I wrote a letter to Mr. Naylor in 2010. I'd like to share it here as this seems to be an appropriate place. I apologize if it is too long, but there was a lot to say:
Dear Mr. Naylor,
I've often thought over the years what a very special teacher, leader and mentor you were to all of us in 6th grade at Deshler Elementary School, but especially to me. My parents were divorced and I lived with my mother, her sister and my grandparents at 1366 Lockbourne Rd, just a block from the school. My father lived in California, and I rarely saw him. So I really looked up to you as a father figure.
You were coaching our basketball and softball teams. In fact I still remember when you were in the coach's box and put your right hand up to your chin, that was the "steal" sign and I would run from first to second, usually being safe. You would take us on overnight trips to the YMCA park where we stayed in cabins, went snow sledding and played football at night, with the snow falling and the light from auto headlights illuminating the field. I remember sledding one night and, the school custodian falling off a saucer sled and the blood on his bald head from the impact. I’m pretty sure he didn’t suffer any permanent damage.
In the classroom you taught us algebra, which didn't normally come until 7th grade. You taught us how to play chess and we had tournaments after school. Chess was such a great introduction to strategic thinking which was critical later in life. I understand that you went on to a military career and retired as a Marine Colonel. That sounds like you did pretty well.
For myself, I went on to get a BA degree from Ohio State, served as a Naval Officer at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, and am now the Vice President of Human Resources for a company headquartered in Anaheim, California, where I'll retire in 2013 after 30 years. I have a great wife and step-daughter, son-in-law, plus 2 very special grand-children. Things went well for me too.
Well, all your students are 65 years old now, and it's been a long time since we were together at Deshler, but I'll never forget that year, all my old friends, and I'll never forget what a fine man you were. I was worried that I might not have the opportunity to tell you this, but thanks to Susan I have finally gotten the chance. You had a real impact in a lot of young lives.
I apologize if this seems too verbose, but I had saved up a lot of thoughts over these 50+ years and I didn’t want to leave anything out.
All the best to you, Colonel.
Ron Hussey..............Deshler Elementary, Columbus, Ohio, Class of 1957
