David Paul Behan

@Trish Dale: Oh my goodness! Finally, someone else who remembers THAT Dr. Behan. I have been surrounded for many months by several wonderful women who knew him in later, post-smoking in class, days. In cleaning out his office last week, I found "the shell" and immediately took it. I knew no one else would want it, or consider it meaningful, but it was THE symbol of the teacher who so inspired me and broadened by thinking. I cannot picture how he lectured when they took away his precious...

My memories of Dr. Behan are from the Philosophy classes I took at Agnes Scott College in the 70's. At first, I took Philosophy as a lark, to fill a slot in my schedule. But I learned so much from him, and took as many classes as I could from him. The Existence of God was my favorite, and I still quote him to this day. My memories of him would not be complete without the cigarettes he chain smoked and the shell he carried at all times while he was teaching so he could flick his ashes in...

Dr. David Behan was a brilliant academic and an inspiring professor. He managed to teach me more about philosophy and life in general than any other human on this planet. He was much more than my professor - he was a true friend and he profoundly changed the course of my life. I am honored and humbled that he was my mentor and remained my dear friend long after graduation. There are simply not words that can adequately convey how much I will miss him.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love of God, family and friends. Psalms 91:2

RIP to one of the best and toughest teachers in my life. He was an eccentric and didn't wear shoes only socks, but wore 2 watches and handed out candy in class. He wouldn't let you take notes because you were expected to listen and think. I wrote a paper of John Locke not reading the book and got an F from him that I deserved. I had to go to him and beg to pass and we struck a deal. I promised that I would never miss class (and I was a graduating senior and my final semester) and I would...

He was a good hearten man full of knowledge. i wished i had more conversations about his past as to they were always interesting. Professor knew how he wanted things and was sure to have it his way. he was determined and trust worthy. It was my pleasure being his caregiver. William

Smoke a Lucky for me, Dave. You were not one of the best; you were the best. I loved every bit of work you dragged out of me...and I still open garlic cloves like you taught me.

Like any great professor, he opened my mind in a way words cannot convey. He was everything a college professor should be, and every student who studied from him is the better for having learned from the best.

MAY THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT, COMFORT YOU AT THIS TIME OF SORROW.