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Deborah Dickey uploaded photo(s)
Monday, May 13, 2024
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As an undergraduate at UGA, my most lasting memories were centered around the costume shop and Dr. Kesler’s beautiful laughter and quick humor. If you required a lift in your day, you needed only to step into that world. Whether being admonished not to go near the sewing machines or his, oh so quotable, bons mots delivered during a final critique in costume class, the lessons and wisdom imparted were golden. I was always content to spend an hour doing hand-sewing to soak up the atmosphere and clever banter overseen by Dr. K.
Being a part of Period Dance was also a highlight for me, wearing one of his beautiful creations for the Elizabethan dance and having Andrew pop out from beneath my ample Spanish Farthingale! I can still identify any period of history by the costumes on a movie screen, thanks to Jackson Kesler. Also, Jerry and I were delighted to be a part of one of the reunions in Kentucky and to enjoy the generous hospitality shared by Betty and Jackson. That lovely smile and generous spirit will remain in my memory always.
“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance!”
Deborah (Bleckley) and Jerry Dickey
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JOHN DOYLE posted a condolence
Saturday, April 27, 2024
OH MY DEAR JACK.
I LOOK BACK ON OUR TIMES TOGETHER WITH DEEP JOY AND GRATITUDE. MEMORIES OF UGA, LEADING TO COLLABORATING WITH YOU AT WKU. THE GENEROUS HOSPITALITY YOU AND BETTY SHARED WILL BE WITH ME FOREVER. AS WILL YOUR VISIT WITH ROBERT AND I IN OUR HOME IN ITALY. TOO MANY THOUGHTS TO WRITE. I HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE MY FRIEND, FOR MORE FUN AND NAUGHTINESS. DO THEY DO ANTIQUING IN HEAVEN? I HOPE SO!!!
LOVE YOU PAL.
JOHN
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Maureen Conway posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
You were -and are - a person who made profound, positive effects on all whom you touched - especially your students! We loved you then and we love you forever! You had a center of love coupled with an incredibly gifted Holy Spirit - and your OWN guardrails- see you in heaven - if we are incredibly lucky- just having you pass through our lives was just that- oh, ya, thank you for everything - even Percy!
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Kevin Jackson planted a tree in memory of Jackson Kesler II
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
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As a student at WKU, I worked with Dr. Kessler on many productions as well as Hilltopper Dinner Theatre. Remembering his laugh always brings a smile. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Barbara J Hause uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, April 21, 2024
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I took several of Dr Kesler's classes at UGA. One of our assignments was to design & build a garment of our choice. I told Dr Kesler that I didn't know how to sew. My Mom tried to teach me but I was difficult and she lost patience. Dr Kesler got me a pass to the UGA Archives and told me to be inspired by Erte's prints that were there. I bought jersey knit fabric that I could cut and not have to hem or finish the edges. I made a cape blouse with only 2 seams that buttoned in the back under the cape. (I just cut slits for buttonholes) Dr Kesler was so proud of me. He then offered me a job in the Costume Shop. My heart & soul were so happy. And my world opened up. My first 2 professional jobs were with Dr Kesler (outdoor drama). Then to theaters in Atlanta. Then to NYC costume shops. And then to Film & TV which meant Union, Pension, Annuity, & Health Coverage. NOW, retired & in love with James. (who had Dr Kesler as his advisor at UGA) I can honestly say "I owe my professional success and happiness to Dr Kesler! "
Rest in Laughter & Peace.
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Meester O'Brando uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, April 20, 2024
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Meester Doctor Kesler!
You were, of course, supposed to live forever because you are absolutely essential to the Life Experience of so many of us. Whenever I think of you, not only do I smile, I burst out laughing. You & your UGA Costume Shop were the centrifugal force around which we motley Grad Assistants joyously rallied. Throughout all the mismatched patterns, jelly doughnuts, uneven hems, jelly doughnuts, crooked seams, jelly doughnuts, & the numerous "I didn't do it; it was like that when I got here!" rationales, you taught us, you inspired us, you entertained us, &--yes--you truly cared about us.
University of Georgia productions were only one aspect of your career. From Period Dance touring performances, to DRUMBEATS IN GEORGIA on Jekyll Island, to GODSPELL in Bergen, Norway, to THE McINTOSH TRAIL in Peachtree City, your talents in costume design & execution were seen & appreciated by a wide variety of audiences.
I am so grateful that my relationship with you & Betty continued after my graduation, with gatherings & reunions--both large & small--where "Costume Shop Tales" could be told & re-told in all their vivid hilarity. And I especially enjoyed that you, Betty, & I were able to later share our mutual experiences in that wonderful world of "Antique Booth-ery"!
Betsy & Andrew, please know how truly special your father was, to so many of us. He was--always--so proud of both of you & your career accomplishments. Betty, do know how Jackson always had a special smile on his face when he spoke of you. I can still visualize how his eyes absolutely "lit up" when he talked about how beautiful, poised, & lovely you were at your Cotillion.
Meester Doctor Kesler, you touched my life in a profound & profoundly humorous way. May your dear, sweet (& definitely opinionated!) soul rest--but only for a little while--before your commence, or most likely concoct, your next glorious celestial adventure.
Now & Forever: Know that you are unique, know that you are appreciated, & know that you are truly, truly loved.
Meester O'Brando
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The family of Jackson Kesler II uploaded a photo
Friday, April 19, 2024
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A Memorial Tree was planted for Jackson Kesler II
Friday, April 19, 2024
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Ransdell Funeral Chapel Inc. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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William Leonard posted a condolence
Friday, April 19, 2024
Jack and I worked together at Western Kentucky University. Being in the theatre program, we worked together not only in the classroom, but also on the many theatre productions presented by our department. Jack was a highly creative artist and passionate in his work as costume designer and stage director. My condolences to Betty and family.
Bill Leonard
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