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Richard J. Sears

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Richard Sears Obituary

Richard J. Sears 1931 - 2007 Dick Sears died peacefully in his sleep on September 11, 2007. Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Dick earned his bachelor's degree from Northwestern University in Chicago, and his master's degree from Boston University. He taught at Stadium and Foss High Schools in Tacoma, WA, where he was instrumental in bringing the International Baccalaureate, a program for highly motivated students, to Tacoma and served as its first coordinator there. In retirement, he volunteered as a docent at the Tacoma Art Museum, where his extensive knowledge of art and history was greatly appreciated by those fortunate enough to meet him. He served on the board of Group Health and volunteered his time to a local food bank. Dick loved books, music, travel, writing, cooking, time with loved ones, gathering with his movie club friends, and debating ideas. He was well-read, charming, generous, and extraordinarily intelligent. He had a wonderful voice, warmth and presence, and maintained his sharp wit throughout his life. In addition to many friends, Dick is survived by his three children, seven grandchildren, and his treasured companion of 17 years, Ursula Bannister; all of whom loved him dearly and mourn the loss tremendously. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to one of the charities Dick supported: The Humane Society, The Heifer Foundation, or the Nature Conservancy, or to your local food bank. A celebration of Dick's life will be held in his honor. Friends who wish to attend may contact Ursula Bannister for details.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Sep. 21, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Sears

19 Entries

Marylee Harlan

October 1, 2007

Ursula, My deepest sympathy. Although I did not know Dick it is obvious he was a special man. What beautiful comments from his former students and friends.

John and Georgene Leap

October 1, 2007

It has been a real pleasure knowing Dick for the last 17 years. He was a great tour guide when we visited Urs and Dick in Germany, he was one of the best cooks I have ever known, and his great sense of humor, especially when put on paper, was incredible! We will miss him.

Heide Fernandez-Llamazares, Docent Coordinator, Tacoma Art Museum

September 27, 2007

All of us at Tacoma Art Museum will miss Dick. He was a docent with us since 2003, and was always an active participant in art discussions at trainings and with visitors.

Margaret Upshaw

September 25, 2007

I will miss Dick's contributions to Tacoma Art Museum
docent discussions. His bright,informed insights usually leavened with humor, were a pleasure to hear.
I send sympathy to his family who
will miss that aware engagement.
Sincerely,
Margaret Upshaw

Sue Miller

September 24, 2007

I still have vivid memories of a Philosophy class with Mr. Sears. He expected us to THINK not memorize and he laughed along with us as we fought to expand our thinking and our horizons.
My thoughts are with him and his family.

Sanjeev Narang

September 24, 2007

I volunteered with Dick Sears at the Tacoma Art Museum. His breadth and width of art and related information made for fascinating training discussions and gallery tours. He was gentle and kind to all. We shall miss him at the museum.

David Zamira

September 24, 2007

Mr. Sears made getting up at an ungodly hour for IB Geography more than bearable- it was quite a joy. As was his company always. Thank you, sir.

Kim Zwink (Naef)

September 23, 2007

I enjoyed having Mr. Sears as my teacher at Foss in "Team C" from 1975-78. He was a wonderful teacher and his students learned so much from him. He will be greatly missed.

Gail Alexis Ray

September 23, 2007

Dick was a faithful long-term volunteer with Group Health Cooperative, serving in a variety of leadership positions with advisory and governance groups. He was always pleasant to work with and interactions with him were frequently punctuated with his sparkling wit and humor. He will be greatly missed by many Group Health staff, leaders and volunteers. We join Ursula and the family in mourning his passing from our midst so unexpectedly.

MaryAnn Conklin Crossman

September 22, 2007

I too, was a student of Mr. Sears at Stadium and remember his challenging me at every turn. Far East History Seminar was a wonderful learning experience. The field trips to Seattle were great. He enjoyed introducing us to all things new and exciting. Sorry to see he has left for the great classroom in the sky.

Mia Wickman-Powell

September 22, 2007

I'm sure there will be too many entries here to read, as he touched so many lives through his teaching! He did seem like a good man, I knew him not only as my teacher, but he taught with my Father at Foss for Many Many years...

Phyllis McKay Latham

September 21, 2007

Mr Sears was my teacher at Foss the very first year it opened. He will be missed.

Anna (Brown) Winter

September 21, 2007

I have fond memories of Mr. Sears as my teacher at Foss(1982-85). He was a dedicated teacher who cared about his students. I'm sad that he's gone.

Kathy Keller

September 21, 2007

Richard Sears was my teacher at Stadium High School--Far East History Seminar my senior year. I
still remember the class discussions on Vietnam and the Far
East. Our class went to the Buddhist Temple, to the Seattle
Art Museum (we toured the "stacks"
where all the Asian art was stored)
and ate at the Tai Tung restaurant!
What an amazing experience! He truly opened so many lives to the world outside Tacoma! Thank you,
Richard Sears!

Greg Witt

September 21, 2007

Mr. Sears was a wonderful personality throughout my years at Stadium High. He always raised the quality (and the wit) of the dialogue. He was my Driver's Ed. teacher and he made it a great time - far from drudgery! I hope that our schools continue to be blessed with people of his quality & character.

Mark Carr

September 21, 2007

Mr. Sears was one of my favorite teachers at Stadium. I learned alot about life in his classes. I think he truly loved teaching and it was so much fun to pick his brain on one of his favorite subjects. I'll always remember you Mr. Sears for you made a difference in my life.

Vicki Martin

September 21, 2007

Iam sorry to hear about your loss, Mr. Sears was my teacher at Foss High School and was one of the best teachers, I went to foss from 77-79.

John Ladenburg

September 21, 2007

Dick was a great teacher for so many years in Tacoma. Dick taught me at Stadium and later taught my sons at Foss. He was a wonderful man and will be missed. God Bless.

Benita Lewis

September 21, 2007

Mr. Sears was a teacher of mine at Foss. What a great teacher he was, I could hardly wait to get to his class and listen to his stories. He made learning fun. He was one of the only teachers I had that truly wanted to teach. God Bless, Benita Richotte-Lewis

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