Talk:Herbert Spiers: November 8, 1945-March 2, 2011

Comments on Herbert Spiers: November 8, 1945-March 2, 2011

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DennisS said ...

11:47, 23 March 2011 (EST)

Herb added fun, stimulated knowledge and provided support when most needed. So much of significance was shared in a relatively short time, he remains a constant presence in my life.

victor wexler said ...

16:27, 25 March 2011 (EST)

This is truly an enormous loss. I admired Herb for his quick, if sometimes caustic, wit. His great intellengence and genrousity. He was the best party giver in town. If a friend had something to celebrate, his loft became filled with a joyus crowd and he appeared in fabullous drag. What touched me most about herb at the time and still does now was his unswerving loyalty to friends in trouble. When we all started dying in droves, Herb provided true care and support even to the end. Indeed, he mastered the art of the sensitive but remarkably non-morose funeral oration. Somehow he managed to console us and engouraged us to go on. A real inspiration. He belongs with the angels.

Bill and Kathy Ubbing said ...

15:46, 10 April 2011 (EST)

Mr. Spiers was our Freshman History teacher at Bishop Watterson High School in 1968-1969. Both Bill and I went on to finish high school, college (he @U of ND and I @ OSU). This morning we read of Herbert's death we send our prayers to his dear friends and family. Both of us agreed almost instantly that "Mr. Spiers" was one of those few and far between wonderful teachers. He was an inspired speaker and passionate about American History. We will never forget him and his talent took him very far in his life.

Most sincerely, Bill and Kathryn Ubbing 2030 Langham Road

Columbus, OH 43221

Mary McEwan Schneider said ...

09:08, 11 April 2011 (EST)

I had Mr. Spiers for my l969 POD class. I remember he allowed the class to take over one day. We were allowed 15 mintues to say or do whatever(within reason)we thought would be educational and interesting. The Phil Donahue Show was very popular at the time so I decided to run my own style of that show. I asked some thought provoking questions and got some amazing revealing answers. Herb was VERY complimentary. He went as far as to write me a letter encouraging me to pursue broadcasting. What a wonderful boost for a very insecure young girl. Such a GREAT teacher and good man. God rest his soul.

Susanf said ...

19:28, 12 April 2011 (EST)

I was one of the lucky students at Watterson High School, for Herb was both my history AND government teacher. He stirred a consciousness within that I didn't know could exist at 16 or 17 years of age. I went to college at Kent State, and because of Herbie, I had the courage to become involved in many social movements of that time. I am deeply sorry that I lost track of him, especially since I now know that he and my son both were living in NYC at the same time. I would have loved to reconnect! Herb will always have a special place in my heart. My heartfelt condolences to his many friends and family. Susan Sweeney Foley

Molly Logsdon Salcone said ...

08:27, 13 April 2011 (EST)

I was a member of Mr Spiers' POD class at WHS 1968/69. I remember that he treated each of us with respect and required we treat each other and each other's opinions with respect also. He treated us as the adults we were becoming, an unusual concept at the time. All students should be blessed with that experience.

John Duffey said ...

10:29, 13 April 2011 (EST)

Herb was the best teacher I ever had. I was in his Principle of Democracy class as a senior at Watterson HS in '69. He treated each of us as adults and individuals -- something we weren't used to at WHS. He used Socratic pedagogy to make us think and write, not merely recite facts and events. We sensed where he might be on an issue, but he encouraged us to look to our values and take another position as long as that was defensible. I spoke with him a couple of years ago and was able to let him know that I appreciated what he'd done for me and that's what led me to find him on the net. The world is much better for all you did, Herb.

Jryan3@wideopenwest.com said ...

06:19, 14 April 2011 (EST)

From Hebie I learned to be tolerant and nonjudgemental. His influence upon my life is beyond estimation. From his example I learned self acceptance, and that it is okay to be different . He possessed an incredible intellect, and an expansive open mind that encouraged those of us fortunate enough to know him to explore not only ourselves but the world around us. A tremendous loss!

lgodby said ...

21:28, 14 April 2011 (EST)

Thank you to all the students who left messages. He always spoke with such pride of the young adults he had the honor of instructing. He would truly appreciate your words. I think as he grew older that he longed to go back to teaching.