August 26, 1938 - March 16, 2017
Dr. Alexander ''Eric'' G. Binnie died in Conway, Arkansas on March 16, 2017. He was 78 years old. Eric was born to Alexander Binnie and Mary Smith Binnie in Kilsyth, Scotland on August 26, 1938.
Dr. Binnie spent his time before attending university as a librarian at The Mitchell Library in Glasgow, Scotland. He graduated with honors from Strathclyde University in Scotland in 1968 with a Bachelor's degree in English. He then earned his Master's Degree in English from McMaster University in Canada in 1970, and his PhD in Dramatics from the University of Toronto in 1976. Eric also earned certification in the Alexander Technique in 2001. He received numerous NEH and Fulbright Awards for study and travel, plus Canada Council Doctoral Fellowships.
Eric taught dramatic literature, acting, Shakespeare, dramatic theory, voice, and Alexander Technique at Hendrix College from 1989-2014, retiring as Professor Emeritus of Theatre and Arts. He also taught at Colby College and Swarthmore College, and held memberships with Alexander Technique International and Shakespeare Association of America.
Eric exemplified the idea of a lifelong student -- he was working on an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Central Arkansas at the time of his death, and wanted to leave an autobiography of his life, which he never had time to complete. To his former students, he was a steadfast mentor, staying involved and informed, helping whenever an opportunity arose. Teri Daily, priest at St. Peter's Episcopal in Conway, Arkansas, described Eric as ''a spacious soul, who embraced friends from all walks of life.'' This certainly rings true to the myriad friends and family members who attended him in the final months of his life.
He is survived in death by his sister, Agnes Binnie Guthrie (Russell) of Oxted England; his niece, Alison Guthrie Evans (Gareth); and beloved great niece Lottie. Other survivors include the families of his deceased brothers Jim and Ian. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his nephews, Duncan and Andrew Guthrie. Eric loved children and was god parent to many children of his friends.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to the Dr. Eric Binnie Hendrix College Theatre Endowment at Hendrix College, 1600 Washington, Conway, AR 72032. Service arrangements will be announced at a later time.
Memorial services will be held Saturday April 1, 2017 at 4 P.M. at Saint Peters Episcopal Church in Conway. A reception will immediately follow at the Trieschmann Fine Arts building on the campus of Hendrix College in Conway.
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10 Condolence(s)
Rebecca Maholland
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Rest In Peace Dr. Bonnie. I have fond memories of Dr. Bonnie as a gentle soul and a kind mentor. I enjoyed his courses and worked in the costume shop for him at Hendrix in the early 90's. He had a positive impact on so many of us!
Lauren
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Dr. Bonnie was always bright with a smile and quick with a joke. As his student, I remember both his high expectations and genuine interest in our lives. You'll be missed.
Dr Dana Allen
Sunday, March 26, 2017
With sadness I write this and send my prayers up for all who have known and loved Dr Bennie.
Douglas Green
Monday, March 20, 2017
Since my stint at Colby in 1985-86, where we were both teaching at the time, I have attended Shakespeare Association of America meetings with Eric. We roomed together at those meetings for 30 years, even after Eric retired, visiting cities across the US, Canada, and even Bermuda to talk Shakespeare. He was among the most generous artists I know; Eric helped expand my knowledge of theater from the page to the stage: In 1986, he let me direct the two students who played the bilingual love scene in his production of Brian Friel's "Translations" and listed me as Assistant Director. It changed my life. I have no greater friend in academia and, like everyone who knew him, will miss him terribly.
Thomas E. Moran
Monday, March 20, 2017
I was never fortunate enough to know him as either Dr. Bennie or even as an educator. I did, however, have the pure pleasure of knowing Eric as a theatre colleague and writing classmate. In both capacities, he was in a league of his own. He truly exemplified what it means to be a scholar--not only in the theatrical sense, but also in the human sense. One of a kind.
Jon and Donna Wolfe
Monday, March 20, 2017
Donna and I are greatly saddened to learn of Dr. Binnie's death. We remember him as a teacher most dear to our son, Robert. Eric helped Robert to find great enjoyment and sharpened his gift for personal expression through participation in Theatre at Hendrix. Our sincere condolences to the family who mourn him, and to the many Hendrix colleagues, students and faculty alike, whose path he brightened.
Pat Laster
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Oh, no, I said aloud to no one when I read of Eric's death. We were fellow writers at Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum Educational Center's writers' retreat in Piggott a couple of years ago . Sincere condolences. I was a student at Hendrix long before he came on campus.
Darby Beranek
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Dr. Binnie baked delicious shortbread! He was always so friendly. I send my condolences to his family at this sad time.
John A. Ziegler
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Eric was a wonderful colleague at Hendrix College. Having studied in Scotland with one of Eric's professors there, I always felt a close connection with Eric, especially about plays and literature. He knew so much about both and was willing to share his informed thoughts with me and others I especially remember his telling me the difference between a London and New York production of the same play. It was always a delight to hear that bit of Scots in his voice that he never lost. His unique contributions to Hendrix College during his tenure there will be missed..
Nancy D
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Alexander will indeed be missed by family and friends that so loved him.
Please find comfort in God's word recorded at Rev. 21:3 and 4 about a time when death will be no more. Please accept my deepest sympathy.