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Teacher mourned by community | Statesman Journal | statesmanjournal.com
South Salem High School students and staff members are mourning the Friday death of American Sign Language teacher Fred Farrior, 64.
Principal David Phelps said the family notified the school when Farrior went into the hospital May 26.
"We did deliver that message (to students)," Phelps said.
Phelps didn't elaborate on what health issues had sent Farrior to the hospital.
On Tuesday, students in Farrior's two classes learned that he died. Grief counselors were on hand for the students.
"They were certainly affected by his passing," Phelps said. "The kids are ... being real strong and supporting each other."
Phelps described Farrior, who was born deaf, as warm, welcoming and patient — especially with Phelps' basic sign language skills.
"We had a strong relationship," he said.
Farrior had been teaching with the district since 2003, the year he retired from teaching at the Oregon School for the Deaf. He also taught part time at Linfield College.
He taught ASL to high school and college students in the Mid-Willamette Valley as well as to adults. He was instrumental in having ASL accepted as an option for second-language college admission requirements in Oregon.
Although Farrior was well known for teaching sign language, he also taught graphic arts and photography, and coached sports during his 28 years at OSD.
"He was well-respected in the community," Phelps said.
Phelps said that about 30 students in the American Sign Language Club are discussing ways to honor Farrior.
"Students have all kinds of ideas on how to pay special tribute," he said.
To finish the school year, Phelps said that the school will bring in a substitute to teach the ASL classes.
South Salem High School students and staff members are mourning the Friday death of American Sign Language teacher Fred Farrior, 64.
Principal David Phelps said the family notified the school when Farrior went into the hospital May 26.
"We did deliver that message (to students)," Phelps said.
Phelps didn't elaborate on what health issues had sent Farrior to the hospital.
On Tuesday, students in Farrior's two classes learned that he died. Grief counselors were on hand for the students.
"They were certainly affected by his passing," Phelps said. "The kids are ... being real strong and supporting each other."
Phelps described Farrior, who was born deaf, as warm, welcoming and patient — especially with Phelps' basic sign language skills.
"We had a strong relationship," he said.
Farrior had been teaching with the district since 2003, the year he retired from teaching at the Oregon School for the Deaf. He also taught part time at Linfield College.
He taught ASL to high school and college students in the Mid-Willamette Valley as well as to adults. He was instrumental in having ASL accepted as an option for second-language college admission requirements in Oregon.
Although Farrior was well known for teaching sign language, he also taught graphic arts and photography, and coached sports during his 28 years at OSD.
"He was well-respected in the community," Phelps said.
Phelps said that about 30 students in the American Sign Language Club are discussing ways to honor Farrior.
"Students have all kinds of ideas on how to pay special tribute," he said.
To finish the school year, Phelps said that the school will bring in a substitute to teach the ASL classes.