Mr. Harrison was one of my favorite teachers at EDHS. A very inspiring person and the only person throughout my entire student and professional career who made math a joy. He also swam 72 laps in the EDHS pool every morning. Every. Morning. Probably after cycling 20 miles to get there ;)

He may have been a math teacher, because I think that was his love of math and science. But what he taught us was how to be great human beings, the true meaning of success and guided us through adulthood to make the right decisions in our life. He always was in the background helping us to learn and broaden our love of learning. The math was just a "side effect". I was never good at math and still not brilliant when it comes to math. But he taught us how to learn so everything was easy when it came to make the right decisions.  His spirit will continually guide our path to help us reach for what the true meaning of "success" really is. And that is what makes you a great teacher.

Mr Harrison was a huge influence in my wife's life as a beloved teacher. I only had the chance to meet him once. But it is one of the memories that changes my wife's mood everytome she takes about him and his class. He was one of those rare teachers. My said he said that he never felt like he worked a day in his life. Mr Harrison left this world a better place because of those he touched. My condolences to all the family friends and former students for the loss of mr Harrison. 

For my wife Nikki Kim Cushard (Giacona)

I taught in the East Detroit school district for 32 years, but not at the high school , so I I didn't know Tom Real well.

But both of my children were students of his and always said he was the best teacher they ever had.

The greatest legacy anyone can have is to be remembered fondly with admiration and respect after they have left us.



Gary Roehl   Rose city Michigan

So strange, I was just thinking of Mr. Harrison the other day. Math was not my forte, but he was amazing. I think of him so often, and credit him as one of the reasons I went into education. His legacy reaches far beyond the classroom. Mr. Harrison had the natural capacity to reach every student, and make them smile. He had an ease about him that made him approachable. His jokes, his laugh, his amazing ability to make geometry accessible. His classroom was a welcome calm in the storm. 
So much of my style and classroom culture come from Mr. Harrison. He will always be my favorite math teacher. He was truly a credit to his profession and to the world. The loss is immeasureable: literally and figuratively speaking.
God's Speed, Mr. Harrison.

It's been 50 years since I graduated but I remember Mr. Harrison like it was last week sitting in his class.  I never liked math but I really enjoyed his class. He was a great teacher and I will always remember him fondly.  RIP Mr. Harrison.

Mr. Harrison was my favorite math teacher at East Detroit High School.  He was my 10th grade geometry teacher and he inspired me to enjoy math and want to learn more.  I became a Utica Schools math teacher because of him and his inspiration.  I still remember how he made us stand up and give definitions for math terms and how we had to end each proof with Q.E.D.  My sincere sympathy to his family.  Sandra (Cooper) DiDonato

I saw the sad passing of Mr. Harrison in Sunday's Detroit Free Press and wanted to extend my sympathies to his family.

Mr. Harrison was a favorite teacher of mine at East Detroit High School. It doesn't seem possible that it was 46 years ago. Even though math was not my strongest subject, he encouraged me to take college prep classes (also against the advice of my H.S. guidance counselor). I ended up graduating from Northern Michigan University cum laude with a B.S. in Biology/Conservation, thanks to his advice. I'm quite sure that he played a hand in encouraging many students to move forward with their lives, always believing in continuous learning. I wish more teachers had his enthusiasm and dedication. He will be remembered and missed by many.
- Mary Holliday (nee Roddy), EDHS Class of 1971

Tom is remembered as a great teacher, among the very best that I have ever known. Extraordinarily gifted in his subject and ability to reach every student, Tom was a favorite of many students who often mentioned to me that he was the first math teacher that was able to make the subject "click" for them.
Tom was dedicated and truly professional in his work. He was an excellent athlete, craftsman and friend, and I will never forget our bike ride to Mackinaw. 
Tom was quite the man and this man will respectfully remember him. 
John J Salata

Tom Harrison was one of the best from East Detroit High School.  As a colleague, I found great pleasure in spending time with Tom and our many discussion on teaching, world affairs, and cycling.  His greatest tribute as a teacher came from the many students we shared.  My band students were always telling me how much they liked Tom Harrison for his teaching skills and great classroom  presence.  Tom, John Salada, and I took a 350 mile bike ride along Lake Huron from Port Senilac to Mackinac in the summer of 1994.  A lifetime of great memories with one of the best from East Detroit High School.  May the wind always be at your back Tom!

When I came to EDHS in 1980 I was one of the few English teachers  located on the 3rd floor.  We had a tiny lounge  and  Tom would come in with a smile and a joke and  always  bring cheer to a room. I can picture him now speeding down the hall. He never walked slowly.  Tom was one of the nicest, friendliest teachers I  have ever met.  His smile was contagious.  Great man, great teacher.

Mr. Harrison was my favorite math teacher. He made math fun and interesting.

I had a couple of math classes with Mr. Harrison in the early 80's.  He was a wonderful teacher with a great sense of humor!  He displayed such passion and knowledge for mathematics, and made learning the subject fun! I have thought of him many times over the years, and when asked about favorite teachers, his name was always at the top!  He was a good man and I hope he realized how very special he was to me, and my fellow Shamrocks through the years.  RIP, Mr. Harrison.

I worked with Tom for several years at EDHS.  He was and excellent teacher and a wonderful human being.  He was always such a positive influence on all that surrounded him.  My condolences to the family.  Chris Schneider

Mr. Harrison was such a great math teacher he fooled me into thinking I was good at math!  It wasn't until college I found out otherwise.  That said, I count him as one of the reasons I became a teacher myself.  He made a difference in my life, and I wanted to someday have that impact on students.  The world lost a great man.

Mr. Harrison was one of my favorite teachers. He was witty, personal, and patient. I had him for algebra/trig classes at EDHS. God Bless his family with peace of mind and heart. Leslie Manzon Pope (class of '71)

Mr. Harrison was my favorite math teacher! He taught me geometry my sophomore year. I appreciated the kind way he would help when we just didn't understand. He would stop to check on family member that lived next to our family friend Jack, on my street....always a wave and kind word when I would see him there years later. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Tom Harrison was a Master Teacher, Role Model, Mentor, and my friend for over 50 years. His Legacy will continue to live on due in part to the many students that admired him and the many friends and neighbors that shared experiences with Tom and Iris. Keep him close in mind and heart..He was "one of a kind". With deepest respect...Daniel Olson..(GR,Mi.)

Mr. Harrison was my Favorite teacher in Kelly Jr. High (8th grade).  He had a way of teaching math and having it make sense.  Years later I got to talk to Mr. Harrison and thanked him. Very Sorry for his loss. Mr. H was a great man.

Mr. Harrison was my teacher in '92-'93 and really made a lasting impact.  He always made the material seem easy, and I loved his sense of humor. I remember one occasion when he stood outside the door as our class was entering. He warned us that a student from the previous class fell asleep through the bell, but he was not to be disturbed.  Sure enough, our class sat quietly around the kid and he still slept, even through another bell. Then, Mr. Harrison slammed his hand on the kid's desk which finally got his attention. The look on that kid's face being jarred awake and being laughed at by a class full of strange faces was unforgettable.  A lesson learned the hard way for that boy, but that was Mr. Harrison, always teaching somebody something.  I've thought of him many times over the years. EDHS and those students fortunate to learn from him were blessed. My condolences to you all.

Mr. Harrison was my 11th grade math teacher in 1988.  He was a fantastic teacher, and I think of him often.  Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

I was honored to be a student of Mr.  Harrison.  He was a gifted and personable educator who made even complex subjects such as mathematics appealing and intriguing.  I count him among the many great teachers that have blessed my life.  
Bless his family and bless his memory.

OBITUARY

Thomas R. Harrison

December 13, 1940 – August 26, 2016

Kaul Funeral Home

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