William Harroun Behle Ph.D.

My favorite uncle. I continue to miss him and his wonderful sense of humor.

Dear Ray, Sue and Family,
Our thoughts are with you.
Though we didn't know your father personally, we enjoyed hearing endearing and warm stories (sometimes gently tweaked with humor).
His life was long and accomplished. He leaves a wonderful legacy, both professionally, and in his progeny.

Dr. Behle was a patient at an office I worked at several years ago and I remember how sweet he was. He had such a lovely smile and such a wonderful spirit. Thank you, Dr. Behle for that! Peace be with you and your family.

Dr. Behle was a wonderful professor. I was one of his Ornithology students in 1964. He was inspiring and filled enthusiasm with his life work in birds. I am so fortunate to have known him.

Uncle Bill was really special and I was so lucky to get to know him better when Dad moved back to SLC. I will always remember the two of us packing up Dad's things for his last move. Every summer, Bill was first on my "To do" list. Thanks for the memories and all my love to Howard, Raymond and your families.
Your cousin, Marcia

As I majored in biology at the University of Utah, I met Dr. Behle who became a special teacher, mentor, and friend to me. His caring, kind manor, sense of humor and enthusiasm for sharing his love of birds was infectious. I fondly remember the special 'birding' field trips we shared, and the many hours I spent with him and his bird specimens.

His example was had a positive impact on my career as a teacher of biology and geology at East High, across the street from his home on 8th South.

For the family, just know what an example and influence for good Dr. Behle's life was.

Sincerely,

Ivan Dyreng

Wow! What a man! He was always "Uncle Bill" to me. His wife, "Aunt Dorothy," was my father's cousin. I loved visiting them in Salt Lake City. Each visit I wanted to go to the university to see "the birds in the drawers."

I enjoyed my time with Howard and "Duke," roller-skating on the sidewalks and going to the canyon for a picnic. My most vivid memory was harvesting night crawlers and dissecting them on the sidewalk.

We enjoy and appreciate seeing Howard and Kirby here in California for occasions both sad and happy. I'm really sad today because I expected to celebrate May 13, 2009 in Salt Lake. He was such a great man I wanted him to make it to 100.

Thank you all for his being able to stay in their home.

Much love,

Nancy Randall Ruzicka

It was Dr. Behle's general biology course for non-majors that enticed this chemistry major to change his mind and become a biologist, a decision he has never regretted in the more than half-century since. Dr. Behle was truly beloved and respected by all of us who knew him as undergraduate and graduate students. He was one of the greats in Utah biology—a great teacher, researcher, and wise friend of his students. We are all the poorer for his passing.

Dear Behle Family,

I remember well the three biology classes I took from Dr. Behle in 1956 as a freshman at the University of Utah. He was one of the most outstanding teachers I have had the good fortune to find. For years afterward, I kept in casual touch with him, and became a birdwatcher as a result of interest he inspired in me. He leaves a great legacy. I'm truly sorry that he is gone, and his talents will be missed.

It was always so interesting to be with Bill Behle. He had a long and wonderful life.
Betty Kennedy, Jim Kennedy, and Sue Kennedy Wingard

I am a great-great grand nephew, I think, and I am studying Wildife Biology at the University of Montana. I was extremely impressed reading about the work Dr. Behle has done in the field of Ornithology. The dedication and work running a Biological department and the Audubon Society in Utah speaks to his commitment. A truely amazing academic career.

Ray & Susan:

I'm sorry for your loss. It's been many years since we've seen each other but I have good memories of our friendship while we attended the U and my visits to the "cabin" in Brighton. I'm retired and living my dream in my "cabin" in a ski town. Again, I'm sorry for your loss. Take Care.