Bobby Hausey, a professor at the University for 32 years, died Friday from suspected complications with diabetes. He was 59. The LSU School of Art is organizing a memorial gathering that will feature speeches by Hausey’s close friends and colleagues Friday, Oct. 23 at 4 p.m. in the sculpture garden. The event is open to all students, faculty and staff. “He was one of those people who was just adored by everyone,” said Rod Parker, LSU School of Art director. Hausey’s work has been displayed at several famous venues, and the Baton Rouge native and University alumnus also held several grants and fellowships, including a visiting artist position at the American Academy in Rome, National Endowment for the Arts/SECCA and the Louisiana Division of the Arts. “He was such a sweetheart of a guy,” said fellow painting professor and friend Rick Ortner. “He had a tremendous following.” Hausey was teaching two courses this semester. Ortner will teach the remainder of Hausey’s advanced painting class, while long-time friend and fellow artist Laurie Williamson will teach the rest of his foundations course, Parker said. “He liked to get to know his students, not just their work,” said Abigail Turnley, painting and drawing senior, in an e-mail to The Daily Reveille. Turnley is taking the advanced painting course this semester. “Bob’s been one of my favorite teachers since I’ve been at LSU,” Turnley said. “I was a sophomore when I first had him, and he taught me things that are very important to my painting style today.”A formal memorial service will be held Saturday, Parker said. Facebook fan and event pages have been created for students, friends and colleagues to post stories, pictures and thoughts about Hausey as well. Hausey is survived by his 22-year-old son Neil.—-Contact Kyle Bove at [email protected]