5/09/2010

Calamity on Block Island

Block Island suffered a huge disaster yesterday morning. Our History teacher at the school Mr William,(Bill) Young had an apparent major heart attack and died at his home on the mainland. This man was only 47 years old, a virtual child from my vantage point.

He was a bastion of rational thought, an uncommon trait these days. He was a conservative person in his political leanings and no matter how much I tried to pressure him into imparting his views too the children that came through his classroom, he wouldn't do that out right. He told me one time that he would, "present certain material to a class in its correct form, as it actually happened in history, ask a few questions of the students to get them truly thinking and invested in the subject, and then let them come to their own conclusions." He would answer their queries in a straightforward manner with out injecting his own personal feelings into the answer. He is and was the epitome of a VERY GOOD, OUTSTANDING, teacher!

Everyone at the BI School, this whole community, and of course his family will miss him immensely. We have lost a great friend, Father, and an unparralled teacher.

Rest in Peace Bill, and if you run across Ronald Reagan or W.F. Buckley say hi for me. THEY are in good company!! TIFN

5 comments:

Old NFO said...

Thoughts and prayers for the family, and the students. The good ones are dying WAY too young!

Unknown said...

You know... I didn't know him all that well, and I never had him as a teacher, but everyone I know, including my own daughter, has nothing but heaps of praise for his classroom demeanor.
I know how an event like this hits home on Block Island & you are all in my thoughts.
Julia was showing me a picture of Bill's classroom & pointed out a picture of Ronald Reagan & said something like, "that was his favorite person." I thought: not bad. Not bad at all.
I know he'll be missed. Thanks for your kind words about him. Good to read.

Rick said...

Bill and I were High School classmates and even though it's been quite sometime since we last go together, I was sad to hear the news. He as a very good classmate and we had some really good times growing up. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. I lost my brother a few years ago and know the pain family members experience. Remember the laughs and he will always be by your side. If anyone has information re: the funeral services, I would appreciate that information. I'm from out of town.
Thanks

Everett said...

Hi Rick, Just got your comment on the blog. Here is the info for the funeral. It will be at 1000 AM ,Saturday, May 15th, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 275 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown, RI. Burial will be in Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton Mass. Hope this will reach you in time to make any plans you may have. I have known Bill for the 20 years he was a teacher here on BI, and you will find precious few people in this world who could compare with him! We miss him dearly.

Home on the Range said...

I'm so sorry to hear that. Why it is the truly extraordinary are often taken early. My thoughts to all of you and those that will miss his example.