Michael Bristol

Michael was born on March 13, 1940 in Jersey City, New Jersey and graduated from Westfield High School in Westfield, NJ in 1958. While in high school, he met his life partner of over 65 years, Doris Bristol (nee Thomas), whom he married in 1960. He earned a B.A. from Yale University and a Ph.D. in English Literature from Princeton University, and then embarked upon a long and distinguished career as a Professor of English Literature and Shakespeare scholar. After a brief stint at the University of Illinois, Champaign, he settled into a tenured position at McGill University.

Michael loved teaching in all its many facets, from inspiring undergraduates in introductory literature classes to mentoring graduate students and helping launch their careers in academia. He was a prolific writer, authoring many essays and papers as well three formative books on Shakespeare - Big Time Shakespeare (1996), Shakespeare's America / America's Shakespeare (1990), Carnival and Theatre: Plebian Culture and the Structure of Authority in Renaissance England (1985). He believed that Shakespeare had much to tell us about the early modern world but also about our own contemporary world and the power of words, writing and theatre. He was delighted to pass on his passion for Shakespeare and literature in general. After retiring, he continued writing and presenting at conferences, mentoring younger scholars, and connecting with his former students. He always loved receiving "Hey Professor Bristol!" messages via Facebook from former students who had stumbled upon his profile and wanted to let him know how his teaching impacted them.

Michael was an avid birder; an interest he shared with his wife and passed along to his children. He was always the first person to reach out to with a question about bird identification. He and Doris travelled the United States and all over the world in their birding endeavors, accumulating an impressive life list in the process. He also loved playing folk guitar and leading singalongs with family and friends.

Michael and Doris spent many summers at Sebago Lake, Maine, where they visited with extended family and friends. Michael was known as the preparer of lobster feasts, master gardener, boat driver, teller of stories, and a much loved "Uncle Mike" to his many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Michael was greatly loved and will be intensely missed. He is survived by his wife, Doris Bristol, of Montreal, his daughter Kate Bristol of Oakland, California, son Joseph Bristol of Chicago, Illinois, Grand-son Aaron Bristol of Oakland, California, and his sister, Ellen Bristol of Pembroke Pines, Florida.

The family welcomes donations in his memory to St. Mary's Hospital or Chez Doris, both in Montreal.