Chris Struble
We at the Michigan Hemingway Society wish to remember our beloved president Chris Struble, who passed away unexpectedly this past October. We are most grateful to Valerie Hemingway for generously sharing her memories of her long friendship with Chris in the tribute below.
Following that tribute, please note: Since Chris's passing, the board has been working on a conference for 2027 as well as webinars and an updated website which we hope to roll out soon. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we have navigated a difficult year.
— Acting President Jennifer Tianen and the MHS Board of Directors
A Tribute to Chris Struble
I met Chris Struble in Petoskey about a decade and a half ago, when I came to one of the Michigan Hemingway Society’s fall conferences. I am not sure of the exact year, but I recall a congenial young man with an enquiring mind. A jeweler by trade – Ernest Hemingway always referred to his writing as his métier or trade – Chris had many talents and a diverse range of interests which led to his being chosen as the President of the Michigan Hemingway Society in May, 2014. That was when I came to know and admire Chris. I was to give the Keynote speech at the fall conference that year, and the retiring President, Mike Federspiel, passed me on to Chris to complete the arrangements. Over the next eleven years, Chris and I worked closely together half a dozen times, creating Hemingway adventures; three of these were sponsored by the Hotel Walloon. He was always right on top of the task at hand. He managed to see that the work was done, without fuss or drama. He appreciated his colleagues, and each episode was memorable for staff and participants.
On two occasions, Chris picked me up at the Traverse City airport and returned me there, allowing us time to get acquainted. Time, with him, was never wasted. In his gracious, multi-tasking way, we usually managed to stop on the way at a newspaper office or radio station where I was interviewed by the local media, promoting the impending project. While in Petoskey, I always visited McLean & Eakin, the fine local bookstore where Chris made sure the books of his visiting speakers were in stock. At times, I sat in Arlington Jewelers and watched him proudly ply his trade with expertise and courtesy. He had a fine eye for both gem stones and design. On another day, I might take one of his brilliant tours, where he brought local lore and history to life. Afterwards, there would be drinks, and maybe dinner, at one of the old establishments where Hemingway had imbibed in his youth and which he had immortalized in his Nick Adams stories. Petoskey with Chris has magical memories for me.
My last venture with Chris was in the form of a Podcast we did together in the late spring of 2024. He called it A Lakeside Chat, the lake being Walloon. I have just listened to it for the first time since he sent me the link. His voice is vibrant, his questions provocative, and his comments insightful and humorous. This is the Chris I will remember: the good friend, the companion in adventure, and the admired Colleague.
Valerie Hemingway
Bozeman, Montana
January 28, 2026