GANSER, Rodman, passed away at the age of 81, at his home in Midlothian, Virginia, on Saturday, January 11, 2020, after a short illness. Rod was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Paul Ganser and Helen Weidner Ganser, the younger of two children. He attended Colgate University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1960, subsequently taking up a position as assistant professor of Spanish. Rob subsequently received his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin and went on to teach there as well as at Sweet Briar College and Colorado College in Colorado Springs. Rod was a passionate admirer of the Fine and Decorative Arts, particularly of the 20th Century, and acquired expert knowledge in Arts and Crafts Pottery, American Studio Pottery and French Ceramics. He was a voracious reader and possessed an extensive library on the decorative arts. After his retirement, Rod became a decorative arts dealer and regularly participated in antique shows and art and crafts symposiums. Balancing his love of the arts, Rod was an enthusiastic watcher of college basketball and track and field events, particularly if Colgate was competing. He will be greatly missed by many friends and acquaintances for his passionate love of art and design, his generous sharing of his knowledge and his dry sense of humor. Rod was predeceased by his sister, Paula M. Ganser; and is survived by his son, William C. Barnes. A memorial will take place at a later date.

Source: https://www.richmond.com/obituaries/ganser-rodman/article_e5bb12d3-d9e9-5209-9c66-02cd42b8d5f2.html

My old friend, Rodman Ganser, has passed; an honorary father and cherished mentor. A professor with many degrees & attainments, Rod knew everything about pottery, most things about life, & was infallible in his understanding of friendship. Rod did not suffer fools or miscreants gladly, yet was generous to the novice, the enthusiast, & the curious. A born and gifted teacher, his was an earnest, intense knowledge from which all benefited. Never for a single instant was Rod a dull companion. I sought his company always, counting myself privileged when we had adjoining booths at a show. This indomitable, irreverent, mischievous man made me laugh uncounted times. I was delighted when I could reciprocate. I recall an incident where Rod was injured by a broken chair at the Metropolitan Museum. We parted from the group to seek medical attention, and found ourselves solo. I spent a perfectly joyous afternoon with indefatigable Rod holding his poor hand in a cup of ice, yet aglow with delight for the tribal art on display. There was so much to enjoy and admire about Rod. His empathy, love, and respect are treasures far greater than the wonderful ceramics which he preserved. I’m back in the studio with renewed purpose, my many guardian fathers touching my shoulder.