I met Sy at O.U. in 1991,and learnt  quite a few things from him,like knowing that more than 51% of English words actually are French or are from French.He had made serious researches on it!He was a very nice man,we and friends were to the movies together,I remember he was so gentle and humble, we always had rich topics to discuss with him and other students as well,cose he was so educated ,and he was so glad to exchange with others!I will always remember him!

Seymour received me in 1992 in his home for several days, as I was a student, learning english. I remember it as it was yesterday. I spent a good type with him. Thank you Mr Feiler.

Sy was one of the first people I met when I came to OU. How many weeks I spent with him ? He was like my grandfather. I miss you.

Sy, Jim Abbott and Dr. Dunham met me at the airport when I arrived in Oklahoma for my interview prior to being hired by the Modern Language Dept. in 1967--I believe the year is correct-- and we had adjoining offices throughout my tenure at OU.  He was  my closest friend in the department.  He gave good advice and was a real gentleman.  He established the summer program in France and when he tired of it, graciously turned it over to me.  I regret that I was unable to attend services for him, since I now live several states away, and was informed of his passing only several weeks after the event.  His service to OU and to students was exemplary.   --James Fife, American Fork, UT

Sy was such a beautiful man.  When I was a graduate assistant in the Office of International Programs, I watched and saw his love for students and the French language/culture; he was a passionate traveler and doting teacher. The world has lost a great man.

Today I tried to call Sy and found out that his number was no longer in service. I was afraid of founding this over the net. Last I talked to him was before the summer. Back in 1985, after being in Norman for 10 months, I met Sy at a party.  There was no other French student on campus. Him and I met weekly at his house to watch a French movie on TV. For over 27 years, Sy and I and my family stayed in touch. I actually did my graduation at his house.  He shared many stories and memories. Sy had an amazing life and I will always remember his generosity, friendship, willingness, and care for people. I will dearly miss him.

I shall never forget the very personal manner in which Professor Feiler treated every one of his students and managed to make each one of us feel especially gifted and welcome in the francophone community. I loved learning French phonetics with him and I think of him every time I teach my students about French pronunciation. The world has lost a truly generous spirit and he has left us all so much better off for having known him and learned from him.

It was the lunches I remember most – every day around noon Sy would appear at my desk and we'd walk together to the Union for lunch.  As soon as we found a table, the students would start to gather.  Sometimes a few, but more often more than we could ever imagine! Not only from France, from everywhere!  Exchange students, and graduate students, from France and Spain and Germany and Mexico, the Netherlands, and beyond - all made a point to stop at our table(s) and chat for the hour.  So many wonderful stories were told and retold and everyone learned something new each day.  Most of all, we all enjoyed the company of a wonderful older gentleman who cared so much about each of them. Those were special days that will remain in our memories forever.  Thank you Sy for being a friend to all!  We miss you…

Barbara(Lamb)Harrison, Boston Massachusetts

I always enjoyed listening to Sy's stories about France and his experiences there over many decades.  His affection for his former students, French and American, was heartwarming to someone like me who has been in the field of international education for many years.  As others have written here, he was a gentleman who was intelligent, well-read and perpetually curious.  We miss having him on campus and in our lives.

I met Sy in 1991 when I first set a foot at OU as a exchange student thanks to a program he had developped and implemented. At first, I thought he was French, as he mastered my language without any accent and better than anyone I know. We became close friends along all these years as we visited each other on a regular basis. France was his home away from home, I just cannot count all the friends he had on the side of the Atlantic. He was such an example to all of us, a great man, who has accomplished a lot while always being so humble about it all. I enjoyed being in his company, and I feel privileged to have been one of his French Grand Son. He will always be part of me.

During my eight years at OU (1964-1972), Sy was the finest instructor-teacher-scholar that I encountered, bar none.  My time in Sy's classes and with his Summer Session Abroad program were the most valuable educational experiences of my life.  He was the inspiration for establishing an award for excellence in classroom teaching. It seems appropriate to say "Thank You" to Sy once again, for all that he gave to enrich my life and the lives of all the other students that he inspired.

Seymour Feiler was the epitome of a civilized person.  He combined the command of several languages, a mastery of culture and history,  the manners of a gentleman, and an abiding interest in the lives of former students--all in one subtle self.  His passage marks the end of an era.
His "new friends" at Arbor House Assisted Living were impressed by his ability to talk with them all.  One of the six WW II veterans who sat at his table said:  'He made each of us feel like his best friend.'
Since his life was invested in people, his influence will go on forever.
Mary E. Davis (Norman, OK)

Dr. Feiler enriched my love for the French language and culture by his mentorship. His expertise had a profound impact on me and made me better. I have always been proud to say that I was taught by him and honored to know him.

Tu me manqueras, mon ami.

I had the great fortune to know Sy for several years in the study abroad office.  What a wealth of stories and a Francophone to his core.  You will be missed but had a great impact on many for generations.

Sy was one of the first people I met when I came to OU in 1974. We had mutual friends from Brown University and the connection helped to make me feel welcome. I will miss seeing him on Brooks Street with a cordial wave as I walk to and from school. He was a great spirit.

Sy was so important to all of us, and especially influential in the best possible way for our students of French. His amazing fluency in the language, his clear passion for the culture, and his ongoing commitment to sharing his francophile enthusiasm with others was truly inspiring. 

Sy, tu vas nous manquer!

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Seymour Feiler

11 avril 1919 – 19 octobre 2012

Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors and Rose Hill Burial Park

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