Grief counselors were available at Hudson’s Bay High School on Monday after a longtime teacher and coach died over the weekend.
Biology teacher Bill Brown, 52, had taught in Vancouver Public Schools since 1989. He first taught at the former Shumway Junior High. He began teaching at Hudson’s Bay in 1992.
On Saturday, the district learned of Brown’s death. Over the weekend, the district used a phone tree to inform Hudson’s Bay staff. Principal Val Seeley provided talking points to her staff to help inform their students.
Kelly Cutter, a fellow Bay teacher, had known Brown since third grade, when they attended Minnehaha Elementary School together.
“He saved me from a bully at the bus stop,” Cutter said. “He’s always been that way. We’ve lost a beloved staff member.”
The school sent a letter home with students Monday. Grief counselors will also be available today.
Brown died at home. No other details about his death were released.
“Bill was a funny, easy-going guy who loved teaching,” his family said in a statement released by the school district.
Brown, one of the most senior teachers at Bay, had taught and coached some current teachers, said Seeley.
“His death is a huge shock for my building. A huge loss,” she said. “Bill was entertaining. He connected to the kids both inside and outside the classroom.”
Brown was a 1981 graduate of Hudson’s Bay. He played end on the Eagle football team, and was named to the Columbian’s 1980 Southwest Washington All-Star team in his senior year.
Brown’s memorial service is set for Thursday. Evergreen Memorial Gardens is in charge of arrangements.
“The school is allowing some flexibility to students in taking their finals,” said Pat Nuzzo, district spokeswoman.
Hudson’s Bay seniors graduated June 10. Today is the last day of school in Vancouver Public Schools.
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