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Submitted: 2/4/23 • Approved: 2/5/23 • Last Updated: 2/8/23 • R1469766-G0-S3
August 26, 1938 - March 16, 2017
*Obituary
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.
Contributed on 2/4/23 by hawkinsdonna48
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Record #: 1469766