Former Albany College Professor Remembered

William Norman Shearer B.A. '31, professor emeritus of chemistry, died September 24, at age 101. He earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics and chemistry at Albany College, the precursor of Lewis & Clark College. He later taught chemistry at both Albany College and its Portland extension center. In 1946, he joined the newly named Lewis & Clark College as an associate professor of chemistry and taught on Palatine Hill until 1975.

An avid sports enthusiast, Shearer lettered in both football and wrestling at Albany College and continued to be an athletics fan throughout his life. Until very recently, he attended every home football game at Lewis & Clark. He also supported the Pioneer Athletic Hall of Fame, serving on its selection committee for many years.

Shearer and his wife, Lenora Beck, raised their children in Southwest Portland. After retiring in 1977, Shearer moved to Estacada, where he enjoyed raising and showing chickens, gardening, and growing berries.

Survivors include four daughters, Margaret Shearer B.A. '58, Mary Shearer B.A. '62, Nona Shearer B.A. '74, and Judith Coyne B.S. '63; three sons, William W. Shearer B.S. '68, M.A.T. '72, Norman Shearer B.S. '68, M.A.T. '74, Edward Shearer B.S. '81; 11 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Three generations of Shearers--In May, William N. Shearer B.A. '31, professor emeritus of chemistry, donned his academic regalia one last time to attend a very special commencement: that of his grandson Stefan Shearer B.A. '08, son of Norman Shearer B.S. '68, M.A.T. '74. William was the oldest surviving member of the Albany College faculty.