Hoagland Keep

Eternal love and appreciation from when I was at Sarah Lwwrence and Hoag was at Princeton...to when my son John Royall won theEaglebrook Scholarship prize. We miss him and want him Bach. Love. Coco

When I went to Eaglebrook in 2007 he was my anthropology teacher in 5th form. I wasn't a big history fanatic so i was only in the class to fill a history credit. I remember being in the room above the front doors of the main school building. that room was hot as hell all the time. At first I thought "this guy is going to give me a rough ride." After a while he and I started to really connect and throughout my time in Anthropology class we grew closer. He helped me so much throughout that class. And on top of it, he was a nice, and brutally honest guy haha. I will never forget when he brought out his skeleton and was absolutely in love with it. It was from the ocean and it cleaned out the water almost as like a filter basket. He was one of my favorite teachers at Eaglebrook and i will NEVER forget him. RIP mr. Keep. you will be in my memories. -tank

Mr. Keep used his used his foreign perspective on international issues, achieved through his extensive worldwide travel, to educate international youth and promote mutual understanding between people of different nationalities. I had Mr. Keep in the Sixth Form for Chinese history and in the few short years that I knew him at Eaglebrook School, and the one year I had the opportunity to have him as a teacher, I grew immensely. Mr. Keep’s friendly, cheerful and charismatic personality was a defining part of my Eaglebrook education. I went back to Eaglebrook and wrote a short biography of his amazing life a year after I graduated from Eaglebrook. Mr. Keep was a man of strong moral integrity, and he led his life with no regrets. When I asked him what he would want if granted three wishes he said “to know all the languages of the world, help humans rise up above their petty squabbling, and [for] humans to be kind”. I believe these three wishes characterized Mr. Keep’s persona and his hope for a more peaceful world. I could not have come as far as I have without all that I learned from Mr. Keep. While the class I took was labeled as Chinese History, a deep passion that I shared with Mr. Keep, he taught me so much more. I remember how he felt no textbook would be acceptable for our education, text books being outdated so quickly, as a result he would write entire books that would include modern events and provoke me to question said events. I often look back on them and remember all the lessons he taught me, lessons encompassing so much more than just Chinese History. Mr. Keep was a man of great devotion to his teaching and he managed to bring life and excitement into the classroom. He was one of the most intelligent people I have ever met and I am extremely grateful to have met him. Mr. Keep’s passion for China influenced me greatly and studying under him has led me to pursue a greater understanding of China. Taking Mr. Keeps Chinese history class led me to search for a deeper understanding of Chinese history and culture. Despite setbacks in Mr. Keep’s life he continued to persevere, this is a quality that I look back on with admiration and hope to attain in my life. Whenever faced with great challenges I think of Mr. Keep, I think of the lessons he taught me and it gives me the drive to preserve through the challenges.

I'll always be truly grateful for not only the instruction but also inspiration offered by Mr. Keep every day in class (Anthropology). What made him special though was this: Mr. Keep was a real friend. He had the rare ability to bring his own perspective level with a student's; his patience and compassion made us comfortable but at the same time he somehow retained the magnanimity of teacher 5 steps ahead. For me, this is what Eaglebrook is all about, and this is why Mr. Keep encapsulated everything great about this school. We've lost a great friend and mentor, and he will be dearly missed.- ET3 '04

I was saddened beyond words to learn here of the death of my lifelong friend, Oliver Hoagland Keep. I first met Hoagie during my freshman year at Princeton (Hoagie was a sophomore) when we both lived in the University's Pyne Hall. Even then Hoagie was famous among the undergrads for his erudition and wit-- and for some escapades, best left unreported here, that still can bring me a smile. Years after graduation we bumped into each other in Washington. I then was at the Smithsonian and Hoagie was working for the National Association of Machine Tool Builders, a job he loathed that regularly sent him into paroxysms-- highly literate and amusing to hear-- of rage. To divert himself, he decided to learn Chinese, and I became his unofficial flash card flipper. (Once when I expressed some anxiety about an upcoming social event, Hoagie said, "Seymore, as the Chinese would say, you have too much 'guest flavor.'" I still don't know what that means.) In later years we visited each other often. I remember one evening sitting in the artist's studio he occupied in Maine, sipping our pre-dinner bourbon while Hoagie beat me at chess again, when I noticed a skunk pushing through the trapdoor Hoagie had cut in the entryway for his cat. I stiffened, anticipating very soon the need for a bath in tomato juice. Hoagie glanced over and said, "Oh, don't worry. She comes in every night to finish the cat's dinner." Sure enough, the little creature walked across the room, licked the cat's bowl clean, and waddled out into the night. You never knew what to expect with Hoagie, except great conversation, a lot of laughs, and overflowing generosity. I could go on and on, but I'll restrict myself to observing that Hoagie clearly found his life's calling at Eaglebrook School. He loved the place-- and his students. I never heard him disparage a pupil; he had only praise for their intelligence, their achievements, and their potential. Oh, rare Hoagland! To say I'll miss him is to understate the case by a mile. I just hope there are a chessboard, perhaps some bourbon, and books in Heaven, though no doubt Hoagie will already have read them all. Goodbye, my dear and splendid friend.

On arriving at EBS as a third former in 1981 the first Saturday morning activity I signed up for was Keep's mushroom hunting -- I was shocked that I was the only taker for something so cool, inexplicably everyone else wanted to play soccer or some such. As a six former I finally beat Keep at chess, and he kept his promise of a pizza outing for any student who beat him. So much history in between, he was a true class act. One highlight: The day in his Russian history class he played the part of Soviet commissar and we had to try to pin him down on what was wrong with the Soviet Union. And he was the master of persiflage: My handwriting was like the "scratchings of a geriatric chicken."

Mr. Keep was a great and good man of whom I've often thought fondly and with gratitude. He opened my eyes to the world, to critical and compassionate thinking, and to education in ways no other teacher I ever had ever did; no offense to any of them, but Mr. Keep was quietly and firmly in class all his own. I'll never forget his 1980 prediction that the USSR would be gone in ten years and I still savor the subtle process of learning from him how to achieve such insight into history and humanity despite the prevailing and howling winds of political rhetoric, media sensationalism, and popular consensus. I will always be grateful to Eaglebrook for giving me so much and to Mr. Keep especially for being such a large part of those great gifts. To his family, my sincere condolences; and to you, Mr. Keep, fare thee well!

After 20 years in school, the only essay that I've wrote that is worth saving and trully being proud of was under Mr. Keep´s instruction. He pushed me to write something that was not only on a random topic, but something that was true to my roots and really inspired me. This illustrates the nature of a great man and a top ranked teacher in my list. JCV '02

Mr. Keep arrived at Eaglebrook after my time; nevertheless, Stuart Chase's reverential testimonial arouses my envy of those who discovered the classical significance of education through him. I give thanks that Eaglebrook was able to provide such a suitable matrix for those talents.

Mr. Keep was the man that predicted the housing bubble crash two years even before it actually happened. Mr. Keep's anthropology class and Chinese Hisotry truly taught me how to think critically. Despite his departure from this world, I'm sure his memories will resonate throughout the whole Eaglebrook community. Mr. Keep, you will never be forgotten.

What very sad news. Although Hoagland and I had our differences (but hey, isn't that a mark of a lively friendship?) we remember him with fondness. Whenever he would go off on one of his treks, he would return with small gifts for our girls when they were small -- a "perfect" green stone, an amazing fossilized fish, a lovely shell necklace. He would present them to Elena and Sara with much flourish and story and their eyes would widen in wonder. Delightfully enough, we have saved many of those treasures and they are now being passed onto our grandchildren. Not long ago, Thandiwe (Elena's daughter, age 8) discovered the "perfect" green stone. "Isn't it so beautiful?" she said. "How did it get to be so perfect?" Wonder and questions that Hoagland would've loved!

I had the great privilege of knowing Hoagland since 1981. It was his invariable habit to greet me when we met each day in the faculty area with a cheerful and (I hope) ironic, "How are you old girl. What are you reading?" He was insatiably curious and well read, and was always offering me good, thought provoking reads. When I was a new teacher, I went to observe some of his classes and he was most truly an inspiration to me for my entire career. He was never intellectually lazy and never took his teaching gifts for granted. He aspired to greatness in all he did, but more importantly, he inspired his students to aspire to greatness as well. I used to love his little mini-speeches at the academic awards ceremony when he was Director of Studies. I think he had more words in his vocabulary for interesting, excellent and studious than any person I ever met. He seemed to instinctively understand how to challenge his students in ways that enriched them and stimulated their learning across the board. Knowing Hoag, being his colleague, being admitted to his circle of friends was a gift I will always treasure. In our last conversation, as sick as he must have been, he said to me, "Yes, my stomach is kicking up. Guess I'll have to give up the hot sauce." Hoag, wherever you are - and if he was here I am sure he would love to debate just that point - enjoy your hot sauce with impunity! We are immeasurably poorer for you loss but immeasurably richer for having known you.

Mr. Keep was a brilliant instructor. Given the age of his students, his 9th grade Chinese History course was better than Princeton's undergraduate course on the same topic. With an engaging smile, he always challenged students to think broadly, deeply, and continuously. When I visited Eaglebrook a few years after graduating, Mr. Keep remembered me, asked how I was doing, and immediately inquired, "So, what are you reading these days?". He'd read the book too, of course; his recall was so good that I had no idea if it had been a week ago, or 30 years prior.

Actually - 30 Years ago!!!

Mr Keep was part of a rare breed of teachers. One who actually cared about the subjects he taught. The world has lost an enlightened man.

Hoagland Keep was a delightful eccentric who challenged me to think, both in his Chinese History classroom and beyond, 20 years ago. As I suspect is true for so many Eaglebrook students, we never kept in touch. And frankly, though this comment may startle some, I seldom thought of him over the years. (We all move on to live full lives and rarely look back; isn't that true?) Even so, when I received this email, it struck me immediately that the world had lost a truly remarkable man. He was fiercely brilliant and exacting, yet cheerful and encouraging all the same. I remember even being encouraged to savor the experience of the delicacy: "Peking Duck". Hoagland could really build something up - and that feast was just such an occasion for middle-schoolers who were exploring distant lands. But what really sticks with me, is remembering a man who challenged the status quo in his own way, and by so doing, encouraged me to do the same. When you were around him you didn't feel like there was only one right answer to everything. You also got the feeling that great things were possible, and that the world is full of adventure. ...Right on all counts, so far as I can tell. In addition to those he saw day in and day out, here's to them that are a smaller part of his legacy, but part just the same. Rest in Peace, Rick

Unfortunately, I was long gone from Eaglebrook prior to Mr. Keep's arrival. However, reading of his life and contributions to the school and his students,remainded me of the high quality of instructors I was privilaged to have in the early forties. Mr. Keep seems to have been one of those rare teachers who was able to impart his knowledge to his students in a unique, but spellbinding manner that will not be soon forgotten by those who were privilaged to be in his classes or on the tennis courts. My warmest sympathies go out to his entire family.

The thing I most remember about Mr. Keep is that I never saw him truly upset with anyone. Any problem or confrontation was a moment to learn from and learning (and teaching) was something to smile about. Hoagland Keep was a man of true intellectual curiosity who always stood firmly at the intersection of logic and joy.

Mr. Keep had a great curiosity and a marvelous sense of humor, excellent qualities for a teacher. I remember was a big fan of the compact Christian Science Monitor. There was too much fluff and too many ads in the NY Times. I feel lucky to have been his student.

I am saddened by the news of Hoagland's passing. I lived in the dorms with him in the early 80's and fondly remember his kindness, compassion and keen interest in chess and Sino-Soviet politics and culture. Often I would escape from my dorm room at night only to be caught by him and his normally gentle voice would turn deep and gravelly as he ordered me back to my room. I can almost hear him chuckle as he walked back to his. Sending my deepest condolences and thoughts of peace to the Keep family and all those that worked so closely with him over the years. - Theberge '81

Though I never had him in class, Mr. Keep was a wonderful part of my time at Eaglebrook. We played chess together (I never won) and I fondly recall what others have identified as his peculiar and peculiarly kind wit. I've always remembered his curiosity, his friendly rivalry with Mr. Yost, and his oft-repeated suggestion that we be prepared with multiple "writing utensils" at all times; as I think about him today, I see that I'd need three sharp pencils to write down what he's meant to so many of us at Eaglebrook.

Such sad news. Mr. Keep was one of my all-time favorite teachers, and probably the first to make me believe in myself and my capacity as a writer. So many memories to share, too many -- his silly quips (upon entering the classroom, he'd sometimes say, "Hello people! You too, Tim"). And then there were the much graver moments, like when he showed us a long film about the rise of the Third Reich and screamed at us, "Don't you ever let a politician manipulate you in this way!" His classes were never just intellectual exercises or preparation for high school. The stakes were much higher than that. How knowledge is constructed, how memories are processed, he insisted, guides our ethical comportment in the world. When I was at Eaglebrook ('92 - '94), he spoke often about the brevity of human history compared to the total history of the Earth, human time vs. geological time -- a way of instilling a sense of modesty and wonder in us. This sometimes led him to talk about death. When I heard about his passing the other day, I suddenly recalled one of his descriptions of death: "a fish out of water returning to the sea." Goodbye, Mr. Keep, and thank you.

It is with sadness that Mr.Keep has moved on from us. What a wonderful teacher, who provoked insight and alternate angles about viewing history. I enjoyed his Chinese history class. The man lived his passion, I pray I and the rest of his students can do the same. Rest in peace Mr.Keep.

Oh wow, what a loss! I remember him most for his *calm*. Some might use the word gentle. So much more can be accomplished and learned when someone like him is around to spread a sense of calm. Very, very sad to hear of his passing.

Mr. Keep was the most influential teacher in the life of our son, Russell Lecomte. On the first day of Chinese History class, Mr. Keep intrigued Russell so deeply that he is now in China for his second full year, studying at the University of Nottingham's Ng Bo campus and preparing for a career in Chinese business affairs. Thank you Eaglebrook, and Mr. Hoagland Keep. His passing is a great loss to the school. Melinda Reach Lecomte

I was lucky to be able to take both Russian and Chinese History with Mr. Keep. It is rare to encounter an instructor with the combination of abiding patience and incisive critical clarity that he brought to the classroom. The work I did with him made me a better writer, a better thinker, and a better person. In a life filled with great privileges, I count my opportunity to study with Mr. Keep among the greatest.

His knowledge of and passion for Chinese History inspired me to learn more about my own culture. Thank you Mr. Keep ...

I keep trying to find the right words to encapsulate what he meant to me, who he was, and how I feel, but all I can summon is a feeling, a phrase, a small epitaph that isn't a goodbye, but a thank you...it is simply, he was wisdom wrapped in wool... -DEO '88

I taught at Eaglebrook in the 1998-99 academic year (Macy||Spanish), and look at the website every now and then to see what's new. I'm saddened to learn of Hoagland Keep's passing. A phone call from Hoagland was my first contact with the school. He was always such an affable and benevolent presence; Hoagland seemed to possess a rare Thoreauvian self-containment and sense of peace with the world. I hope he finds his ideas about the afterlife pleasantly confounded.

Mr. Keep – I also have a hard time even in writing referring to him as Hogland – had a profound impact on my development as a young student of history, tennis and life. I can honestly say that my continued interest and love of history is almost entirely due to the seeds planted by Mr. Keep during my years at the Brook. His Russian and Chinese history classes were some of my favorite classes and I can still vividly hear him referring to us as his, “little Bolsheviks” – only he could make that sound endearing to eighth and ninth graders. I regret of course not staying more closely connected to him after leaving Eaglebrook, but I am most grateful for the time I did share in his presence. A great teacher, coach and friend. Rest in peace.

I only played chess with Hoagland once or twice. Both times he got me in two moves. However, when it came to talking about the books we were reading, I could hold my own. For years, Hoagland and I shared our reading, calling each other to say, "You have just got to read this book." Hoagland gave me some of the most beautiful seashells I have ever seen plus ancient accretions. Visiting his apartment in Historic Deerfield was like going into a small, choice museum including daggers set with semi-precious stones, paintings, prints, rare shells, and books and books and books. I am so glad that his nieces could be with him during his last days. Hoagland was devoted to his nieces. He was devoted to many of us. This past year, when we visited, he would talk about his ethics course and how he kept re-structuring it to make it engaging for his students. We shared our lives, advised and comforted each other time after time. I read his Coast Guard memoires, and his accounts of Russia and China. Hoagland was a superb writer, and an even greater friend. Ave atque vale.

I received the message from one of my old classmates today about Mr. Keep. I was so saddened by the news, although I have not been back to the hill for many years, my memories of Mr. Keep are clearly etched in my mind and are intricately entwined with my associations of the spirit of Eaglebrook and education itself. I'll never forget how he would lecture and read from books from the head of the big table in Mr. Jone's Anthropology classroom, and when he wanted to make a serious point he would continue lecturing and remove his glasses and stare down the table and look around at all of us. He was quirky, enlightening and at the same time light hearted, for example, one of Mr. Keep's classic jokes, "a mushroom walks into a bar, the bartender says, 'we don't serve your kind here.' to which the mushroom replies,'come on, I'm a fungi!!!" He was a fun guy and an inspiring man and will be missed very much. It is difficult to picture Eaglebrook without O. Hoagland Keep.

He was my son's history teacher in the 6th Form year and always kind whenever we visited Eaglebrook. I'm terribly sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Keep. Your kindness will be always remembered by us. Please, rest in peace Mr. Keep.

Joe Lavallee, Sr,---- Travelling with him to Africa was truly inspiring! He (even on vacation) never missed a chance to educate. What a chance to get to know him and understand so much of the world. Our family was so fortunate to know and appreciate Hoagland. There are few that leave such a mark on so many..........

He was an amazing teacher, Eaglebrook will certainly be a different place without him. I remember him having us wrote a letter to ourselves in our VI form year. I do not remember what I wrote and it is an interesting thing to think about. He always made his classes interesting. I will never forget his ethics class, which I believe is such an important part of an education. Also his Chinese history course. He will be missed and I am sorry I missed out on the chance to speak with him as an adult. He will be missed, the most unfortunate are the ones who will not realize how great he was because he did get to impact their lives.

Mr. Keep was a genuine man. Similar to Alexander Sawabini's memory, I'll never forget his lessons and the principals that he, as one of the many EBS teachers, really instilled in us during our time on the ridge. His ethics class was one of the many ways that the school really succeeded in allowing us to embrace open minds during our adolescence. Mr. Keep's demanor is one that will never be forgotten.

Keep taught me one life's most essential lessons. One day after ethics class during my sixth form year, he told us how he had been expelled from boarding school when he was young because he spent too much time reading the books he was interested in and failed to keep up with his schoolwork. He had no regrets. That was when I first truly understood the importance of following one's passions in the face of adversity, and is something that other great men (such as Steve Jobs) have cited as leading to success/happiness in their lives. I'll never forget that day after class with Mr. Keep.

When I returned to Eaglebrook in 1999 as a teacher I faced the very odd transition of interacting with so many great former teachers who were suddenly my colleagues. During that time so many of these amazing people requested that I call them by their first names, a request I found difficult. After all, how in the world could I address the Mrs,. Chase as Stuart and Andy? For me the more formal address is a sign of respect and while I don't mean to detract from the deep admiration I have for all of the mentors and teachers I've had at Eaglebrook over the years as a student, faculty member, and forever member of the community on The Hill, I never quite got comfortable calling Mr. Keep Hoagland. Oh sure, he asked me to, even insisted upon it, but I never quite got there. Such was my respect for this Master Teacher who gave me such great council; who taught me Chinese History and mentored me in my days as a student and beyond. He was the first to pull me aside and offer me sage advice when I came back as a teacher; the first to turn me on to a curiosity of learning that I have kept with me all my life; the first to make me wonder at all the myriad things there aret o discover; and I will always cherish my experiences with him. He was a treasure to Eaglebrook and the world alike, simply irreplaceable, and will always be missed.