West High School special education teacher Randy Spencer died Tuesday evening from apparent natural causes, school officials said.
Spencer spent his 25-year career working with special needs students at the campus and was described by fellow educators as extremely caring and a father figure.
"One of his students signed a poster in his memory today as, 'your loving son," said West Principal Ben Egan. "He had that same effect on the adults here. It's a really hard day as we all try to make sense of this."
I am Randy's sister. Thank you to the entire school community for coming to his memorial and for sharing your stories with us. We learned a lot from your stories and your sharing. Randy was very quiet about his accomplishments and his student's personal lives, so we just want you to know how much we appreciate your condolences. I hope that West can find someone with as much dedication, patience and humor as Randy had with his students.
Amanda
It is a shame when someone passes and leaves behind loved ones. It is good to see that there were students to whom he was a good man to. Him and I as a parent bumped heads every time, he often made my child feel like less then a person and spoke of my child to me as if my child was a lost cause. I feel for his spouse and family. God speed.
I, myself am a freshman at West High. Today was a difficult day at West High. Everyone appreciates Mr. Spencer's attributes and consideration to everyone at West High. I knew he would've wanted the best. I might've not known him but from other students, he is like another parent to them. Everyone appreciates him and he seems like a such and kind and considerate person.