Seal guts, protests and 'smoke floating' - stories from Jerry Flora

I first enrolled at what was then called Western Washington State College in 1969, well into the nation's protest years. Western had its share of marches and rallies but remained free of the major rampages that trashed other universities and resulted in injuries and even deaths, notably at Kent State University in 1970.

I remember thinking back then that Western President Jerry Flora was pretty cool for letting students vent their political rage while keeping a tactful lid on matters.

Flora died at his Everson home on Dec. 22, 2013. He was 85.