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Michael Minor Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Minor
David Stevens
February 27, 2012
Mr. Minor I would like to think that you are reading these words (and possibly grading them) from heaven. You were one of my favorite teachers. You gifted me with a love for reading and writing that has kept me buoyant through even the most terrible storms. Thanks Mike. Thanks for being a wonderful teacher.
Feather Asmussen (Alexander)
February 22, 2012
I am learning of the loss of a great teacher only today and wish I could have attended the memorial. Mr. Minor was one of my favorite teachers at Stadium. He challenged me to go beyond the ordinary. He taught me how to write and how to study. His words of wisdom gave me a strong start when I left for college. You never knew what to expect when walking into his English class. I often felt transported beyond the walls of the "brown castle" into Shakespearian England or the jungle island setting of Lord of the Flies. Mr. Minor cared deeply about students and often connected with us by playing jokes on us. We were always excited to learn and that was due to the passion with which he approached his profession. He was a one of a kind and will be missed.
Andrew Way
December 22, 2011
Just learned that one of my favorite teachers passed away... Mike Minor taught me to write as an extension of myself (didn't see a lot of AP teachers challenging kids to "be caustic, be foul, write reality!" as he encouraged me to do) as opposed to plunking down what I thought others wanted to see. And after high school he helped point me to Missoula/The University of Montana when I needed a little direction. Two incredibly influential pieces of what I am today. Thanks, Mr. Minor
December 21, 2011
Betty, I just found out today about Michael's death. I have thought of both of you over the years and regretted that we had lost touch. Blessed Repose and Eternal Memory.
Margaret Loos
Mother M. Ruth Dolch
November 8, 2011
Dearest Betty,
Please accept my deepest sympathy at the death of your husband. Please know that your Visitation Sisters in Tyringham are praying for you and for his repose.
Cindy Funkhouser-Davis
November 2, 2011
Mr. Minor was an amazing teacher, he was one of the few who inspired me to become a teacher as well. I will never forget him throwing erasers at those who dared fall asleep in his class.
Katherine McCracken
October 29, 2011
Late In the summer of 1972, Michael, in his dramatic way, introduced himself to me by phone--the first direct-dialed international call I remember receiving. Charles and I and our kids, after a sabbatical year in Oxford, were finishing off with a month in London, and Michael phoned to tell me, as Betty's closest friend, a thing or two about himself and let me know that he and Betty were about to marry and launch on the first of their own travels abroad. Over the decades since that call, Charles and I have had good times (some some bad) with Michael in Tacoma and Santa Barbara, in Oxford and Paris, in Vienna and Cascais. The last time we saw him and Betty was in Waldport, Oregon, on the evening of the election in 2008. He and Betty drove down from Tacoma, Charles and I drove up from Santa Barbara, and we met and celebrated Obama's victory with a couple of bottles of bubbly at our daughter's house in Waldport. It's hard to take in that we'll never meet Michael again. ~Katherine
Nicoe Dunn Remington
October 28, 2011
To Mr. Minor's family~ There are no words to express my deep sadness for you at this time. You already knew what a special gem he was and his students thank you for allowing us time with him. I always remember my time in his class fondly...
Charles McCracken
October 28, 2011
I knew Michael for almost forty years. He was a Falstaffian figure--quick-witted, enthusiastic, full of strong opinions emphatically expressed, a man of definite likes and dislikes, an indefatigable traveler, a life-long student, always open to and seeking new places, new ideas, new experiences. An unforgetable character, larger than life. I'll miss him.
Laura Beritich-Drahos
October 28, 2011
I will miss Mr. Minor. I really enjoyed his English class when I was at Wilson high school in 77-80. He was a very kind soul. Blessings to him on his newest journey, blessings to his family and friends.~Laura Beritich-Drahos, Tacoma
Mary Benton
October 27, 2011
Dear Mr. Minor,
Unfortunately, I never got to tell you thank you, so I write you this letter now. You saved my life at Stadium. I will never forget the risks you took to show me that there were other gays and lesbians in the world. If it wasn't for your courage and care, I may not be here today. Hopefully, your reading this letter now, and feeling my deep gratitude. Thank you for everything! I know your spirit remains, and you are saving people even now!
nicole halabisky
October 27, 2011
Mr. Minor was a dynamic English teacher at Studium High School. I have fond memories of his classes and the enthusiasm he brought to learning. I vividly remember his witty sense of humor and sarcastic comments on any subject or passing moment. Although he was a tough teacher he obviously cared about his work and impact on his students. He really was an entertainer (not surprised to hear he was a drama major!) and I enjoyed every class I took from him. It was a shock to hear of his sudden death. He will be missed. Condolences to his family.
-Nicole Halabisky, Class of 1991
Ken Perrine
October 25, 2011
I am very sorry to hear of this loss, but very thankful to have been a student with him in a most excellent English class. So many were impacted by his witty character, and his work has gone far beyond the Brown Castle.
Kathi Densley
October 25, 2011
I will always remember Mike as an excellent teacher, one who knew his subject well and who challenged his students to continue to grow as writers and readers, something did himself. Mike encouraged new teachers at Stadium and always praised their work and eagerly shared ideas and plans. When he and I worked on plays together at Stadium, he brought his grand humor to every meeting and rehearsal. Rarely have laughed harder than I did during those times. Mike's love of poetry was inspirational. I remember how much he loved the poem "A Valediction Forbidding Mourning," and I hope that lovely poem will bring you comfort, Betty. I wish Michael peace. "May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
Pat Richmond
October 25, 2011
Mike...unique, talented, dedicated to teaching. May pleasant remembrances sustain family and friends. From a former colleague and grateful parent of one of Mike's many students.
Kyle Prosser
October 25, 2011
Mr Minor, you will be missed greatly. You had my dad in your first year of teaching and I was lucky enough to have you in your last year at Stadium. I still tell stories about how fun your class was 12 years later. You made learning enjoyable. May you rest in peace.
October 25, 2011
As a close friend of Michael for more than twenty years, I find it difficult to accept that such a vital, articulate, and witty person is no longer with us. Michael's dynamism and wicked sense of humor, as well as his knowledge of literature, made him a great companion and comrade. All who had the privilege of knowing Michael will miss him keenly. Steve Harris
Anna Novak
October 25, 2011
I remember bits of what I read in his class. I remember finding it fascinating at the time. But what has stuck with me is what he taught me about life. Most high school teachers teach their subjects, some well, some less well. He never stuck that closely to the lesson plan. I don't remember him giving "advice", but he did explain things about college and the transition to adulthood, in his unique way, that proved more useful than most "advice" I received from others.
Kristen Sokalski (Hull)
October 25, 2011
His passion for literature made everything we learned exciting. Everone wanted to be in his class. I have often over the years refered to him and his amazing approach to teaching. Thank you Mr Minor. Thank you for enriching alll our lives.
Jessica Burton
October 24, 2011
Mr. Minor you will be missed dearly. You helped so many students through your years of teaching that it will have a long and profound effect on them for a very long time to come. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and loved ones at this time of reflection.
Dmitry Yermolayev
October 24, 2011
I will never forget my first introductions to the "Taming of the Shrew", "Hamlet", "Pride and Prejudice", and other classics by Mr. Minor. Thank you, and may you rest in peace.
Liza Magee
October 24, 2011
Mr minor made me smile every day and appreciate learning the whole time... I still tell stories of him and how hard he worked to try to get me over blushing every time anyone said my name:) I have gotten better but I still tell his stories almost 15 years later.... He touched my life as he did many others and his memory will live on:)
Bill Milner
October 24, 2011
Many people that I have a great deal of respect for, have spoken very highly of Mr. Minor's influence on them and I want to convey my sincere sympathies to friends, family and loved ones of Mr. Minor. Surely he will be sorely missed but his spirit lives on in many, many inspired minds that he helped to nurture and expand. ZaragozaBill
Laura (Jenkins) Porter
October 24, 2011
I will always remember Mr Minor with a smile. It's so sad to hear of his passing. I'll never forget how witty and smart he was and that was why we all wanted to be taught by him. Rest in peace.
Kim Winslow
October 24, 2011
One of the best teachers around. You will be missed.
Elizabeth Hemmert
October 24, 2011
Mr. Minor was an excellent English teacher, instilling a love for literature to his students. His humor kept the class engaged in what teenagers might otherwise consider to be dry studies. He will be missed. Thank you for your dedication to your students.
Kasi Walker
October 24, 2011
Mr. Minor was a great teacher. I loved his upbeat personality. He made English class fun and introduced me to my favorite novel, "Pride and Prejudice." Thanks for being a great teacher Mr. Minor. You will be remembered fondly.
Walt Pozgay
October 24, 2011
Mr. Minor was one of the teachers that "got" his students. So sorry to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.
Amy Kristine Ward
October 24, 2011
Mr. Minor was the springboard to a lifetime of love of writing and literature, thanks to his senior AP English class. He was inventive and inspiring, he challenged us to be raw and honest in our work. Because of his influence, many of my peers were prepared for and excelled in our university careers. You will be missed, Mr. Minor, but your light touched so many, and we are all better to have known you.
Sally (Scott) Ulianich
October 24, 2011
He was one of my favorite teachers at Stadium (class of 1998). English was one of my least favorite classes, but he made it so fun for me I chose him as my English teacher for two years. He introduced me to one of my favorite books, The Lord of the Flies. An excellent teacher, he will truly be missed.
December 2010
Jon Perrotti
October 24, 2011
I remember the first day I met Mike Minor shortly after I started teaching at Stadium. From the beginning, I recognized an intense energy and a powerful personality. To build a friendship with this man, one had to be simultaneously genuine and cautious, a difficult mix. Sometimes it was hard to know how to take him. He could have a fearsome ire one day, but come back the next with a new joke. I never even tried to keep up with his wit. His classroom and lesson plans were always immaculate, and his knowledge of his subject was very sharp. He could border on outrageousness with off-handed comments and bold opinions. He was never dull—that much people recognized. I remember the time he described a student who had botched a performance at a school assembly. I half expected him to tease. Instead he described the student with words of empathy and compassion that I have always remembered. It is tough to lose a good friend, but I consider myself lucky to have had Mike’s friendship as part of my own life story.
Brandie King-Omeara
October 24, 2011
One of the greatest teachers of all time... He will defiantly be missed.....
Meegan Thompson
October 24, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Minor's passing. I enjoyed his humor and appreciated his kindness when I was a student in his English class in the 1999-2000 school year. (He always told us the "H" stood for Harold!) He will be greatly missed.
Bernadette Ray
October 23, 2011
Simply the best.
Tom Knoblauch
October 23, 2011
Mr. Minor was such a memorable teacher while I was at Wilson, 1979 to 1982. Being in a Mr. Minor-directed play was truly a fun, if sometimes chaotic, experience! Thank you Mr. Minor for giving me a love of drama and theatre.
October 23, 2011
You will be missed.
Tania Taranovski
October 23, 2011
Mr. Minor was one of my favorite teachers at Stadium. He entertained, he inspired, he introduced us to great literature. He will be missed by so many.
Jason Huntington
October 23, 2011
Thanks for teaching and coaching and directing us, Mr Minor.
Mike Lynn
October 23, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike Minor, my English teacher from Wilson High School. He led me on my first trip abroad to England, introduced me to the literature and drama of Britain, and taught me to love theatre.
Jill Simmons
October 23, 2011
Mr. Minor...you will be missed! I'm so pleased he attended 1989's 20-year reunion and I was priveleged enough great conversation with him, catching up on the past 20 years since I was in his classes...what a fabulous man! Great memories, always remembered. xoxoxo
Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Summer 1981: Mr. Minor as GQ Mode
Margaret Keys
October 23, 2011
Margaret Keys
October 23, 2011
Such an irreverent person with such reverence for humanity, not really caring what others thought yet caring about others so much. I had such a fabulous visit in August, Betty, after nearly 30 years apart. I will miss my dear teacher and friend, and continue keeping you in my prayers.
Kate Nordbye
October 23, 2011
Cousin Mike- you are greatly missed. You were truly one of a kind- an amazing man! Thank you for always making us laugh til it hurt.
October 23, 2011
What will we all do without Michael Minor. His sense of humor and laugh were infectious, and his weekly emails kept my family and I giggling. He was a wonderful man, and I can't believe he's gone. We will all miss him. Fabulous, caring teacher. Intelligent, worldly, brave. He is one of those people that you never forget. So sad. Susan Fairchild
Jill Ann and Jim Shea
October 23, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Betty. Michael would have been so proud of your thoughtfulness in the management of his death. It was a privilege to have worked with Mike. He set such high standards for himself, other teachers and his students. He never taught a unit that he hadn't thouroughly researched. We shared many professional experiences throughout the years, but I actually treasure the times our poetry group met, the best. Mike always brought the best poems to the table. We will miss his opinions, his wit. We will miss him.
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