Kenneth Franklin Spoor

Sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Spoor. During my time with him at HRA I really disliked him as he was a hard teacher and I didn't understand a great deal of what he was doing. Later in life I realized that the lessons he taught me were some of the most valuable; specifically how to think and to effectively convey those thoughts in writing. This gift he gave meant far more to my life and career than any math or science skills! He will be missed!

Dear All,
I was saddened to hear of Mr. Spoor's death. He was truly one of the most inspirational people I have ever encountered. His challenging, thoughtful and exciting classes will be with me always.
Sincerely,
Chris Vulpe

Dear Mrs. Spoor, Cornelia, Victoria, and Jan,
I just read today about your loss and wanted to express my deepest sympathy. I feel very lucky that I decided to return to HRA last October (for the first time in twenty or so years) and had the opportunity to spend some time with Mr. Spoor at the Alumni cocktail party. I was delighted that he remembered me; he, of course, was a teacher that I could never forget. Reading Susan Smith's message reminded me of those journals he had us use. While...

Dear Mrs. Spoor, Cornelia, Victoria and Jan,

I just read about Mr. Spoor's death today and am so very sad and sorry for your loss. For many years I have been running into Mr. and Mrs. Spoor around the peninsula and somehow always thought that would go on forever. Mr. Spoor(and Mrs. Spoor) would always greet me with such warmth and heartfelt feeling: I always walked away beaming actually believing all the nice things he would tell me.

He (and all of you) will always be a fond...

Dear Family,

I just learned of Kenneth's passing yesterday. I have such fond memories of our times together working at On the Hill and later at Blue Skies Gallery. The work day went by swiftly with such good company. The interest we shared in printing, calligraphy, photography, and archival preservation was special. I knew no others with whom I could share my excitement over a really good sheet of paper.

Dee and I send our love and best wishes,

Dixon Withers-Julian

I was so fortunate as to be able to spend several days with Dad last month, and talk and laugh about old times, and I can say, he never forgot a single one of us. He championed those who had to try harder.

Thanks for your kind thoughts.

Victoria Spoor

Dear Family,

I was shocked today to hear of Mr. Spoor's death. His venomous glare (purely theatrical, in retrospect, of course), never to strike another unruly 9th grader? His approving smile never to be bestowed again?

I constantly credit Mr. Spoor with my interest in the written word. In the 9th grade, I reluctantly kept the journal that he mandated, periodically collected, and commented on. I wanted, I discovered, to please him. I continued writing in those grey, blue-lined,...

Mr. Spoor was the most influential teacher in my life. He was tough but fair. I always characterized him as the Professor Kingsfield (ref The Paperchase) of HRA. I even named my cat Franklin!

Lee Matney and I barely got through his classes (the 3 times we had him), watching the clock come to a standstill. Years later, Mr. Spoor featured Lee's works in his Hampton gallery. It was great to see Lee, Mr. Spoor, and his plaid jacket in the same room again.

Cornelia and Victoria,

My memories of you are filled with deep affection. And your father was the best teacher I’ve ever had. He was witty, inspiring, and so marvelously challenging. His book choices for summer reading and for classes were extraordinary, and he changed my life because of them. He taught me to read intelligently, he taught me to write, and he demonstrated such devotion to teaching. Be proud of him and yourselves.

With love,
Kim Sands