable lessons from her. Denise was a teacher at heart. We worked together on many programs for the church, community, and Burman University. This would not have been possible without her willingness to step up to the plate – if the plate had ice cream, she was in. I will cherish the great memories in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania on A Better World trip with Denise and Larry and their close friends.
On Saturday night, December 30, she spoke her last sentence to me with a smile.
Our community will miss her energy, commitment, and compassion. Denise is no longer able to edit my writing, but I have used the Oxford commas to remember her teaching moments.
Tribute from Jaden Rajah
For Some reason I am craving a muffin! I say this because it will be a very long time I will get to have a conversation with my favourite professor Dr. Denise Dick Herr. I remember as a child going to the Herr’s house for Sabbath Lunch after church. Going over was like travelling for free. We would eat the most delicious meals inspired by travels the Herr’s had done. As kid it was like sitting amongst the most brilliant minds in our community. Eventually I grew up I was ready for university. It was my mission to take a Dr. Herr English Class however I was not ready I had to work very hard to upgrade my English so I could take a class by the one and only Dr. Denise Herr. Finally I accomplished my goal and was able to take a class from what was going to be my favourite professor. I sat in the middle of the classroom close to the front. The very first day Dr. Herr announced she had made muffins for our class. So she went around and handed out the muffins and when everyone got one she told us we could take a bite. So we did and right away we spat out the muffin, it was not very tasty. Dr Herr just laughed and said something like well class that’s what a bad essay taste like no flavour. So she brought out a new batch of muffins and she handed them out. We took a bite of the new batch it was delicious. She said that’s what a real essay tastes like with flavour. In Dr Herr’s class there was never a dull moment. Thats why I am craving a muffin. Craving one last time to talk to her would have been delightful. There was no judgement with her in her class. She taught me that we should look at life through different lenses. It’s how I have lived my life from time I step into that classroom literally being the only student that was not an English major. To now living in Vancouver. It’s Ironic how many times I would discuss mysteries with her everything from Murder She Wrote to Sherlock Holmes to Agatha Christie. I even came to her house to watch Sherlock Holmes. She even finally over 2 years of not meeting my boyfriend who she welcomed with open arms just like she did when I stepped into that classroom of hers. She was so accepting and loving and joyful full of laughter. Little did I know she would get sick so fast we would loose her on New Years Eve. I will miss her terribly. It was always an adventure being in her presence. She had a wealth of knowledge I wish I had . To Garrick Herr and Dr. Larry Herr and family my condolences goes out to you and your family. Her legacy will always be remembered in my heart and I could talk about how much she made an impact on me. Rest In Peace Dr. Denise Herr.
For Some reason I am craving a muffin! I say this because it will be a very long time I will get to have a conversation with my favourite professor Dr. Denise Dick Herr. I remember as a child going to the Herr’s house for Sabbath Lunch after church. Going over was like travelling for free. We would eat the most delicious meals inspired by travels the Herr’s had done. As kid it was like sitting amongst the most brilliant minds in our community. Eventually I grew up I was ready for university. It was my mission to take a Dr. Herr English Class however I was not ready I had to work very hard to upgrade my English so I could take a class by the one and only Dr. Denise Herr. Finally I accomplished my goal and was able to take a class from what was going to be my favourite professor. I sat in the middle of the classroom close to the front. The very first day Dr. Herr announced she had made muffins for our class. So she went around and handed out the muffins and when everyone got one she told us we could take a bite. So we did and right away we spat out the muffin, it was not very tasty. Dr Herr just laughed and said something like well class that’s what a bad essay taste like no flavour. So she brought out a new batch of muffins and she handed them out. We took a bite of the new batch it was delicious. She said that’s what a real essay tastes like with flavour. In Dr Herr’s class there was never a dull moment. Thats why I am craving a muffin. Craving one last time to talk to her would have been delightful. There was no judgement with her in her class. She taught me that we should look at life through different lenses. It’s how I have lived my life from time I step into that classroom literally being the only student that was not an English major. To now living in Vancouver. It’s Ironic how many times I would discuss mysteries with her everything from Murder She Wrote to Sherlock Holmes to Agatha Christie. I even came to her house to watch Sherlock Holmes. She even finally over 2 years of not meeting my boyfriend who she welcomed with open arms just like she did when I stepped into that classroom of hers. She was so accepting and loving and joyful full of laughter. Little did I know she would get sick so fast we would loose her on New Years Eve. I will miss her terribly. It was always an adventure being in her presence. She had a wealth of knowledge I wish I had . To Garrick Herr and Dr. Larry Herr and family my condolences goes out to you and your family. Her legacy will always be remembered in my heart and I could talk about how much she made an impact on me. Rest In Peace Dr. Denise Herr.
