My father was born on his parents’ kitchen table on a cold winter’s day in 1938. It was the end of the Great Depression and the Second World War loomed; the front page of The Globe that day was filled with warnings: rising tensions with the Nazis, Mussolini and Japan. He would grow up in the wake of those two catastrophes in a family that didn’t have much. As a boy, he would often get into trouble with his older brothers and he initially dropped out of high school. But in the end, he would dedicate his life to learning: a professor, teacher, principal and author who became one of the world’s leading champions for inclusive education. And he was a father whose stories about growing up in Toronto — along with my mom’s — were among the things that first drew me into writing about the history of our city.
Lovingly written, elqouently stated, the life of your father was impressive and impactful. On many around him, most notably you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and telling us so much about your Dad, but also the city he lived in, too.
What a wonderful tribute to a very inspiring father. Thank you for sharing. Wishing you and your family a holiday filled with fond memories of your dad.
Your Dad had an amazing history and your telling of it was filled with your love and respect. Thank you for sharing the story of this remarkable man. Every person's story is a novel, isn't it? Warm wishes to you and your family and I look forward to tonight's talk.
This was just so beautiful and touching. I’m sure your dad would be proud and humbled to read your kind words. Thank you for sharing and condolences to you and your family.
What a great tribute to your dad! Thank you for sharing something so personal. Parents are the anchors in our lives—they keep us moored in our ever changing world. When we lose a parent, we feel slightly adrift, unsure of our place in the world. Your parents remain a part of you, and the stories that we tell about them, keep them a part of the present, and as the stories get passed down to the younger generation, keep them a part of the future as well!
Lovingly written, elqouently stated, the life of your father was impressive and impactful. On many around him, most notably you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and telling us so much about your Dad, but also the city he lived in, too.
Thanks so much, Roger — it helps, at least a little bit, to have been able to write about him and share some of those stories.
What a wonderful tribute to a very inspiring father. Thank you for sharing. Wishing you and your family a holiday filled with fond memories of your dad.
Oh my gosh, Adam, this is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing and I’m sorry for your loss. Merry Christmas.
Thanks so much, Dana — that means a lot.
What a wonderful tribute. I’m sure you miss him a lot right now.
A beautiful tribute to a great man. I'm glad that I got to meet him.
Your Dad had an amazing history and your telling of it was filled with your love and respect. Thank you for sharing the story of this remarkable man. Every person's story is a novel, isn't it? Warm wishes to you and your family and I look forward to tonight's talk.
This was just so beautiful and touching. I’m sure your dad would be proud and humbled to read your kind words. Thank you for sharing and condolences to you and your family.
What a great tribute to your dad! Thank you for sharing something so personal. Parents are the anchors in our lives—they keep us moored in our ever changing world. When we lose a parent, we feel slightly adrift, unsure of our place in the world. Your parents remain a part of you, and the stories that we tell about them, keep them a part of the present, and as the stories get passed down to the younger generation, keep them a part of the future as well!
Thank you so much, Antony — it's been a sad time, but it's nice at least to be able to remember him and share some of those stories.
What a wonderful read for Christmas Adam!
Thank you for sharing this remarkable man with us. What a painful absence you must feel this Christmas—condolences.
What a lovely tribute to your father. He seemed like a remarkable man.
This is a perfect tribute to your father. It's clear that his dedication to learning and his writing skills have been passed on to you.
Thanks so much, Gary — that's a truly lovely compliment
I’m so sorry for your and your family’s loss. Your Dad sounds like an amazing teacher, Dad and person.
Beautiful!🥹🥰🥰🥰