Our good friend Chris.

Our friend Chris Becker died today.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/obituaries/article443767.ece

Chris is one of those special friends who, though I only saw him a few times a year, had a special place in our hearts. Chris was a teacher of young children who made learning fun and significant. His kids found him to be a special person too. On Sunday those whom he taught many years before, lined up with others to say hello to him at the Hospice Center.

Ralph, Bennie, and I were able to spend a few minutes with Chris Monday. Few have ever seen him without his strong energy but even in his weakened condition he continued to tell me, “I’m gonna beat this!”

Chris, a baby boomer, due to celebrate his 50th birthday this summer cared deeply about public education, his community, and his country. George Bush made him crazy. Jeb made him livid over the way he treated our students and our teachers.

Chris worked very hard to keep our freedom of speech.

Chris, we miss you now and will have a hole in our hearts at the NEA RA this summer when we work to raise awareness of the needs of our schools. There is no one who can coerce money from us for kids as well as you! Memories of you will, however, do the trick!

dg