William I. Shorrock

I was honored to have Dr. Shorrock as one of my professors in 1977 as I worked toward my M.A. in History. As a teacher myself who just recently retired after 36 years, I tremendously enjoyed his classes after a long day at a junior high school. Then later as a high teacher of AP United States History and Global History, I used a great deal that he taught us in class and thought of him fondly throughout the years and aspired to be as inspirational as he was. So I was saddened to see that...

Marjorie, I now live in Costa Rica and just learned of Bill's passing. My condolences to you and your family. A big loss for CSU, Cleveland, and the Denison University Class of 63

As Bill's roommate for a number of French Colonial Historical Society meetings, I reckon I slept with him more than anyone other than Marge. What a guy! Affable, easy going, good humored and so obviously devoted to his family. I will miss him so much. My sincerest condolences, Marge.

I will send official condolences on behalf of the French Colonial Historical Society through other channels. But I want to share my memories of Bill's warmth, humor and kindness, qualities all too rare in some reaches of the academe. Thank you, Bill, for your support of younger scholars and for making the world you touched a better place. To Marge and the rest of Bill's family, I am very sorry for your loss.

Dear Marge and Family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. Bill and I shared an office suite and an administrative assistant for three years. He was a wise counselor, hard worker and a skilled negotiator. His wit, irreverent droll humor and free spirit helped make working at CSU a delightful experience. I treasure the time spent in his company and I will treasure his memory. My deepest sympathy to you and the family.

Dear Marjorie and Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I remeber Bill as a wonderful faculty person and administrator and enjoyed working with him.
Hannelore B. Rader (Louisville, KY)

What a beautiful memorial service held Tuesday at Cleveland State. Although I first met Bill last year, the words and tributes from family, friends and colleagues touched my heart and painted a picture of a truly genuine and kind human being. The words from his son, David, were especially touching. Dad and Mom must be so proud. On behalf of the CSU Advancement Division, our prayers are with you at this time of great loss.

Dear Bill's family .
I knew Bill in a variety of capacities .He was my prof in 1973, he was a colleague at the University and he was a wonderful person in all. I last saw him in October on Constitution Day, and told him he was in my prayers. He kinda reminded me of Lou Gehrig in his brave acceptance of what was to come. Because his speech that day was upbeat he made many of us in the audience proud to know him I'll always treasure having known him, and for the light he brought into so many...

I have many warm memories of Bill that go back to grade school in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and include the first two years of his graduate work at the University of Wisconsin. I can readily recognize him in the glowing descriptions by people who have known him in recent years. My heart goes out to his family, colleagues, and students who have had this honorable, good-humored, and good-hearted person taken from them.