The family of John Spanger, a former DVC English professor who died on Nov. 18, started a scholarship in his honor.

The scholarship is intended to continue to spread his passion for English at the same place he taught. The $500 scholarship would go to a DVC student planning on transferring with an interest in obtaining an English degree. The student must have maintained a 3.0 GPA, among other criteria.

The scholarship will be available in Fall 2011. More information will be provided by the scholarship office.

Spanger transferred from DVC to Chico State University to receive his degree in English.

When he started teaching, DVC was his top choice and he worked for the Contra Costa Community College District for over 40 years. In 2001, Spanger retired from Diablo Valley College where he had been an English professor since 1969.

He taught courses including developmental reading and writing, transfer composition, and literature. Spanger also served on many English committees and was the chair of the English division for two semesters.

 “As division chair, he was fair, organized and a voice of reason,” English instructor Irene Menegas said. “What I remember most about him was his wonderful sense of humor; he always left me laughing.”

Surrounded by his family, he died in his Sonoma home. He was 74.

“People really miss him and remember him very fondly,” Dean of English Ellen Kruse said.

Donations to honor and remember Spanger can be sent to: The John Spanger Memorial Scholarship fund, Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill, CA, 94523.

Inquirer copy editor Mike Alfieri contributed to this article.