Thank You Mr. Sathoff

By

Kathie Kepler Harrington from the class of '66.

(Used with permission)

In his poem, “Character of the Happy Warrior,” William Wordsworth states: 

                        Who is the happy Warrior?  Who is he

                        That every man in arms should wish to be?

                        A constant influence, a peculiar grace;

                        But who, if he be called upon to face

                        Some awful moment to which Heaven has joined

                        Great issues, good or bad for human kind. . .. 

Mr. Craig Sathoff was the Happy Warrior.  He had a style, a copious smile, and a genius for teaching.    I know those qualities because I was one of the fortunate ones who had Mr. Sathoff as my teacher, mentor, and friend. 

The year was 1962 and it was Mr. Sathoff’s second year in the Iowa Falls School District.  He taught English at Riverbend Middle School and from student reports of the past year (Mr. Sathoff’s first year in the IFSD was 1961)  I looked forward to entering his classroom.  He was a tough teacher.  His expectations for his students were high.  In his towering structure he commanded attention.  He always got it.

1962 dissolved into ’63 and as I look back on my educational career through a master’s degree in speech pathology, I know, without a doubt, that Mr. Craig Sathoff was the most influential teacher in my life.  Throughout the years when I visited his antique shop we would take turns reciting John Greenleaf Whittier’s poem, “In School-Days.”  We would talk of our writing, our families, and our lives.  Once again, I was one of the lucky ones because every time I returned to Iowa Falls, I would see the Happy Warrior, to let him know how he had nourished my career and my personal life.

I thank you, Mr. Sathoff, for directing not only my life but all of those young lives you rooted.  You gave us a fertile ground upon which you seeded the beauty of our language.  You taught us to appreciate the lexicon of our heritage.  In your style and grace you spoke of great poets and writers.  You encouraged us to write and speak with the eloquence and poise of the masters.  Now I know, it was you who was the master all along. 

In light of Mr. Sathoff’s tragic and sudden death and for all of those whose dreams shall never be realized from the town of Littleton, Colorado, I have etched upon my heart words that Mr. Sathoff said some 30 years ago.  After reading a poem about life’s journey to heaven, he paused, and with lowered eyes he said, ‘You can tell the soul of a nation by the way countrymen treat their dead.’  A tear slid silently down his cheek just as sure as one moistens mine today.

 Mr. Sathoff’s life’s work continues.  It directs.  It summons new roots to be spread by his former students.  It grows in abundance.  A legacy for a Happy Warrior. 

            And, while the mortal mist is gathering, draws

            His breath in confidence of Heaven’s applause.

            This is the happy Warrior.  This is he

            That every man in arms should wish to be.