Sol Saporta

Sol SAPORTA Sol Saporta, scholar, teacher, and activist, whose mantra was "Don't let school stand in the way of your education," passed away on October 21, 2008 surrounded by his family. The author of numerous articles and books, Sol was once described by a book reviewer as "a linguist, humorist, and inveterate gadfly." Sol spent 30 years on the faculty of the University of Washington where he influenced the lives of countless students and aggravated almost as many university administrators. Born in New York City in 1925, Sol earned his BA from Brooklyn College and his MA and Phd. from the University of Illinois. He retired from the University of Washington in 1990 but remained active in education, teaching classes at Seattle Central Community College and Lifetime Learning. An enthusiastic fan of thoroughbred racing, Sol was a fixture at Longacres Racetrack and later at Emerald Downs where he always looked forward to the company of friends, fellow bettors, and racetrack staff. Sol was preceded in death by his wife Raquel. He is survived by his son David (Susie Tull), son Victor (Kate Saporta), daughter Terri, daughter Hillary Hubacker, and grandchildren Carson, Grant and Chela Saporta. A very informal reception in Sol's honor will be held Saturday, November 1st at 1:30 p.m., at the Mercer Island Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 SE 24th Street, Mercer Island. Please visit www.solsaporta.com for more information. No flowers, please. Sol would rather you voted or protested. Or put $2 on a long shot.