Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) Professor Emeritus and Alumnus William N. Brisbane, O.D., Class of 1952, passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2011.  He was 87.

Dr. Brisbane served for 39 years as a member of SCCO's faculty, 1952–91.  He was one of the first two optometrists hired as full-time faculty members by the College in 1952.  Until then only part-time faculty were on the College's payroll.

The title, Professor Emeritus, was conferred upon Dr. Brisbane in 1991 at the time of his retirement.  Honored at the May 1991 Commencement Exercise it was said of Dr. Brisbane, "Educator, optometrist, clinical director and consultant, Dr. William N. Brisbane has served his profession and optometric education with a distinctively unique loyalty and dedication.  Today, The Southern California College of Optometry pays tribute to him for his many years of unfaltering and faithful service; it acknowledges his impeccable professional decorum and steadfast dedication to the education of countless students; and the College expresses its appreciation to him for his commitment and shared talents."

Another special highlight of the 1991 Commencement Exercise was the graduation of his daughter, Nanette, from the College's Doctor of Optometry degree program.  His daughter, Laurie, graduated from the College's Optometric Technician Program in 1980.

A long-time resident of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, he's survived by his wife of 52 years, LaVeda; and their children, Laurie Smith and her husband, Rob; Alan Brisbane; and Nanette Brisbane, O.D., her husband, Ken Sanman, and her two children, Benjamin and Abbey Turpin.

A memorial service will be held, Friday, April 29, at 1 p.m., at the Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel, 27501 South Western Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to:  Southern California College of Optometry, Office of Advancement and Marketing, 2575 Yorba Linda Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92831.