Doug Raisbeck died after a brief struggle with cancer Tuesday March 26. He retired two years ago after a long career in the English Department at Huntsville High. Doug came to Huntsville to teach English and Drama in 1982. His students described him as a compassionate taskmaster who refused to accept mediocrity, demanded the best, and got results. He taught students not only to find their own voice, but to use the English language with clarity and creativity. He prepared his students well for post secondary education. Raisbeck , Colin Oke and English Department Head, Greg Munce started the legendary Black Whole Cabaret. Not only did it give aspiring muscians like Ryan Corrigan (aka Hawksley Workman) a platform for weekly performance but gave others too shy to put themselves forward a chance to shine. Many students have said that if it was not for Mr. Raisbeck 's encouragement they would not have stayed in school. A musician and writer himself, Raisbeck wrote countless songs and a series of English texts that were used by the Buffalo New York School Board and in the classrooms of HHS. He was one of a kind. His style, his wisdom, his compassion, and his dedication to the sons and daughters of Huntsville was remakable. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by family, friends, and all students lucky enough to share his classroom and stage. A memorial will be observed at Sutherland Hall Friday April 5, 2013 . Doors will be open at 6:00 PM for friends to gather and a tribute to Doug will start at 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Hospice Huntsville.
General Release