Warren A. Nord, 63, passed away Saturday, June 19, 2010 after a year-long battle with leukemia. He was born to the late Elmer and Delphie Nord of Wheaton, Minn. Warren received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota-Morris and a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of North Carolina.
Warren was the founding director of the Program in the Humanities and Human Values at UNC, serving in that capacity for 25 years.
During this time, the program sponsored more than 700 conferences, seminars and workshops involving more than 40,000 participants. He also enthusiastically taught courses at UNC in his areas of expertise, the philosophy of religion and the philosophy of education. He authored four books and more than 40 scholarly articles. He retired in 2009.
Family was extremely important to Warren, and he was a wonderful husband and father. He was a very fine musician, serving three years in the U.S. Army band. He was an active member of Binkley Baptist Church.
Warren is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Ehle, and their son, Jeremy. He is also survived by three brothers: Wesley Nord of Sioux Falls, S.D., Roland Nord (Sandra Woods) of Mankato, Minn. and Ross Nord (Janet) of Ypsilanti, Mich., as well as John Ehle (Rosemary) of Winston-Salem, N.C., Bob Ehle (Peg) of Durham, N.C., David Ehle (Linda Westerfield) of Charlotte, and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be directed to the Program in the Humanities and Human Values at UNC or to Binkley Baptist Church.
Dear Nancy,
I have not seen you in so very many years but I remember happy times together in high school. I send you love and sympathy in the loss of your husband. How wonderful to have been married to such a remarkable man. May you find comfort in all your family and friends.
In sympathy, Anna Rogers Olsen
Dear Nancy~~~
Thinking of you at this time. What a wonderful legacy Warren has given to you, your family, community, and humankind.
You will have so many treasured memories forever and ever.
Warmest Thoughts, Joan Nailling Harpold @SeaBreeze Vashon Island/Seattle, Wa.
Dear Nancy,
Richard and I just watched The King’s Speech on DVD, seeing it for the 2nd time. We love the movie, and I was intrigued both times with Jennifer Ehle’s performance and wondered if she were related to you and Googled her last night, learning that she is indeed related to you . Today you were still on my mind, and I Googled Warren Nord, only to discover the very sad news from last summer regarding his passing.
I am so very, very sorry. Richard and I both think so much of you and were fascinated with Warren’s life and your lives together and with Jeremy. I know how difficult it is to be young and lose a parent, and I have several friends who have lost a spouse; so my heart goes out to both you and Jeremy.
We are in SC in the winters and visit our daughter in Huntersville often. It would be lovely to see you again, and you are more than welcome to visit us here in Beaufort.
I hope this reaches you and we can reconnect.
Kathy
Until I participated in a UNC seminar this past weekend, I was unaware of Warren’s passing. I first met him in the mid-80’s after he had organized a 2-week program for high school teachers about religion and public education. I reviewed his book advocating the objective teaching religion in public schools for a local newspaper and a church publication. Afterward I participated in a number of weekend seminars. I admired Warren and his work and will always remember his friendliness, openness, and objectivity. While we have lost a true scholar and friend, his contributions will live on many years hence.