Arnie Laferty, teacher.

Byline: The Register-Guard

Arnie Laferty of Eugene, who died this week at the age of 72, was many things: performing artist, gourmet chef, husband and father. But most of all - the underpinning of Laferty's life and career - was his role as a superb, demanding, creative and influential teacher.

Laferty taught many years at Roosevelt Junior High (now Middle) School as the school's drama and choral director. He mounted many, many dramatic, musical and choral productions. Because of his influence and character, many of his students went on to become teachers, performing artists and people who excelled in other fields.

Eugene-Springfield residents of an age might remember Laferty in his signature leading role as Tevya in Ed Ragozzino's several productions of "Fiddler on the Roof." Laferty performed often in other stage productions and, especially, in the "Elegant Evening" series of musical revues at the old Treehouse Restaurant (now Mekala's) on Franklin Boulevard in Eugene.

But it was his career in the classroom that made Laferty and those like him special. Many teachers toil in obscurity through the years, with the public being scarcely aware of their role in having nurtured students' curiosity, talent and ability. The influence and inspiration they provide to thousands of students is enormous, and should never be forgotten.

Arnie Laferty was one of them.