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Richard Harrah Obituary
April 7, 1941 - May 12, 2015
Felton
Richard French Harrah was born April 7, 1941 in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Rosanna Crow Harrah, a high school teacher and Dale Harrah, a business financial manager. He attended the Ottawa Hills schools and received his B.A. from Yale University. He earned a master's degree in Humanities from San Francisco State University.
Dick taught junior high school and high school briefly in Danville and Fort Jones, California, but devoted most of his teaching career to the San Lorenzo Valley School District, and especially White Oak Charter School, which he helped start. Dick retired from teaching in 2008.
He was married to Sara G. Malone from 1968 until her death in 1999 and fathered two daughters: Torun Harrah and Anna Harrah Carr. He married Laurie Corn in 2014. Dick also leaves behind a sister, Deborah Harrah Murdock of Kent's Store, Virginia, and a brother, David Harrah of Aptos and three grandchildren: Roman, Simone and Holden Carr.
Dick lived almost 50 years in Felton and was widely known and respected as an educator in the Santa Cruz/Felton area. He touched the lives of hundreds of San Lorenzo Valley students and, in some cases, their children as well. His school specialized in educating students who sought a non-traditional academic environment. He taught language arts, math, history and history of art and held a daily dream interpretation discussion.
A memorial for Dick is being planned.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Harrah
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
October 4, 2019
Rest in peace. I was a student of his in high school. I have much respect for him and now teach things I learned from him to my own children. I especially liked the dreams analysis class. You will be missed.
DB.
JOHNNA JUNE
December 16, 2017
Hi, I'm Johnna June, and just found this memorial site. I was a student of Mr Harrah while attending 5th grade of the Fort Jones Union Elementary School. He taught there one year and was a fine instructor. I know he will be missed by many. God Bless his family and friends.
December 4, 2017
Torun,
Sorry for your loss.
Russ
June 29, 2015
For further information, stories, tales and memories about Dick Harrah, please visit his Memorial Blog, www.dickharrah.wordpress.com
Becky
June 16, 2015
This wonderful, gifted and inspiring man, teacher, and friend has been a treasure to the students who were fortunate to enter his classrooms. His efforts and spirit live on through the hearts and minds of all who encountered him.
Blessings on his memory and we wish comfort for his family and close friends who will remember him forever.
May 28, 2015
We knew Dick through Eduardo Carrillo and always enjoyed a conversation with him.
May 21, 2015
I would like to go to the memorial please call me whoever has the date time and place (530)273-3153
May 21, 2015
this is mike neve, was wondering if there was a memorial for him,if someone would please call me, i would appriciate that, 479 719 0792, thank you
Lou Rose
May 19, 2015
I didn't know Dick but know his very close younger brother well - and send heartfelt condolences to David. Wishing you grace and courage.
Pamela Jacobs
May 18, 2015
I know Dick was loved very much by his brother and will be greatly missed. Sincere condolences to all his family.
Pamela Jacobs
ML
May 17, 2015
The most intelligent man I've ever been in a room with. Thank you Dick, for all you did, and taught us at White Oak. You were a truly amazing man and Teacher. I will always fondly remember your awesome classes. Much love and Respect
Craig Alexander
May 17, 2015
Thank you Dick. Thank you for guiding a lost youth during a rough time. Thank you for sparking my interest in life and learning. I too loved your dream class!Thank you for being my friend all these years. I will never forget you and will miss you very much, especially at the Workshop reunions.
Love and peace my friend.
Samantha Castro
May 17, 2015
He was an amazing teacher. I loved his Dream Class.
Denise Watson
May 16, 2015
Dick had a profound impact on my life. I will always be Grateful to him for guiding me back to the right path in life. He was a Truly Amazing man and we absolutely need more people in this world like Dick.
I will Love you forever and I will Never forget you Dick
Sarah Williams
May 16, 2015
Truly an amazing teacher! Thank you for everything you did for our community. You will be remembered by many <3
Veronica
May 15, 2015
RIP, Dick. You were a favorite teacher of so many of your students, myself included. I'll always picture you sitting in your chair in your classroom, chewing on a matchstick, waving your arms around in enthusiastic animation while lecturing us. You engaged us in discussions, you never just taught us facts and figures. You taught us how to think and how to learn. You touched many lives. You were an excellent teacher and a good man.
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