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Edgar “Ed” Butler

(1929-2024)

A professor emeritus of sociology, Butler taught at UC Riverside for three decades. Butler’s worldview was shaped in his early years by the Great Depression, during which his family moved from the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona to Southern California. He served in the U.S. Air Force before attending Cal State Long Beach and earned a doctorate in sociology at the University of Southern California. Butler taught sociology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before joining UCR in 1969. He contributed to the fields of sociology, criminology, and demographics with notable works on racial disenfranchisement in jury systems and environmental studies. Butler died Aug. 29 at age 94. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; two children; and two grandchildren.

William “Bill” Schmechel

(1952-2024)

Schmechel attended UCR as an undergraduate and graduate student, returning to the campus for a long career in the Office of Research and Economic Development (RED). He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1974 and master’s in 1977, both in history. In 1993, he joined RED as a contract and grants analyst, later becoming director of research integrity. Schmechel also served as UCR Staff Assembly president in 2003-04. He retired in 2012. Schmechel was active in local theater productions and community organizations, and played in local bands. He sang, played lead guitar, bass, and harmonica, and wrote music. Schmechel died July 27 at age 72. He is survived by his partner, Jean Linaburg-Swan; his mother; four sons; and two brothers.

James “Jim” Smith

(1938-2024)

A familiar face on campus, Smith was part of the UCR community for many years, first as a student and later as a staff member. Prior to UCR, Smith had been in training to become a commercial pilot, but was paralyzed in a diving accident before completing the program. He joined UCR as an undergraduate in 1971, at a time when the university was one of the few campuses with a program designed to accommodate students with disabilities. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1975 and an MBA in 1978. He was then employed by the university, eventually serving as associate director of student housing until his retirement in 1997. Smith died July 5 at age 85. He is survived by his brother and several nieces and nephews.

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