William D. Reish

I remember Mr. Reish as my English teacher, a tireless builder of stages and sets for the school's many plays, and a friend. He excelled at all three. My last conversation with him was just as lively as my first, over four decades earlier: full of colorful stories and good-natured humor. I will miss his wit and kindness.

Detroit's own Marvelettes sang a song called "Don't Mess with Bill." In fact, when it came to William Reish, you could mess with Bill: his lively sense of humor allowed him to engage in all sorts of badinage with colleagues. But add a phrase to the song title, and you come to a truth about him: "Don't mess with Bill's school." To his great credit, he had no sense of humor whatsoever about that. As others have said, Greenhills would not be Greenhills without him. -- Dick Tobin

So very sorry to see this sad news. Mr. Reish was such an inspiring teacher and changed so many young lives. I suspect many of us alumni have wonderful memories of our classes with him.

His guidance, kindness, and warmth made my Greenhills experience all the more enriching and joyful. It was such a privilege to be mentored by him.

To this day, I never write "due to." It's always "because of" or "as a result of." Mr. Reish taught me in 8th grade that "due to" was awkward and less correct! Another example of the lastly impact of his legacy.

When I think of Bill, I see his wide smile and welcoming manner. He represents the heart of Greenhills. I still feel his presence in the building. My condolences to Loraine and the whole family. Jane Bridges

One of the nicest and kindest teachers I ever had. In his honor, I hope I remember this definition correctly. Irony: a mode of perception in which two or more views of the same thing exist; one is limited, the other (or others), less limited. John Greeno, '76

I'm so sorry to hear this news. I have always been forever grateful to Mr. Riesh for everything he taught us. Maybe not grateful before class at Greenhills when I knew we'd be writing Precis! But I know my gratitude started in college with my first term paper assignments. I remember other people freaking out. I may have worried about time constraints, but I never worried about process, ever, thanks to Mr. Reish It is with the utmost respect for Mr. Riesh that I am nervously signing off...

Rain, wind, and snow were never able to keep Mr. Reish from standing in front of Greenhills greeting us with a wave a warm smile during the morning drop off time during the years I attended. I also had the great pleasure of having him lead my advisory group in 9th grade. Such a kind and wonderful person. Sending my thoughts to the Reish family during this time of grieving.