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STERLING SMITH Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for STERLING SMITH
Joyce Bonvillain
November 16, 2017
"Buns to the back, Sweeties".
I sit here, literally with tears in my eyes for the loss of such a man.
Mr. Smith, as so many others before me here have stated, you were second to none. I have so many memories, so many stories that I could tell. I still have my pop quiz on "the difference between participles and gerunds."
I'll never forget the day you sprung that one one us, having not studied the subject matter. The next day, you sat calmly in your chair, your eyes twinkling as you gave me a simple gesture with your finger to approach the desk. Silently, you handed me my creation. Stunned was I to find your comment at the top, "B. As in your really Bs'd your way through that one."
That was you. The best. You had such humor, patience, class and dignity. Thank you for teaching me about good posture, proper grammar and most of all your friendship. Your light forever shines.
Joyce Bonvillain
Class of 1994
Jeff
March 15, 2017
Just learning about this recently. All I can Say is "That is Bullshirts!" Loved this man and what he brought to the learning experience. Thanks for your many contributions to the lives of others, and making the world a better place.
Mike
February 15, 2017
Now, more than 45 years later, I can still remember him and his class; something I cannot do for most of my teachers from that time. He had style, and I learned a great deal from him. I think it would have pleased him to know that I went on to become a published author and poet.
Barry Peters
January 5, 2017
Mr. Smith (Sterling) not only was a English Teacher but a great inspiration as to why learning was important. His words will be passed down through the ages.
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Jason Alcantara
February 22, 2016
Thank you for taking an interest in my academic career and helping me get to college. Without you I'm not sure I would be where I am in life.
RIP Smitty. Class of 94
Angela Davila
July 25, 2015
Mr. Sterling Smith--How I enjoyed your good company as a teaching colleague at Tyee H. S. You provided creative comic relief in the faculty room as I slaved away grading papers. I remember you taught me to use classical Shakespearean English when I wanted to mouth off about something. You kept me elegant! Thank you sir. And thank you for your open hearted kindness to your students and to me. Your actions spoke volumes in your professional and personal life. I like horses and you invited me and my young daughter to your sumptuous home with horse, paddock and pasture outback. What fun we had petting the horse.
Sterling, you always wore sterling silver. What a man. It just worked!
Love, Angela Davila (Spanish teacher)
July 16, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear of Sterling's passing. When I was a 1st and 2nd year teacher he, more than anyone else, taught me how to teach.
I employed and adjusted to my personal style not only many of his techniques but also several of his actual lessons.
Best technique: Lowering my voice and remaining chillingly calm.
Notable among the lessons, "The Murder of George Washington."
I will remember him always with a smile.
Diana Starr
June 1, 2015
Anyone touched by this man's humanity, grace and patience is forever changed for the better. He was the only HS teacher I remember with any fondness because he sincerely cared, even for students who struggled with the whole high school experience. Thank you Mr. Sterling Smith for being so kind, not only to me but to so many others.
Tammy Johnson
May 24, 2015
Mr. Smith, made learning fun. He was creative, patient and caring.
Cheryl Verschueren
March 26, 2015
I had Mr. Smith in the 9th grade in 1978 and he was a marvel. He would read from a book and you were mesmerize.. I can say he was one of my favorite teachers, but Jem you were my favorite art teacher ever. Was so glad I got to see both of you at the 30 yr reunion of the Class of 81. RIP Mr. Smith, you will be missed.
Lew Vajtai
March 13, 2015
I was truly saddened to hear that Mr. Smith had recently passed away. I graduated from Tyee High School in 1981 and he is the one teacher that I can say without a doubt made the most positive impact on me while I was there. What a great role model he was for both students and teachers alike. It makes me smile that while I write this I suddenly feel the need to carefully look this over for grammatical errors (you did teach me to always strive for excellence and for that I thank you). You sir truly made a difference!
Elsie Cross
February 21, 2015
Jen, we had the pleasure of meeting Sterling and you later in your lives when you were able to enjoy one of your favoriite past times. Gardening , we will forever find new hostas and ferns and think of both of you. Your friends Elsie and Roger Cross
Brandis (Smith) Geddes
February 17, 2015
Mr. Smith motivated students to be better- to not be satisfied to remain status quo. His love of language and literature- (note the alliteration) was truly contagious and never has left me. To this day Medea gives me chills. "What a Woman!" He taught respect and was truly an example for what Educators everywhere should strive to be. He will be missed....
Melody Palmer
February 17, 2015
Mr. Smith was such an influential teacher in my life. He exhibited a caring nature that went far beyond classroom lessons. He inspired me to look at the world differently. Mr. Smith, you will be missed.
Chris Winters
February 16, 2015
Mr. Smith was one of the few teachers that deeply cared about all students and he showed that every day. He made huge impact on my life, thank you. You have touched so many lives, you will be missed.
Thank you again Mr. Smith
April McKenna
February 16, 2015
Mr. Smith was an amazing teacher. He talked about the Tutor Dynasty like he was a part of it and really made literature and history interesting. I tell the stories of learning from him to my kids. His legacy will live on for generations to come. My deepest condolences to the ones he's left behind.
Doug McClure
February 16, 2015
Prayers and condolences to all touched by his life. If you would like to see what his students think to this day of the great man remembered here check out the Tyee High School Memorial Page on Facebook. Where we have all been pouring out our love for this man. I still judge all my writings by what he would think.
Sandy Adams
February 15, 2015
Not enough can be said about how much I learned from this man. Such a blessing to so many people. Rest in Peace Mr. Smith. You did great!
February 15, 2015
Mr. Smith was my 9th grade English teacher in 1974. He was an amazing teacher that worked hard to introduce us to the world of literature. I certainly appreciate all of his efforts on our behalf. I still lean up the things he taught us about poetry stays with today. Thank you for sharing him with us.
God bless you during this difficult time.
Peace.
Barbara Brennan Wu
Gina Gauger- Soocey
February 15, 2015
Mr. Smith was an amazing teacher and made me excited to tackle challenging books. My condolences go to his family and friends. Many students were touched by his dignity and love of literature.
Valanne MacGyvers
February 15, 2015
I will always remember Mr. Smith with fondness, he was a good teacher, but more importantly, he was a good friend to my mother Eulene, whom most will remember as Mrs. Henderson. I will never forget him getting all bothered about the vocabulary words I brought to class in the 8th grade. I suppose 'philanderer' was a bit racy. RIP Stirling, You did well and you made a difference.
Irene Rosen
February 15, 2015
Mr. Smith, you were one of my favorite teachers ever. Your humor and inspiration were key as I worked to master English as my second language. Rest in peace... You are one of a kind. And yes... Not is an adverb!
Michael Ishii
February 15, 2015
Jern,
I want to offer you condolences on behalf of my entire family. You and Sterling taught many of us and the care and consideration that you both offered so openly- that our young lives mattered to you- was rare and wonderful. Your relationship was always a proud one in a time when it was not easy to be visible. Brave, generous, and hopeful. Every time I have read a poem in the New Yorker I think of him- and I probably will for the rest of my life. I was not surprised to learn that you both cared for many people suffering from HIV/AIDS. Sterling was such a good man and alive in a way that was rare, and I wish I'd offered my appreciation when he was alive because he offered me nothing but kindness and understanding. So I offer it now:
Thank you, Dear Sir...Rest in Peace.
Peace and Love to your family and beloveds,
Michael Ishii
Phillip Smith
February 15, 2015
Mr. Smith was by far my favorite teacher at Tyee. He taught us way more than just english literature. He showed us how to respect one another, approach situations with grace and humor and to tie a half windsor! Thank you Mr. Smith rest well.
Mary Yonek
February 15, 2015
Mr. Smith was an amazing teacher! I learned analysis and critical thinking in his class -- skills that have helped me throughout my education, career and life.
February 15, 2015
Mr. Smith was one of the best teachers I ever had, truly one of a kind.
Lisa McLoughlin
Cindy Barnes Spradlin
February 15, 2015
I will always remember a very proper, yet down-to-earth, well dressed man who would, every morning, greet me with a respectful nod and "Good Morning" and his heartwarming smirk when I would respond with a bubbly "Hi!"
February 15, 2015
You made a huge difference in my life, and not just because I know "not" is an adverb, nor that I twitch when I say "yeah" instead of "yes." You are one of the few teachers I remember so well and so positively. Thank you so much for everything.
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