Longtime Saint Louis University professor Henry Christopher, known to most of his colleagues as “Hank,” died yesterday. He was 75.

He retired from the University in December 1991, shortly after he turned 68. He taught at SLU for 25 years and served several years as chairman of the Political Science Department.

Jean-Robert Leguey-Feilleux, a longtime colleague, said, “He was tremendous, honest and hard-working. He was completely dedicated to the well-being of his students. He was a great teacher recognized by students and represented the department in a collegial fashion.”

The University News advisor Avis Meyer, who with Christopher co-founded the Political Journalism Certificate program 25 years ago, said, “He was a mentor to both his students and his colleagues. When you think of a professor who was also a successful family man and human being, most people should think of Hank Christopher.”

He served in World War II as a clerical soldier and was involved in enemy action, earning three bronze stars. He completed his undergraduate work at Boston University and finished his Ph.D. at the University of Rochester in New York. All of his seven children attended SLU.

Christopher was an expert in Latin American politics and was the sparkplug for the growth of Latin American studies in SLU’s Political Science Department.

In 1978, Christopher received the Nancy McNeir Ring award for advising and the Burlington Award for excellence in teaching in 1985. He is survived by his wife and children. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a scholarship fund that will be established in Christopher’s name.

A memorial mass for Christopher is scheduled for the St. Francis Xavier (College) Church at 11:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 8. Funeral arrangements were uncertain at the time of publication.