WILLIAM J. (BILL) MADDER

Condolences & Memories (3 entries)

• Having had Bill Madder as my Isaac Newton High School PE instructor in 1949, I recall his distinguished Errol Flynn moustache, his organization skills in the gym, and his bicycle riding to and from school at a time when adults were seldom seen on bikes. Fast forward to 1963-64, Bill Madder was my vice-principal at Churchill High, where I taught chemistry, and he still wore his moustache. A fond farewell to a true gentleman, with a strength of character that shone through his soft-spoken manner. - Posted by: Ed Labinowicz (student; teacher) on: Aug 14, 2013

• My wife, Sheila (nee Hughes) and I had the pleasure of meeting Bill at the Cecil Rhodes 100th Anniversary. Bill was our 'PT' teacher at Cecil R in the 50's. Bill "again caught up to me" at Tec Voc High School. He was our Counselor from 1953 to 1956. Near the end of the term, Bill entered the room right after classes ended. He closed the door and put a pile of books on his desk. He quietly scanned the students. Then he said "everyone here should consider going on to University". I just completed 3 years of electrical and junior matric, and was planning on becoming an electrician. There was no money around to go to University; it wasn't even on the radar! Bill handed most of us a book or two, the calendar of courses at U of M. As I look back, this short meeting with Bill was a turning point in my life! Today, I am so grateful to have such an inspirational and encouraging teacher as Bill. Rest is history; I graduated from U of M, BSc. Science, Civil Engineering. What a challenging and interesting career I have enjoyed, and still doing part-time consulting! Thank you Bill!! Our heart felt condolences to his Family, Friends and the many students who had the luck to meet Bill! Warmest Regards Peter - Posted by: Peter Terry Keenie (Student) on: Jul 26, 2013

• I called Mr. Madder when I was named Principal of FMCHS back in 2007. We talked about my rough adolescence, how much grief I caused him and his staff, and the irony of my new position. He was very positive saying he knew the Zeglen kids had a tough life and faced many problems, but he felt there was something good in each and everyone of us. Further irony: my brother Ed taught at CHS and my sister Cathy works there as an Educational Assistant in one of their special ed programs. RIP Mr. Madder and thanks again for not giving up on us. - Posted by: Tony Zeglen (Former student) on: Jul 18, 2013