Retired UNC-CH Professor, Richard Duncan Settle died May 11, 2007 of complications related to Alzheimer’s.
Richard was born in Waupun, Wisconsin on April 27, 1932 to the late Nellie and Russell Settle. Upon completing his bachelor’s degree at Kansas State University in 1953, Richard served three years in Germany during the Korean War as a medical technician.
His interest in community theatre performance which began in early childhood, continued during work for a Master’s degree received in 1958 from Indiana State Teachers College. After holding television production positions in California, Montreal and Florida, he was appointed to the Dept. of Radio, Television and Motion Picture of UNC-CH in 1970 until retirement in 1993. He taught television production and writing techniques as well as media speech. His clear speech and baritone voice caught the attention of the UNC Morehead Planetarium that engaged him to read voice-over scripts for Planetarium productions. He created, and for 10 years directed the RTVMP High School Institute, an innovative program for pre-college students to explore educational opportunities for work with media.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Miriam Bachar Settle; brother, Dr. Russell Settle of Conifer, CO, stepsons Jeff Bachar of Waynesville, NC, Steve Bachar of Denver, CO, son, Bryon Settle of Hillsborough, NC and four grandchildren.
A Remembrance Service will be scheduled for a later date. Memorials may be made to the Orange County Dept. of Social Services/Frail Elderly Fund or the Chapel Hill Interfaith Council for Social Service. Arrangements are by the Cremation Society of the Carolina’s, Raleigh.