"It is worth pointing out here that the metaphysics of mind I advocate here is in some ways swimmingly compatible with objective idealism... But ours is an an attempt at hard headed existential "idealism"... Each individual human being is capable, with suitable preparation, of being existentially involved with other present or departed persons by reading any book on the shelf of any library. There is nothing particularly mysterious and certainly nothing necessarily misleading about saying the dead are still with us through what they wrote... When I want to get involved with what a departed person thought I need not have recourse to the witch of Endore. I simply open a book by someone who is no longer alive, and think about what she wrote about like any other intelligent reader can do. A "mysterious" power perhaps, but a natural one that all healthy humans can acquire"

This Is My Body, William C. Springer, p.153.

In 1974, when I was 21 years old, I confided in Dr. Springer that I was contemplating suicide. He told me "Don't kill yourself, you're brilliant. If you absolutely must kill someone, kill somebody else. And don't tell anyone I told you to do this."

I never killed anyone and I never told anyone, but I want to speak of this now because it was the best advice anyone ever gave me and I want other people to know about it. Bill Springer probably saved my life by putting his own life at risk and the clincher of the whole story is this - he barely knew me.

No professor at UTEP encouraged me to write poetry more than Dr. William Springer. He was my undergraduate advisor, a confidant, and friend. I will forever miss our discussions of Kierkegaard, Heidegger, and T.S. Eliot.

Thank you for taking an interest in me during my undergraduate days at UTEP. You changed my entire approach to academics, scholarship and life.
Hegel, Kant & Schopenhauer by the pool
Descartes and "Body-Mind Conundrum" over many a cocktail
The "wedding adventure" in Austin
Rebuilding the engine on your station wagon
Lending me your motorcycle
Skiing at Ruidoso
Our mission to Dallas to retrieve your stolen car
With apologies to Robert Munsch:
“I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
My teacher you'll be.”

Boat Drinks, Bill

I will never forget my university undergraduate advisor, and dear friend, Dr. Bill Springer. He will always be in my heart to my dying days. What a wonderful man. His love of philosophy was so genuine, evident in every day he was in the classroom. He had deep compassion for his students and was always available to counsel the student who visited his office. Always attentive, always present. His guidance helped to set the love and tone of philosophy in my everyday life.

Bill was the loving father of my childhood friend Angelique. I spent a lot of time at their home during a difficult time in my life. Bill & Solange always made me feel at home even though I was there a lot. Bill even taught me some Italian words. I loved spending time with the Springer family and will never forget the wonderful times I had with them. My deepest sympathies go out to Solange, Angelique, Michele & Francine and the entire family.

Thank you for sharing the joyful photographs and loving words.