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News

Devoted teacher dies of cancer

Professor emeritus found teaching rewarding for more than 30 years

by Johnny Peña
The Daily Cougar

William Allan Linsley, UH professor emeritus of communication, died Tuesday from pancreatic cancer. He was 73.

Linsley came to the School of Communication in 1963. He taught communication law and ethics, copyright law and concentrated on parts of the U.S. Constitution.

"William enjoyed his students; that is what kept him teaching as long as he did," Joan Linsley, his wife said. "He was very proud of his teaching career and hoped he was instilling that sense of the love of learning in his students."

His service to UH spanned more than 30 years, which showed his commitment to education and students, Linsley's daughter Ann Linsley-Kennedy, said.

"He was devoted to the academic goals of higher education and made a definite impact on thousands of students over the years," Kennedy said.

Teaching at the university was a satisfying and rewarding experience for Linsley.

Linsley understood the positive effects an education can have on people and thought highly of educators.

"My father always said that teaching was one of the greatest gifts to society that an educated person could do. Without an education, you had nothing and could contribute nothing to society," Kennedy said.

During his academic career he published numerous articles relating to free speech and First Amendment issues.

Linsley served as an adviser to Houston Lighting and Power, M.D. Anderson and Rice University.

Linsley retired in 1996 from the university after 33 years of dedication and instruction to many communication students.

 Linsley was born on Sept. 22, 1933, in Peoria, Ill. He was raised and attended high school in his hometown.

Linsley enrolled in Bradley University in Peoria where he participated in the debate team. After earning his bachelor's from Bradley, he continued his education at Indiana University where he received a law degree.

Linsley decided to put his scholastic track on hold to serve in the Air Force. His tours of duty took him from Washington, D.C. to halfway around the world to the Far East. During his military service, Linsley was a counter intelligence and espionage officer.

When he left the Air Force as a captain he continued his education at the University of Oklahoma. He earned his doctorate in 1963. William also spent time conducting graduate research at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University. By the time he was 29, Linsley had earned five academic degrees. 

Linsley was an avid reader of legal, political and military literature. Some of his hobbies included sailing, painting and construction projects for his home.

Professor Linsley is survived by his wife Joan, daughter Ann Linsley-Kennedy and grandson William Kennedy of Bellaire, daughter Vanessa Linsley of Key West, Fla., brother Dwight Linsley and many other relatives.

Donations in the professor's memory may be made to the Houston Hospice at the Medical Center or the Houston SPCA.

Online tributes may be posted and viewed at www.bradshawcarter.com.

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