William Douglas Spear

Doug was a good teacher, good coach, and one of the great ones among the many who cared at Eastern Oregon. Easily described as an intellect, Doug never lost his humanity for his guidance of students. He also had a leading role in development of "distance learning" which benefitted many scared about eastern Oregon and beyond. Jeff Ford '56

Mary Ann--
I never dreamed my last contact with the Spear family would be the day you provided music at my wedding 32 years ago. Somehow I was confident I'd be running into the two of you again somewhere down the line. Dr. Spear was a model for me in my own teaching career, as well as the subject of many fond reminiscenses. The man himself is gone, but his generosity of spirit will long remain.

Bob and I were sorry to read about Dr. Spear's passing. His picture and obituary brought back fond memories of challenging times while at EOC. We send our hope that his family will be comforted by the impact he made on the many students he taught as he provided an exemplary example of a teacher's ability to influence others in a profound way.
Evadne Kelsoe Woodside

Mary Ann & family:

What a loss. You don't meet that many men in your lifetime with such warmth and intellect....and what remarkable accomplishments! The world is truly better for his having been here.

Bill and Jodi Hermann
La Grande and Gleneden Beach, Oregon

Dr. Spear was hands down the best professor I had as a freshman in 1954-55 at EOSC. he opened my eyes to the Social Sciences. As an idealistic freshman from a tiny town in eastern Oregon, I always appreciated his gentle way of teaching. His exams were tough, but I understood them and excelled there. He and Maryanne were important to me in church also, they were glamorous and very "with it" in my eyes.

Doug's family and friends,
Sorry to read about Doug's passing. Karen and will add you to our prays. We are sorry for your loss.

I was so sorry to hear of 'Daddy Doug's' passing. I appreciated him as a wonderful lecturer and a family friend.

I'm sorry that we lost touch with your family. Unfortunately, my mother, Georgia Osterholme Smith Anderson, passed away in January. It is hard to lose family and friends.

My best to all of the family, particularly Mary Ann.

In 1958, upon my return from the Army I became a student of Dr. Spear's. I was married, living in the basement apartment of Dr. Lyle Johnson the Dean of Men and School Registrar.

Dr. Spear was, without doubt, one of the key teachers in my educational journey, which became a winding road that took me from EOC to Berkley and on to U. of Okla. In many respects he taught me how to think and then, even more important, how to use and verbalize that knowledge. He was kind, but demanding,...