Roger Fish and Alfred "Al" Studden were at the helm of Logan Middle School for 21 years.

To be the school's principal, Fish said he needed the support and strengths Studden brought to his role as associate principal.

"I was fortunate to have him as my sidekick," Fish said. "When there's a chemistry, it's hard to describe."

The men shared the same philosophy when it came to kids - they are the most important people in the school - and formed a lasting friendship.

"Al was a rare individual ..." Fish said. "I think his purpose here was to remind us how much we should appreciate life every day."

Studden died Wednesday after a long battle with brain cancer. He was 62.

Studden spent 32 years with the La Crosse School District, including more than 20 at Logan Middle School, earning the respect of staff, students and the community.

"He held other people to the highest regard, and the respect he gave you made you feel valued and that you had a purpose," Logan Middle School Principal Troy Harcey said. "He just really had a unique knack that made people believe that they could do it."

Studden mentored Harcey as he trained to become an administrator, he said.

"Al is someone people aspired to be like," Harcey said. "He was so selfless. ... It was never about him."

Studden seldom missed school, even for matters in his personal life, said Logan Middle secretary Linda Kouba, who worked with Studden for nine years before he retired in 2002.

"He had the warmest heart in the world," Kouba said. "He was always the first one here and usually the last one to leave."

Former students frequently visited Studden at the school, and he would remember their names and faces, Kouba said. "They had so much respect for him. … He was patient and understanding. He had such a wonderful sense of humor and that quiet dignity that you can't duplicate."

Former La Crosse Superintendent Dick Swantz remembered how seriously Studden took his job. "But he really didn't get uptight about anything. He was able to roll with the changes and make that work."

Whenever Swantz visited the North Side school, Studden would ask him to tag along as he interacted with students. "It was a joy to be with him when he was with the children."

Studden is survived by his wife, Dolli; son Scott (Shannon) Studden; daughter Amy Studden Duquette; and numerous grandchildren; plus other family and friends.

No memorial or funeral services are planned, at Studden's request.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dickinsonfuneralhomes.com.

"His family was very proud, and they should be," Harcey said. "He was one heck of a guy. ... There are a lot of people walking around (Logan Middle) with heavy hearts."