Let's pay tribute to our teachers

In June 1934 my family moved from the arid high plains of Eastern Colorado to Post Falls because of the Dust Bowl. We were awestruck by the beauty of the area, the mountains, and - previously unknown to us - the wealth of fruits, berries and vegetables which were in such abundance. We also were gratefully appreciative of the friendliness and generosity of the people. My father had 6 children and his total financial worth was the $20 in his pocket upon our arrival. That is another story in itself, but that is not the topic at hand.

My mother was a musician of great skill, had been a school teacher, and taught piano students wherever she lived until the age of 85 years. When school started in the fall, my brothers, Lee and John, who played musical instruments, enrolled in high school. They met "Mr. R.J. Fahringer." To all of his students this man was always addressed as "Mr. Fahringer," but for brevity, I will refer to him as "R.J." He commanded utmost respect and was a strict disciplinarian. If you took music lessons from him, he expected, no, demanded, that you practice. He could tell in the first few seconds of your lesson if you had not practiced, and many faint-hearted were reduced to tears because he accepted no excuses and despised mediocrity or inferior effort.

Marion Eisenhauer Bunting, whose mother, Mary, was a longtime teacher at Post Falls (1914-1958) says she remembers being ill at the age of 3 years and Mr. Fahringer came to visit her, bringing a small gift. She remembers him as a very gentle, caring, kind man. Many years later some people might add that he was also gruff!

Because of his teaching, Post Falls had a good band and probably a better orchestra, which, when I was in school, had 18 violins, 7 clarinets, 8 trumpets, 7 trombones, etc. Not bad for a small school of 100 students in high school. How many hundreds of young people he guided to a better life because they loved music over the years, probably will never be known! His students placed high in the regional contests held at Lewiston each spring. He single-handedly raised the level of, and appreciation of, culture in Post Falls.

Mr. Fahringer's primary teaching responsibility was in Coeur d'Alene, where he taught Tuesday through Friday. He spent every Monday at Post Falls. "R.J." was first paid by Coeur d'Alene in 1923 and continued until the last payment in 1953. Before 1926 he was already spending every Monday at Post Falls. It is believed this arrangement continued until 1945. His teaching included elementary and high school.

How did it happen that "RJ" was on the teachers staff at P.F.? Someone has said "with death, memory dies." Such is the case here! Did Cd'A not have enough money to pay him "full time"? This might have been true in 1923 but not for the whole time. Who were those in Post Falls on the school board or the superintendent of schools who made such an arrangement with the Cd'A schools and School Board? Also Post Falls owes a great debt of gratitude to Cd'A for this continued arrangement.

Regardless, that decision must stand as probably one of the wisest decisions a board ever made for Post Falls residents, young and old! I was one of those who had the good fortune to study under him. If there are readers who share this experience, would you be willing to write a letter to the editor and share this respect for, and admiration of the man who greatly benefited our then "little town of Post Falls"?

In his later years he continued to play his violin - eventually as physical therapy for arthritis of the hands, and he even continued to do as best he could, following a stroke affecting his hands and fingers. To my shame, I never went to see him or call him after graduating from high school. I could say that World War II was the cause of this neglect, but I should have made the effort to let him know how much I appreciated him and how he influenced my life!

This brings me to a point, and it is directed to everyone reading this tribute. Surely, every person had a teacher, coach or mentor who had a special and sometimes profound effect influencing your life, encouraging you to strive for excellence in your studies and in your life! If you haven't thanked them, it would very much encourage them to hear from you by letter, telephone call or a personal visit. I have waited too long to do that, so I can't, but please take the time to show your appreciation and thanks for the help and encouragement that they gave you when you needed it!

It will make you feel good, and will cheer them.

George W. Rodkey, M.D., is a Post Falls resident.