It’s a testament to Ray Harriman’s influence on his students’ lives that many of them will attend the celebration of his own life tonight.

Those students remember him as caring and supportive, and able to engage their interest because he was passionate about the subjects he taught. He also was a dedicated coach.

The death of a teacher may be a new kind of loss for young people, because he was involved in their lives voluntarily, not as a family member or a peer but through his commitment to students and learning.

To have someone like that in their lives is a great inspiration; to lose him is a harsh blow. Even now, Harriman can teach them about dedication and about living one’s life with intention and energy – important lessons to learn, even in such a difficult way.

Condolences to Harriman’s wife and son, and to his co-workers, and to the much wider circle of people whose lives he has touched. He will be missed by many.