"I think he missed [teaching], he had mixed emotions about retiring," John Bate said. "Harvard was his life."
Even after retirement, Bate maintained close ties with the University and spent many days in the office he retained in Widener Library. "He went to Widener everyday," said John Bate. "He loved that library."
Colleagues remember him as a man who had an impact on many students.
"There are a huge number of books written in his field that are dedicated to him," Engell said.
A memorial service will be held for Bate at Memorial Church in October.
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He is survived by his sister, Jane Dear of Raleigh, N.C., and several nieces and nephews