Aaron Paul Small, Ph.D.
Aaron Paul Small, Ph.D., 87, passed
away December 1, 2010. He was preceded in death by his
loving wife, Beverly Small who succumbed to cancer on the
eve of their 12th wedding anniversary and by his sister and
life-long friend, Selma Mironov.
He is survived by his 3 children, Margo (Ken) Haak, Andrew
(Esther) Small and Paul (Annette) Small, by 3 grandchildren,
Nathan, Ben, and Raizel, 3 nephews, 1 niece and a
brother-in-law, David Mironov.
Aaron Small was born in New York City to Harry and Minnie
Schmulowitz on September 16, 1923. He served in WWII in the
Pacific Islands. Dr. “Al” Small earned his B.A. in History
from CCNY, an M.A. in literature from Highlands University,
a Ph. D. in Comparative Literature from the University of
Denver. Dr. Small taught at Eastern Montana College,
(MSU-Billings) from 1955 until 1985. He was greatly
respected by his peers and students. It was important to Dr.
Small to educate the disadvantaged and those on the fringes
of society. He was sought after throughout Montana for his
many extension grant lectures and leader of book clubs, and
courses. He brought to life the literature of Tagore, 19th
century Russian Novel, Yiddish literature in Translation,
Mythology, among other courses in Humanities, literary
Criticism and English Composition. In the late 1980’s he
taught literature part-time at Rocky Mountain College. He
studied many languages and taught English in his spare time
to Spanish speaking immigrants. Dr. Small was awarded the
Montana State Literacy Award. He was a published author of
the novel The Remora. In the last 10 years, Dr. Small was a
cherished teacher for Billings Educational Academy.
Dr. Small was a formidable tennis player in the Western
States, winning over 200 tourneys in 30 years. He also
played in National Senior Tennis matches.
Dr. Small was a member of Beth Aaron Temple since 1955 where
he also taught Sunday School.
Dr. Small was well known for his anecdotes both in and out
of the classroom. He prided himself and entertained his
audiences with a great sense of humor. Dr. Small was an
accomplished chef, a leader in Montana Chef’s Association
and an avid supporter of a vegetarian diet.
Dr. Small’s civic activities included numerous posts on the
city/county Planning Board, serving on the Easter Seals
Board, campaign director for Sherriff Jim Meeks and
political advisor to Mayor Willard Fraser.
“Dr. Al” Small will be missed by his family, friends and
students who became his friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be referred to Billings
Educational Academy, PO Box 22592, Billings, MT 59104 or the
charity of one’s choice. .
Funeral services will be 2pm Friday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary with interment in the Beth Aaron Cemetery.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
I will
always remember Professor Small in the context of a couple classes I
took from him around 35 years ago at EMC. The remembrances I have are
all positive and speak very highly of man who dearly loved teaching and
sharing his knowledge and points of view with his students. I recall his
classes were vibrant, quite entertaining, and I always found myself
eager to absorb whatever discourse the Professor had on the daily class
docket. I’m sure I even learned a few things! I’m certain that anyone
who took Dr. Small’s classes will concur. As another point of reference
with Professor Small, I am a 1967 graduate of Billings West and I
remember Margo. I congratulate and wish Margo continued success in her
management and operation of the Billings Educational Academy. She is
indeed a ‘chip’ off the old block! Margo and family, please accept my
sincere condolences for your loss … perhaps more aptly, ‘our’ loss!
Ron Pearson
What I remember most is 50 years ago I was in a Humanities class at EMC. It was a joy to watch Dr Small with his children as he sent them off to school. Such a loving father. Later I had him for Mythology. The class is one I remember to this day. He was a joy to have as an instructor. Ruth Torrence
We just found out that Dr. Small has passed away. We are very grateful for the time we had with this kind and gentle man. He will always be remembered fondly in our hearts. Thank you Dr. Small, you are a treasure. With love, The Hogans
One of the regrets I had in my studies at
MSU-Billings was that I never had a chance to take a course from Dr.
Small; however, his son Paul was a friend of mine in grade school
and high school. I still remember what a close relationship
they had. His family is in my prayers. Terri Kaufman