Memorial to honor John Igo set for Wednesday.
By Kyle R. Cotton
kcotton11@student.alamo.edu
For 45 years, John Igo was a staple in this college’s English department and an influence on the community at large for a lifetime.
He died Aug. 9 at 89 after having heart failure.
The English professor emeritus who published poetry books had a San Antonio branch library named for him in 2005.
A memorial for Igo is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Gardens at Old Town Helotes, 15060 Antonio Drive, hosted by the Historical Society of Helotes. He was an honorary member of the society because of his family’s deep roots in Helotes.
Society President Cynthia Massey said that everyone is welcome to attend.
There will be a memorial video at 6:45 p.m., a eulogy at 7 p.m. and an opportunity for those who wish to speak on the life of Igo 7:15-8 p.m.
English Chair Mike Burton said English faculty will discuss plans to honor Igo Friday as part of their departmental meeting.
“He was the star of the English department,” Burton said. “He was an incredible influence on the department even on those after he retired.”
Burton recalled advice Igo gave him.
“If you want to get something done, first you need to decide if you want credit,” Burton said. “If you aren’t concerned about getting the credit, you can get it done a lot faster.”
Burton said the department would probably honor him with a scholarship or with an essay contest.