It's so difficult to collect my thoughts about all that Dick and Harley have meant to our family through the years.  When my wife Barbara and I were married, she was going into her senior year at Salem State.  I was in the Navy in Iceland, and when she joined me there after graduation, she told me about the most extraordinary English professor she had - Richard Elia.  When we returned home, I was introduced to one of the finest gentlemen I've ever known and his equally wonderful wife, Harley.

Dick advised Barbara on pursuing her Masters Degree in English at Northeastern, and he advised me on a thesis subject to complete my Masters program at BU.

Through the years, we have been able to stay in touch, and Dick has been there to advise our daughter Amy in her academic journey, and he and Harley were always interested in hearing about our other childrens' college experiences and their lives after college.

About 15 years ago, Dick asked Barbara to become a proof reader for QRW, which enabled us to remain in close contact.  Barbara was diagnosed with lymphoma 13 years ago, and the Elias offered constant support and encouragement.  The treatments gave Barbara three more years, and she continued doing her QRW work until she was just too ill.

With Dick's passing, the thing that has been uppermost in my mind is that Harley was the last non-family visitor Barbara had, and they had a great time together.

I was able to visit Dick and Harley last week, and for that I'm very grateful.  I trust that Dick is in the comfort of God's arms and he and Barbara have had a chance to meet up with Dickens, Ruskin, Hardy and all of the other men and women of letters.

Rest in peace, Professor Elia.

Luke Griffin