I wanted to respond to your recent obituary about Bruce Bransom, a retired Durango High School math teacher who passed away a few days ago.
I graduated from Durango High in 1973, going on to Rice University, the submarine Navy and defense procurement. Bruce was a great teacher. He taught us that math was powerful and beautiful. He also worked very hard to reach students who had trouble with math. He viewed each and every student as a human being with intrinsic dignity. In retirement, Bruce and his wife, Laura, took Durango student groups on trips overseas. Bruce and Laura were excellent guides for their young charges.
Bruce was a U.S. Air Force veteran, a passionate believer in our country, and a committed participant in the political process. He was a completely dignified gentleman. He was always in control, no yelling, no swearing. He tried to reach all people, even those who disagreed with him. He loved math, and science, and people, and history, and music, and good friends. He loved Durango. Any parent facing down some future math class for a son or daughter who has trouble with math is poorer because of his loss.
Bruce was my friend from 1970 on. He followed me and encouraged me through thick and thin. He must have done this for hundreds or thousands of former students. I will miss him terribly. A great teacher, a world-class teacher is a rare thing. Bruce was that and more.
Karl Shipps
New Carrollton, Maryland
