TOM FAULKNER, PHD

Condolences & Memories (5 entries)

• Condolences for the loss of Tom. I did not know him but my father was minister at Brunswick St. United Church in Halifax from 1961-69. We have 2 slides taken in June 1969 at a Sunday School picnic at Camp Brunswick of a Tom Faulkner playing the banjo surrounded by kids. On the slides are written "Tom Faulkner". I am wondering if this could be the same person. I would like to send the photos to the family. - Posted by: Ann (Verrall) on: Feb 14, 2022

• I was very sorry to hear of Tom's passing, as I had hoped to reconnect with him at some point in the future. I didn't know him well, because I was only young when I first met him, but he was a work colleague of my father's and I recall having fantastic conversations with him even at 8 or 9 years of age. He knew how to relate to people, regardless of their age, culture or political leanings. Later on, I had the opportunity to hear him speak at Dalhousie on more than one occasion, and was always wowed by the breadth of his learning and his excellent oratorical skills. - Posted by: Colin Bowers (Friend of family) on: Jan 14, 2019

• Tom is the teacher who changed my experience as a student. He is the teacher I tell my students about. I tell them first about how when I was a struggling second year student in the mid-90s, and couldn't see my success having bitten off more than I could chew, Tom asked me what essay due date I could meet. He met me where I was, and I am humbled by his action still. He has inspired me in my teaching to be present in that same spirit. I reminisce to my students of his coffee-book-club-ish seminar classes, which are some of my best memories from university. I also tell my students how he could chuckle at himself. One time he had forgotten our stack of essays at the bank and from the front of the class, he called the bank and asked if the papers were still there. He was very real and honest. I remember his lovely deep voice and can picture him now. When encouraging my students to write a thank you note to someone who changed them, I've often thought how I must let him know he has been the model of teacher for me. Tom, thank you and God bless. - Posted by: Paula MacDonald Moore () on: Oct 30, 2017

• In my younger years, struggling with who I was in this world, Tom Sinclair-Faulkner had a profound impact on my life. He was the first male feminist I ever met, and he lived what he believed. He took his spouse's name, and she took his so that throughout his married life he was Tom Sinclair-Faulkner. When Dalhousie University labourers were on strike, he was compelled to cross the picket-line but contributed his day's pay to the union. That's the kind of man he was. He believed in the nobility of education and knowledge. He was the first person I met who was a member of Amnesty International in the Halifax area. He used to ride his bicycle to class back in the 70s. A real power of example. He brought roasted pumpkin seeds to class after Hallowe'en to share with his students, and he would invite the entire class into his home for a reading, then on Robie Street, and treat us all to Willman's Fish & Chips. He was the first person I ever met who did not allow people to smoke in his home. I just had never heard of that before and it was a revelation to me. I eventually quit smoking. I remember his delight when his son came into his life, and then his daughter. He openly shared these experiences and his joy about his children with his students. He taught me to write. Really write. And he taught me that having your work blue-penciled is not a negative. Once I walked out of one of his exams in frustration, and Tom, as he had us call him, immediately followed up with me and in his compassionate way negotiated another option for me. He cared about people and about principles. He made me want to be a better scholar, and to want to stay the course in my studies. Once in his office, after whining about a mark he gave me on a paper on St. Augustine, he emphatically retorted, "Regena, I think you're bright, but I don't think you think you're bright!" Another revelation. He changed me forever. I will miss this great man very much. - Posted by: Regena Kaye Russell, B.A., LL.B., LL.B., LL.M. (Student) on: Dec 20, 2013

• Love you Dad, you were the greatest father anyone has ever had, save the Almighty. Rest in eternal peace in the hands of God. - Posted by: Matthew Austin Sinclair-Faulkner (Son) on: Oct 11, 2012