Sacramento State celebrated the life of William Harris, a retired professor and a founder and former chair of the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation and School Psychology, on Saturday morning.

Harris died on Oct. 29 at his Grass Valley home after a long illness. He was 64.

Faculty, staff and former students paid tribute to Harris, who they characterized as a leader, father, partner, colleague and friend.

He retired from Sac State in 2004 after implementing many new special education preparation programs with partner school districts and county offices and reviving the Bachelor of Arts in Vocational Education program.

Memorial organizers wanted the service to positively reflect on Harris’ life. After current department chair Bass de Martinez commenced the informal ceremony by speaking about Harris and his contributions to Sac State, she called for attendees to “let the party begin.”

“Bill had a profound love for students, and he wanted to reach as many as possible,” de Martinez said. One of those students was Joy McAlister, who Harris taught at Sac State from 1994 to 1997. McAlister now teaches fifth grade.

“We’ve lost a great leader,” McAlister said. “He was so dedicated, so determined.” She said Harris instilled these characteristics in her as well.

“I am empowered by what he taught me,” McAlister said.

Other speakers reflected on the passion that Harris brought to his work and to those around him. Special education, rehabilitation and school psychology Professor Patt Kearly said Harris touched her life.

“The gift that he gave me was a zest for life, to live in the moment,” she said. “He was full of life.”

Kearly said Harris focused on students of diversity to ensure they realized their potential.

“He would always say to me, ‘Raise the water in the lake and all the boats will float,'” she said.

Professor Elva Duran recalled a time when Harris lifted her spirits after her Lhasa Apso died.

“I was quite sad for a while, and Bill came up to me one day and told me I needed to get a new puppy,” Duran said. She opened an envelope Harris handed her to find a $400 check inside.

“He told me to use it towards buying a new dog, so I was able to go and buy Harmony,” Duran said, referring to the new companion she purchased with Harris’ help.

Other anecdotes touched on faculty retreats Harris hosted at his house, his love that he shared with another faculty member who, like Harris, had lost a son and his encouragement of students to ask questions and participate in the academic experience. A common theme of Harris helping people achieve their bests was woven throughout the stories.

“Bill cared so very deeply,” de Martinez said in her closing remarks. “Above all, it was students first,” she added, a belief of Harris’ that contributed to a new scholarship fund in his name.

As current vocational education student Mike Swank played the bagpipes to conclude the celebration of Harris’ life, de Martinez said Harris would be happy to see the ones he loved gather in celebration.

“He was always eager to bring people together,” she said. “Let our memories of him dance in our minds always.”

He is survived by his partner, Fidel Baccalon; his son, Chris; his two sisters, Sally and Cynthia and his father, Bill. He was predeceased by his son, William, and his mother, Dorothy.

Megan Chuchmach can be reached at [email protected]