Van Brock, right, shown here with IP Newton Jones at the 33rd Consolidation Convention in Las Vegas, passed away March 1.
Renowned poet spoke at IBB convention
VAN K. BROCK, a Georgia-born poet, teacher, and editor, who spoke at the 33rd Consolidation Convention in Las Vegas last year, died March 1 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, from complications of pancreatic cancer. He was 84. While speaking at convention, Brock told delegates, “The basic definition of a poet is a maker — and you’re all makers.”
During his years as a college professor, Brock taught International President Newton B. Jones creative writing when Jones was alternating between construction jobs and attending college.
Brock was the author of several collections of poetry, including “The Hard Essential Landscape” and “Lightered,” and his poems appeared in magazines such as The New Yorker and The Yale Review, as well as in many anthologies.
IP Jones said Brock was an inspiration to him. “Van was a teacher and a friend to me in college and beyond. He lived a life dedicated to his craft, and modeled a life of excellence. He was a well-respected talent through his life.”
