Ken was my high school math teacher, across-the-street neighbor, and good friends with my parents (Ken and Joyce). Ken always had an enthusiastic sense of humor, and he was genuinely an interesting and fun person to be around.
I will never forget the day he told our math class that there would be a test the following day, but he would be late for class. However, he said, \"When you come to class, the tests will be on your desks. You are expected to be on your honor to do your own work without cheating or exchanging answers with each other. I will get to class before the hour ends\". Then, he made us pledge that we all would be on our honor. Of course, right after class, some of us got together to plan our treachery.
As you probably guessed, the next day when we got to class, most of us began cheating and collaborating like crazy not believing our good fortune and so this continued for about fifteen minutes.
Then, suddenly---Bang, the coat closet doors flew open, and Ken jumped out like a \"Jack in the Box\" and said, \"Ha Huh. The jig is up. I watched and listened carefully while most of you were cheating. However, there was so much noise and confusion, I couldn't see all of you, but what I do know is that no one stood up to attempt to stop it from happening. Consequently, you all fail the test. Pass your papers up to the front\".
Well, we were all in shock and in disbelief. Others were muttering in anger, 'He can't do this?\" And some were on the verge of tears.
Then, as he sat at his desk looking at the papers, he began to laugh aloud saying, \"I was joking around with you class. Don't worry. This test will not count.\" Then, most of us started to laugh with a sigh of relief but there were a couple of girls who were on the verge of tears. As was his genuinely warm nature, he went over to one of the girls and put his arm around her expressing his apology. But then, he stood up and said, \"What did you learn today in class?\". Of course, we all knew the truthful answer, but there were a lot of funny responses as well, and some were truly angry with him. After he let us vent for a while, he then said, \"The real test will be passed out by me during the next class. Study for it. No excuses or second chances next time. Remember this day. Your honesty and your honor are as important as your education. Now get out of here and have a wonderful day! Class dismissed\".
I will never forget that lesson and the great man and teacher he was. They don't make them like him anymore.
He will be missed but remembered by many.
Condolences-Jim and Monica Dugan
