History of Reading News. Vol.XIX No.1 (1995:Fall)

On Monday, August 28, 1995, we lost a dear friend and colleague. A. Garr Cranney, Professor of Education at Brigham Young University and current treasurer of the History of Reading SIG, died of a heart attack. He was born on September 26, 1933, in Boston, Massachusetts to A. G. and Naomi Broadhead Cranney. He married Diana Martin on July 26, 1960. Their children's names are Sharon Cranney Fletcher, Susan Cranney Yamada, David (who predeceased Garr), Garr 3rd, Kendall, Kevin, and Daniel Cranney.

Garr graduated from Belmont School in Belmont, Mass. and Harvard University. He received an M. A. from BYU and after completing his Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota, he directed the reading program at the University of Florida for 13 years before returning to BYU in 1979. He was a productive scholar who published widely, served on the editing boards of several journals and was a contributing member and officer of a number of professional associations. He had served on the executive board of the History of Reading SIG since 1984.

According to Professor LeGrande Richards, his colleague next door: "Garr kept all of his academic accomplishments in a proper perspective. As great as they were, Garr was blessed with an even greater heart which felt compassion for the needy, loyalty to those around him, and an unwavering faith in his God. He began one article with the words, 'We talk too much.' He would rather do his part than talk about it. He was dedicated to his family, his community and to his church. He found great joy in quietly helping others. For a stranger in need, he would search out the best available Toyota in the valley for under $1500 with the same intensity that he would search out the details of the changes in the first McGuffey Reader. He spent untold hours mentoring younger faculty members, serving on committees and working in the interest of his university."

Sandra Tidwell, who works with library-use instruction at BYU, was one of many who benefited from his mentoring. She describes their relationship: "Garr Cranney was a master teacher. He could look into your soul, find the attributes that would be beneficial to share, and then enable you to have the opportunities and experiences to use those attributes for the benefit of others."

Sandra has a degree in Elementary Education and, although she had never taught in public schools, she used her training and talents in her own home and in church settings. Garr attended a Sunday School class Sandra taught and was so impressed with her abilities that he determined to help open up opportunities for her. She credits him with writing the letter that proved to be the key to a rich set of academic and professional experiences.

Julene Butler, a librarian at Brigham Young University, remembers Garr: "Early in my career, I was painfully shy. When I was asked to give a presentation at a seminar for honor students on how reading has affected my life, I felt I had little to offer. Garr Cranney attended the presentation and his response had a profound far-reaching effect. He praised me highly, asked me to write an article for a journal he edited, then followed through with such enthusiasm that I couldn't refuse. He offered assistance and encouragement each step along the way. His interest in my development did not stop once the article was completed. Whenever we saw each other, his concern for me was genuine and intense. He was excited when I decided to pursue a Ph.D. His interest and warm praise over the years motivated me to be and do more. He not only influenced me professionally but he also reached into my soul and helped me recognize my potential."

Garr will be fondly remembered by his devoted family, his professional colleagues and his many friends.
Afton McGrath Miner, Brigham Young University