Belch was featured in the SLOHS 1991 Yearbook alongside some classic details about his interests.  Photo Courtesy of SLOHS Yearbook.

Former San Luis Obispo High School teacher Hal Belch passed away in town this week.

A memorial service is planned for this Sunday at two p.m at Renovate Church.  The church is located at 2075 Johnson Ave in San Luis Obispo.

“Mr. Belch was spirited, fun, engaging, and (maybe most importantly) funny.  We learned a lot in his psychology classes; he used technology, art, history, psychological studies, and more to make his classes interesting.  But, most importantly, his humor was the most memorable part of him as our teacher,” said former SLOHS student and current ASL teacher Kristen Nusbaum.

Belch started teaching at SLOHS in 1968 and retired in 2002. Over the years he taught a range of classes including History, Sex Education, Health, World History, and Geography.

“He was a dedicated educator who inspired countless students with his wisdom and compassion,” said SLOHS counselor Shelley Benson.

Belch was last featured in SLOHS Expressions in 2001, and he left some great advice along side information about his many interests, which included family, humor, swimming, and motorcycles.

“One of the things I’ve never been is bored. We should constantly be doing different things to keep from becoming stagnant.  Try to maintain a positive perspective on life. Use humor. Life is too short not to enjoy it,” said Belch in the Expressions profile written by former SLOHS student Jenni Mintz.

If attending the memorial, get there early. Large crowds are expected.