William F. Wyatt, Jr. (Bill), 78, of Westport passed away peacefully Friday March 25, 2011 with family by his side.
Born in Medford, MA he was the son of the late William and Natalie (Gifford) Wyatt. He is survived by his wife Sally (Pettus) Wyatt; a sister, Natalie Kruger of Columbus, GA; and his three children from a previous marriage with Sandra Wyatt: Nathaniel and his wife Sarah Sweedler of San Francisco, CA; Lydia of Minneapolis MN; and John and his wife Jill Windle of Dover, MA; and five grandchildren: Sophia, Alexandra, Natalie, Cora, and Thomas.
Bill was Professor Emeritus of Classics at Brown University and for many years chaired the Department of Classics. A dedicated classicist and committed educator his published studies of Homer as well as Greek and Latin linguistics established him as a world authority. He was honored in 1989 with the Takis Antoniou Prize for best translation of a modern Greek literary work, and in 1997 with Brown University’s Harriet W. Sheridan Award for Distinguished Contribution to Teaching and Learning. He was a prolific lecturer, editor, and writer, and his witty reflections on life appeared in the Providence Journal often enough that people in Providence and Boston would inquire “What’s Bill up to now?”
When Bill moved full-time to Westport MA, he was a volunteer in the Westport Historical Society and was soon appointed President. He organized the society and sponsored many unusual and entertaining lectures and events based on Westport's history. Attendance flourished under his leadership, and as a result, the society was able to appoint a paid director and co-purchase, with the town, the oldest house in Westport.
Bill also volunteered at the New Bedford whaling museum, and was appointed head of volunteers, a position he held for two years. In addition, he transcribed and annotated seamens’ journals from whaling voyages in the nineteenth century which are currently displayed in the museum. His interest in whaling history was extensive and continued to grow, up until his death.
Bill was an avid tennis player and later in life discovered golf, a sport he loved despite its many frustrating moments. He loved traveling and led numerous Brown expeditions to Greece and Turkey. He could instruct professionals in Greek, from its earliest forms in the Bronze Age to modern Demotic, Latin, and work with Sanskrit, Russian and the Romance languages. Above all, he was witty with a wry sense of humor that shone in his conversation and written work.
Bill was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed by family and friends, and by all those who have been fortunate enough to have known him.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made to the Westport Historical Society.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Bill Wyatt on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 241 River Rd., Westport at 11 AM.