Richard Shearer Obituary

I was an avid art student and this many years later still think of him often and fondly. His guidance and talent enabled me to win a national award in art and still enjoy drawing, painting, sculpting, throwing pottery etc. I miss you now and always! Sue Stack Coffman, '72

I had mr. Shearer for photography. & jewelry class .. he was an awesome teacher/ human being rip mr.shearer

Dear Carrie and Family, My sympathy goes out to Richard's devoted family, friends, and former students. I was saddened to hear of the passing of Richard. Last year, my Native American Flute Circle played for Richard and his family and Richard's caretakers. There was such an aura surrounding Richard.The peace and serenity, of that day, was so healing for all who were present. Richard seemed to be enjoying the sounds of the different flutes. There was a sense that whatever was going to take place in the future, for Richard, he was prepared for the "next level" of his journey. The devotion and compassionate care, that Richard received from his family and caretakers, were so tender and so precious even to an "outsider!" The love that surrounded Richard could be felt as my flute circle and myself played our flutes. Well, now the high heavens are embracing a man who lived life to the fullest surrounded by people who loved and respected Richard in a heartfilled kind of way.
Blessings of comfort, strength, courage and healing, Chaplain Carole

My sympathy to the family.
Dick was the best man at my wedding, to Bruce Sheriff. He was a kind and gentle soul and we thought a lot of him. Hopefully he and Bruce are talking over old times. (Bruce passed away 10/19/11)May the Lord comfort you at this time and give you peace.

I had him for ceramics and he just let us use our imagination and run with it!! class of '77 The world has definately lost a true pure spirit!! My prayers are with his family So sorry for your loss!!!

Huge sadness to hear that this great human being is not between us anymore.
I had the enormous pleasure to be his student at Portage high school in 92, as an exchange student.
Could also continue to have the happiness to be his friend some of the times I have visited Portage again.
God will certainly be delighted to have his nobel presence around.
Love

Mr Shearer was one of my favorite teachers, too. Ceramics and photography were outlets for creating and capturing some of life's most beautiful things and moments. He was generous and kind and encouraging. Sad to know he's gone, but he lives on in those he taught. Thank you, sir. Be at peace.

What a great teacher. I took his class for as many semesters as I could because he was a great teacher. He had a great sense of humor and would tell you like it was. He will be missed.

Mr.Shearer you will be truly missed. Always had a ball in your pottery class. I have many memories of my time at P.H.S. and best of all i still have pieces of pottery that you helped me make. love Karen L Herron "82"............. England

Wow, how to some up my feelings for such an amazing man in words?!? First I'm a 1998 graduate and not only did I take his classes I was his T.A. for three years. We became very close; he retired when we graduated and I'd tease him it was because I was awesome he couldn't possibly want to teach without me! My friends and I would hang out at his house and we shared some awesome memories. We stayed in contact until I moved and he became ill and moved in with his daughter. I send my condolences to his family and I hope you know how special he was to his students. I even got the pleasure of meeting your lovely mom. The earth got a little dimmer for sure on his passing........much love sent your way.



Keely (Mead) Newbeck , Kentwood,MI

Wonderful man and teacher. Encouraged his students to try different things. Love his photography class at PHS.

Mr. Shearer taught in the Adult Education Program at PHS. As a creamics instructor he was superb and taught me the craft beyond the basics. He related to his students, especially the younger ones, with patience but determination, and we learned. I was an older student and there only as a hobbyist student. But I'm sure he saved some peoples futures.
His devotion to his wife was always evident. When it was time to head home, he went regardless of invitations from some of the older students to go for coffee. I have added a photo from class as he showed us the basics of throwing a pot on the wheel.
Prayers and blessings to his family and all who loved him.

So many tributes to a wonderful teacher! My years in his classes (PHS '72-'75) were blessed with his art teaching, but even more with his willingness to listen, offering insight in non-judgemental ways that actually made a stubborn teenager take notice of the adult point of view. Some of my best memories of him are from time spent @ county fairs doing pottery demonstrations. I too was given his advice about "Marrying someone for their eyes...the window to their soul". He didn't hesitate to talk about his love for his wife & daughters. My heartfelt condolences to his family as they celebrate the legacy of this giving man.

Very blessed to have had Mr. Shearer for a teacher. His classes were the best part of my high school experience and the best part of my day. Photography and Art became my passion with his guidance. What an amazing thing to have inspired so many people. Prayers to his family. Thanks for sharing. Tonja Murray ( Simons) class of 82.

Mr Shearer touched my immensely as a teacher. I'm a graduate of 1985. In art class he thought me to take time to be creative and enjoy it. He kept one of my art pieces. It was a wax and dye project with a bird flying over the ocean and its reflection. He was one of my most favorite teachers.

HE was a great man and teacher, i had him for art at PHS.always had a smile when you came into class. he will be greatly missed. prayers to his family

I was so honored to meet Mr Shearer. I wasnt a student of Mr Shearer . I was his caregiver. I was a lost and sad individual . I was blessed to be around a wonderful Husband , father and a great man. Mr Shearer listen to all my thoughts and inspired me to pursue music . I would like to thank Mr Shearer for inspiring me to follow my dreams . I will never forget him . he will truly be missed.

There are certain individuals that are more than mere educators. They are mentors, inspiring one to be their greatest, aiding them in their discovery of self, and changing their life in the process of shaping it.

This was such an individual. He was not only my teacher but my fathers and siblings teacher as well.
He made me see myself worthy of anything and everything I set my mind at. He helped my self esteem, at a time when it was most fragile.

He taught not only the textbook art, but practical uses for art in everyday life. His stories in the classroom about his everyday life inspired me. He spoke about growing up, about marriage, children, all while shaping a pinch pot, forming a wax cast for a jewelry piece, setting up that perfect shot with his animals that he brought into the school for a portrait day in photo, even while painting something that came to mind. His approach to ceramics, for example, taught respect, responsibility, and real life moments...it was hands on, all hands on deck, sink, swim, struggle, succeed. It was no mere classroom when you walked into Mr. Shearer's room. It was "Welcome to life 101". If someone didn't take away a life altering experience in his classroom, that would be a grand shock.

Having had the rare privilege to associate outside of class after I graduated was the most humbling honour.
I discovered his approach to life was as splendid as his approach to teaching, devoting time and energy into helping everyone that he could, and all this while caring for his beloved wife who was ill, and inspiring future generations to be great.

If I could distill his philosophy into a single sentence; it would be, "Live life fully with dignity, respect, honour, and believe in yourself."

The world has lost a great. You will be missed and remembered as long as your students live and pass on your teachings, for that is your well-deserved legacy.

Thank you, and God bless you eternally for being who you are.

I had photography with Mr. Shearer at PHS 89/90 I still have the photos from class he really got me interested in Photography such a great teacher Condolences to his family

Mr. Shearer was my absolute favorite PHS teacher. He was always so encouraging. I've thought of him often in the past 45 years.

My most favorite teacher. Not only was he a great support for young minds and an excellent art teacher, Mr. Shearer said something that has always stuck with me: He said "Always marry someone for their eyes, for they are the window to the soul. Everything else ages and goes: looks, the body, etc... but the eyes never change....I love my wife's eyes". His wife was ill and he was caring for her when he said this in 1987...he loved her so. What a great man. God Bless you Mr. Shearer...Thank you for the memories

My thoughts, and prayers ,go out to the Family,friends,and loved ones.Leo T.Hatch,Jr.,Managing Broker for Portage Real Estate,Inc.,(219)762-2186 office.03/20/13.

My thoughts to the family.....I have such wonderful memories of him and it is because of him I am an artist today. He was a very good teacher and I will never forget him.

So sad to hear, he was a great man and teacher. He claimed me as a granddaughter he knew I had a tough time. He often crossed my mind Portage got lucky to have him as a teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten.

Love and missed

Mr. Shearer was my all-time favorite teacher and likely the most influential teacher in my life. I spent many hours learning from from him, several a day even, during my senior year, not to mention the previous two years. I have great respect for him and have even been searching for him through Facebook to see if I could get back in touch over the past few years (without success). I am so sorry for your loss! I'm also thankful that I will see him again someday, when I get to meet my Lord face to face. Please know that I'm praying for your family and am deeply saddened at the news of his passing.

So sorry to hear. One of my favorite teachers ('85) and influenced my career path as a graphic designer. A very talented man, he will be missed.

It is so hard to lose the ones from which we learned the most. Mr. Shearer helped me find the creative eye I have today in photography. He was patient and clever and had the best sense of humor. I wish he knew what affect he had on my career starting with Photography class in high school. Mr. Shearer you will be missed by the many who benefitted from your teachings.

Cynthia Valenti
PHS Class of '92

Mr.Shearer was a kind man and a great teacher.He was friends with my father Bruce sheriff for many years at P.H.S. Mr.Shearer always had a smile on his face and loved life. I never thought I would like taken photo class boy did he make it fun and how It will make you look at life threw a lens.I still enjoy taking pictures and I love black and white photo's. Thank you for the great memories and outlook at life, with much love and respect.

With love

Best teacher at Portage high school I ever had. He got me through a lot of hard times. He never judged just gave advice.

my prayers go out to his family he was a great teacher God Bless you all

The loss of such a wonderful Man and Mentor is felt by so many -echoed over and over. Richard Shearer taught me more than to love Art and Creativity he taught me (and countless others) that there is a purpose to life, be it creative, scientific, or other, and that purpose is not to be wasted. He encouraged me and listened when others did not and his wise words guided me to a very fruitful life. God Bless You Sir- you are forever in my heart.

He was such an awesome teacher. He will be missed.

God Bless Sir+

I was a student of Mr. Shearer's in 1973- 1975. I went on to study Photography and Art History at Columbia College in Chicago. I had a job doing photography for The Kellogg's Company for many years before I retired. He was an inspiring teacher and I learned so much from his wisdom. My condolences go out to you all at this difficult time. He will be missed. He 's love for Art and Photography set me on my path though life. I owed him so much. I was never able to tell him so. I know that he knows how much he did for all of his students. Rest in Peace.

I was lucky and blessed to have this man as a teacher throughout my high school years he was a great man and a good mentor he helped me with a lot of things. he will be greatly missed

I had the pleasure of being in Mr. Shearers class at Portage High School. He will be dearly missed. Condolences to his family. May the good Lord bless you in this time of need.

Very good man! One of my favorite teachers from high school. He treated us all equally

PRAYERS WILL GO TO FAMILY-FRIENDS OF FORMER PORTAGE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER RICHARD SHAERER DURING VERY SAD TIME AHEAD I SAW HIM DURING MY HIGH SCHOOL DAYS AT PHS UNTIL GRADUATE CLASS OF 1992 HE WILL BE MISSED

I had the privilege of having Mr Shearer as a teacher a number of times in high school . He was one of my favorite teachers! He will be missed dearly by all who knew him... My heart goes out to his family . Rest in peace Mr Shearer !

My absolute favorite teacher and person. He was a great teacher and a great person. I have often thought of him over the years. I am so sorry for the families loss. What a wonderful human being!

Connie Sargent Reyes Class of 1985

HE WAS A GREAT MAN , MENTOR, AND FRIEND. HE ALSO WAS A WONDERFUL TEACHER . HE WILL BE MISSED BUT NEVER FORGOTEN .

Condolences to the family. He was a great teacher...one that everyone remembers fondly.

Mr. Shearer was a great man, as a teacher and an artist he excelled and taught me so much. He had a profound sense of humor and taught me humility using it when I thought I had one up on him as a 3 year student of his...many lessons learned there. Sincere condolences to his family, they have lost a treasure.

My condolences... He was one of the few teachers that truly guided me... He made me look forward to going to school everyday. I learned a lot about art and life from him. I remember him getting me out of trouble and sticking up for me on many occasions. I can still hear his words "Chavarria your better than that" He will be missed...

I am so very sorry to hear of Dick's passing. During the years we worked together at Pyramids, Dick was integral in all of the good things we accomplished for the city of Hammond. We became good friends during those years. As a fellow teacher I was also aware of Dick's commitment to the children of NW Indiana. My wife, Marsha, and I would like to send our most heartfelt condolences to his daughters and their families. He was truly a good man and will be missed by many. Bob and Marsha Weiss

so sorry to hear of his passing. my prayers go out to his family.

My condolences to the family. Mr. Shearer was well loved by many students at PHS.