Tunis Romein Obituary

To all the Romeins: I want to share My Big Kayaking Trip with Tunie: Tunie (doing most of the work), reciting poetry and then discussing it, and actually evoking a response from me while we gaze out at the green water (which he swore was rife with alligators) and thick overgrowth, cmplete with blooming irises. That was a heck of a sentence and I'm sure Tunie has his red pen out! I'll miss talking about good books with Tunie, and still treasure the pictures of our Big Kayak Trip. He will be missed.
Love, Gretchen (and Ed, of course)

My thoughts and prayers are sent to you in your time of grief.

When I was in doubt as a non-traditional student that I had the ability to minor in English, it was Dr. Romien that said"You Can Do It". He was very caring, always smiling, always there for all of his students. I was the Commencement speaker for the December 2005 graduates. He told me that I was GREAT. I was quite relieved, because I know that he would only accept the BEST. I am what I am today, because of him. Rest in Peace. You have touched many lives. I will always remember you.

I am saddened to learn of Dr. Romein’s passing. During my freshman year at CSU, my cousin recommended that I take his class. She was right in her recommendation. He was an excellent professor who was willing to work with his students. I appreciated Dr. Romein’s interest in my academic success at CSU, and I am thankful to have been one of his students. My prayers are with his daughter and his entire family.

Dr. Romein was the first professor I had at CSU 22 years ago. I started college as a 40 year old in the evening program. I was scared to death and was sure I would never make it--Dr. Romein was so encouraging and I had to opportunity to have him in several other English classes. I felt like I was a successful adult student primarily because of having him for my first class. He touched many lives and his legacy will go on in those lives. The family is in my prayers.

David, we just heard the sad news about your brother. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan and Danny

I grew up near Mr. Tunis and spent the early years of my life 3 doors down from him and Shelley. Mr. Tunis was always extremely nice to all the kids in the neighborhood and his door was always open to us. Tunis was truly one of the warmest, kindest souls around, and he will truly be missed. He definitely left a "footprint" on the hearts of those he came in contact with. My deepest condolences to you and yours. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

My deepest sympathies go out to Shelley and others, who will greatly miss Dr. Romein. It was my privilege to be a student (non-traditional) under his instruction in two or three English classes at CSU. I'm sure others join me in saying that he was one of the outstanding professors in colleges today. He was also a good man--kind, compassionate, caring, and encouraging. I am saddened to read of his passing.

Dr. Romein was my English 111 professor during my first semester at CSU. He challenged as well as encouraged me in order to bring out the best in my writing. He genuinely cared about my success. He will be missed at CSU and by his former students. Deepest sympathy to his family.

I recall fondly those wonderful English department lunches at Gianni's with Tunis, George Niketas, Sy Garrison, Jim Rivers, Carol Drowota, and Harold Overton in which Tunis would take every opportunity to tell us what the latest news was about Shelley. He deeply loved his daughter. She (and only secondarily teaching) was the joy of his life. I'll remember his monologues on his other favorite subject: "writing across the curriculum." Shelley, I would if I could be at CSU to wish him a good voyage and peaceful rest!

Tunis was a man of remarkable insight, integrity and sensitivity. It is a high honor to have known him as a faculty colleague and friend.

Deepest sympathy to David, Lori and Shelly. He will be missed.

Sally V

We offer our deepest sympathy.
Dr. and Mrs. Randall T. Ruble and family

I will miss our conversations. A sweet, gentle man. I hope you are enjoying talking with the past poets and authors you used to discuss and admire (or admonish as the case may be). I will miss you, my friend.

Dear Shelley and Family,

I am so sorry to hear about Tunis's death. I wasn't aware that his cancer had come back until recently. I will always remember him with great fondness. He was one of the funniest people I know. You could always count on Tunis to have a pithy comment that was right on target. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed tremendously at Charleston Southern.