ROBERT JAMES WILSON

Condolences & Memories (26 entries)

• The BEST history teacher EVER! - Posted by: Lori (Skworchinski) Paras (Student) on: Nov 05, 2012

• History was not a strong subject of mine, however, Mr. Wilson made every effort to make sure I understood it and enjoyed it! He always put in that extra effort and it truly paid off for me. You will be remembered as a fair, honest, caring teacher and person Mr. Wilson. May you rest in peace. My condolences go out to your family and friends at this time. - Posted by: Chris Light (former student, 1989 River East) on: Oct 10, 2012

• If the true measure of a teacher is that they made a difference to one child's life, we were all very lucky to have been placed in this kind man's class. Both my husband and I were in Mr Wilson's World History class, and also classmates with his son. I got the chance to teach his grandchildren at Robert Andrews. Sincere condolences to the Wilson family and I am so sorry I could not get to the memorial service. - Posted by: Patti Douglas () on: Oct 08, 2012

• A truly special teacher and man. Was my inspiration to major in history and become an educator. I have shared many stories of "Mr. Wilson, my favourite teacher in high school (REC)". Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Susan () on: Oct 05, 2012

• I had Mr. Wilson for grade 12 and he was one of the most animated teachers I ever had at River East. He certainly made class interesting. You would have so much fun in his class, you did not realize you were actually learning. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Wayne R. Popeski (former student at River East) on: Oct 04, 2012

• Mr. Wilson was the BEST teacher I had at River East Collegiate. He had a very special, animated way of teaching. He made learning history extremely interesting and fun. I am very sad to hear of his passing. May you rest in peace Mr. Wilson. - Posted by: Kerri Grabowski (REC Student Graduated 1983) on: Oct 03, 2012

• By far one of my most memorable teachers! 30+ years later, I still remember learning about the history of the toilet from the middle ages on. He made history exciting. He treated his students with respect and made us feel that our opinion mattered. He will be fondly remembered and missed by thousands of students! - Posted by: Catherine Taillon (Student) on: Oct 03, 2012

• My husband and I are both former students of Mr. Wilson's. I had Mr. Wilson at Miles Mac and Mark had him as a teacher at River East. Last night we talked about Mr. Wilson's passion for History but also how we both remember him as one of the best teachers we ever had. Despite all the years that have passed since we were in his classes we could both remember some of the actual lessons that he taught. His passion for teaching was inspiring and I know he was the main reason my major at university was History. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. - Posted by: Arlene Merrick and Mark McLellan (former students) on: Oct 03, 2012

• Mr. Wilson was without question the most outstanding teacher of my high school years. He taught by example and possessed the gift to inspire his students. I often spoke of him as the teacher that influenced my life the most. Good teachers teach, Great teachers inspire. - Posted by: Dr. Harry Sperber (former student 1957-59) on: Oct 03, 2012

• Love and miss you Grandpa, may you rest in paradise. <3 - Posted by: Rory Court (Grandson) on: Oct 02, 2012

• Mr. Wilson had a very special way of teaching American History. I will never forget when in the middle of class he said Class, do you know that Carolyn has one big father and 4 big brothers and if anyone tried anything her one big father and 4 big brothers would go after them, during one his lectures. Another time during class he said, do you know that I see into the Kjear's front room when their curtain is open and I am sure that they can see into ours as well. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. - Posted by: Carolyn Holowaty (Kjear) (student and old neighbor) on: Oct 02, 2012

• Mr.Wilson, was a true teacher. I had few as wonderful in my years of school and University. He made you want to learn, want to come to class, and yearn for more education. He made a massive difference in my life. Joanna Biondi, Grad of REC 1987 - Posted by: Joanna Biondi (Student) on: Oct 02, 2012

• Marie and family, I am so sorry to hear that Bob passed away. Bob (or Mr. Wilson in school!) had an extraordinary way of describing the past so that you could picture it before your eyes. Thanks to my Dad's knowledge of history and Bob's teachings, I have maintained my love of history. Our grade 12 trip to England, when Bob and Marie were chaperones, is still one of my favorite life memories. Bob was a very special person and a wonderful teacher. I know Bob and my Dad are up there discussing and debating some exciting moment in history and enjoying every minute of it. Love, Tracy - Posted by: Tracy Cassie (Fulford) (Cousin and former student) on: Oct 02, 2012

• Mr. Wilson had such a presence in class, and he made me sit up and pay attention in History. It's never been a favourite subject of mine, but you couldn't help but be swept away with his enthusiasm, humour, warmth and joy of learning. He was one of my favourite teachers, ever. May he rest in peace, and may his family be comforted in their time of loss by the memories of him. - Posted by: Diana (former student at River East) () on: Oct 01, 2012

• Love & hugs, to Marie and the family. Bob was such a wonderful person, and his enthusiasm for what he loved was so contagious, and even now brings a smile to my face. I hope your many memories of him will help you through this sad time. - Posted by: betty dixon (cousin) on: Oct 01, 2012

• My thoughts and prayers go out to the Wilson family as we remember one of the most passionate teachers and mentors a student could ever have. You shall be forever missed and never forgotten. Thank you for the memories. - Posted by: Don Lavigne (former student) on: Oct 01, 2012

• I am sorry to hear of Mr. Wilson's passing. I had the pleasure of taking 2 of Mr. Wilson's classes at River East. To say Mr. Wilson was passionate about history doesn't begin to describe his enthusiasm for the subject and and his desire to share his knowledge with his students. I also have wonderful memories of our school trip to France with Mr. and Mrs. Wilson as chaperones. My thoughts are with Mrs. Wilson and her family at this time. - Posted by: Susan Moeller (Koubek) (former student) on: Oct 01, 2012

• Marie, we were so sorry to hear about Bob's passing... Our hearts go out to you and your extended family... Bob was an extremely well-loved and blessed man to have you, his children and his grandchilden in his life... We hope that you all find comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering and that he is healthy and happy now that he is in Heaven. Sadly we will not be able to attend Bob's service on Wednesday - but please know that our hearts and prayers will be with you and your family during that time. Take care of yourselves and please let us know if you need anything. Love Julie & Steven xo - Posted by: Julie & Steven Robertson (Friends) on: Oct 01, 2012

• Bob was a wonderfully kind man and will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to Marie and the Wilson family at this time. - Posted by: Shannon Gray (Friend ) on: Oct 01, 2012

• Bob was my favorite teacher way back then (1957-58). He was a kind gentle man who exemplified the very best in his profession and in life. My condolences to Marie and family. - Posted by: Ken Sutherland (former student) on: Oct 01, 2012

• As a teacher, Mr. Wilson was a joy. His knowledge of history and teaching ability were equally incredible. (He taught both me and my father.) In fact, I still remember his colourful depiction of Marie Antoinette from grade 12 history. Mrs. Wilson, my condolences to you and your family. I was fortunate to have had you for a teacher as well. - Posted by: Krystyl Harland (Nickarz) ((Former student, River East Collegiate)) on: Oct 01, 2012

• I was fortunate to have Mr. Wilson as my History teacher in grades seven and ten. He instilled in me a deep love for history, and for learning which I still retain. He was so excited about what he was teaching and that carried to his students. Mrs. Wilson was my Home Economics teacher for one year at Polson. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Donna Einarsson (Riffell) (Student at Melrose Junior High & Miles Mac) on: Oct 01, 2012

• I will always remember Mr. Wilson as a wonderfully kind man. He was a teacher who, in his first year of teaching, taught my father and just over two decades later taught myself. May you rest in peace Mr. Wilson. - Posted by: Lori (Former Student) on: Oct 01, 2012

• Cathy, Doug, Rory and Chelsea; I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your father, father-in law, grandfather. I remember Mr. Wilson fondy and well. I was one of the many fortunate students to have him as a history teacher way back when...well, that is actually "history" now too! We all vaguely remember certain teachers and some we just find not to be all the memorable. But, Mr. Wilson, was one of those teachers who will stand out for many of us even if "History" was not our most favourite subject. He was soft spoken, kind and extremely passionate about teaching history. He did not need to be "larger than life" to leave his mark! Unfortunately, it has been a long road for your Dad, Cathy. In my heart, I know that he is at peace. Love Robin, Kevin, Jess and Tanner Polley - Posted by: Robin Polley (Friend) on: Oct 01, 2012

• Mr. Wilson, as a fomer student thank you for sharing your joy of History all those years ago. I am grateful for the lessons learned, and credit you for planting the seeds that cultivated my love of British history...Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Adele (Former student at River East) on: Oct 01, 2012

• To say that Mr. Wilson had a passion for history does not capture the pure love and joy he put into teaching this subject. Almost 40 years later, his classes still bring fond memories. He was one of the best. It still surprises me how much I enjoyed American history and that I have retained so much of it. With the recent "War of 1812" commercials my thoughts have returned often to his teaching of that event. - Posted by: Don Schau (former student) on: Oct 01, 2012