CHARLES WILFRED MITTERNDORFER

Condolences & Memories (31 entries)

• Charles was always a gentleman. I am sure he is making beautiful music with the angels all around. I miss our email banter and phone calls. - Posted by: TC (Friend) on: Aug 09, 2014

• I was saddened to hear of Mr. Mitt's passing through Mr. Bolin. Mr. Mitt was my first math teacher when I first came to Canada in 1987. I can imagine how difficult it might have been for Mr. Mitt to explain every lecture to a child who can hardly speak and understand a word of English. Not once he showed me his frustration but instead made every effort to make sure that I fully understood what he was trying to teach me. After 26 long years, I had the opportunity to speak to Mr. Mitt in July 2013. I was lucky enough to tell him how grateful I am for everything that he has done for me and I'm glad I did. Once again.....thank you and may you rest in peace in the arms of God! - Posted by: Danilo Aquino (Former Math Student) on: Mar 06, 2014

• I am so very sad to hear of Charles's passing. Charles and I were music colleagues and partners-in-crime at Ness from1 987-1994. Charles took me (his rookie colleague) under his wing and navigated me through the shark-infested waters of teaching music to hormonal but absolutely wonderful kids. His love of teaching, passion for music, knowledge of jazz, work ethic and professional generosity were an inspiration to me. Professionally, we shared some amazing experiences ...putting on band/choir concerts and taking our vocal and instrumental groups to Jazz festivals and on national music festival trips. Socially, Charles, my hubby Gord and I enjoyed getting together for Indian food, seafood buffets and backyard barbecues. Gord and I truly enjoyed his gentle nature and outrageous sense of humour. We extend to the family, who knew him and loved him the most, our heartfelt condolences. - Posted by: Debbie McLeod (music colleague) on: Aug 26, 2013

• Charles...you will be missed by a great many people....former students and colleagues whose life you touched with your quiet intelligence and humour. Your friends spoke with you many times about fishing and music, your two greatest passions, both of which I was able to share with you. My condolences to your family on your passing. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Ed Reynolds (Friend and former colleague) on: Aug 26, 2013

• Chuck was a special friend and Best Man for my son-in-law and daughter, Marc and Nancy Duykers. They kept me aware of Chuck in their lives. My heartfelt condolences for the family, friends, co-workers and former students of Chuck. My prayers for you all for the loss of this special person in your lives. Sincerely, Nina Tackaberry - Posted by: Nina Tackaberry (Acquaintance) on: Aug 26, 2013

• You were always sweet and caring Charles. I will miss your smile, quirkyness and your sense of humour. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Dina (Colleague) on: Aug 21, 2013

• I spent many fishing trips with Charles over the years in the Duck Mountains of Manitoba when he would phone me and ask to come fishing. He was always welcomed at our cabin, but loved to sleep in his vehicle and not impose on our family. When it got really cold outside, he readily slept on our couch in our cabin and I will miss our conversations and friendship. Otherwise, he liked his privacy and my family always respected his wishes. We wish you good luck in your future journey, Charles. You are gone, but never forgotten. Robert Stock, Lucie Lachapelle, Brandon and Chris Stock. - Posted by: Robert Stock (Friend) on: Aug 19, 2013

• I am saddened to hear of Charles' passing. I always had the utmost respect for Charles. He always made decisions (and stuck by them) that he knew were right for himself, and of course, for his students. His professionalism was paramount, and indeed, it is evident that he touched many lives. Although he may not be physically present, the relationships he had will last forever. Greatest sympathies to family and to friends. - Posted by: Allison Wong (Former Colleague) on: Aug 18, 2013

• Chuck was my husband, Marc's childhood friend. His parents, Norma and Wilf were instrumental in Marc navigating his teen years. They opened the doors of their home to him and provided a place where he felt loved and welcome. There were countless meals and conversations sprinkled with lessons on life and love. I met Chuck when I was 18 years old and started to date Marc. I too, was welcomed into this loving family. We shared Christmas dinners and many happy times. Chuck was the Best Man at our wedding. It pains us to know we were unable to do more to help Chuck as he struggled over the past few years. Remarkably, Chuck was always able to show care and compassion towards others, in spite of his personal struggles. Teacher, Athlete, Musician, Fisherman, Friend. Here's hoping the Next Place gives him the peace he so longed for. RIP Chuck. - Posted by: Nancy and Marc Duykers (friends) on: Aug 18, 2013

• R.I.P Mr Mitt. You opened my world to the magic of Bill Nye. When I ran into you the last few years when you were subbing you were not surprised at all to see me now at the front of the classroom. Every time I would show my kids a Bill Nye I would tell them about you. The small things are always what students remember. Thanks for helping to get many of us through middle school! Rest in peace, - Posted by: Stacey McMillan (Huggard) (Former student) on: Aug 17, 2013

• Charles, it is with great sadness that we witness your passing. It always pains us to see someone go too young. You left an amazing impression on us and on so many of the students who learned about music from you. We can only add our names to those who so benefited from and appreciated your skill. RIP - Posted by: Eric and Audrey Mitterndorfer (Uncle and Aunt) on: Aug 16, 2013

• He was a Great friendly teacher. - Posted by: Former student at Ness. () on: Aug 15, 2013

• I have fond memories of Charles and my years at Lincoln (over 30 years ago.) I always enjoyed our staff get togethers and chats with him were pleasant. I so admired his ability to teach such a wide variety of students and instruments at the same time and how he was able to do so with a calm demeanor. My sympathies to his family and former students. - Posted by: Dawn Lussier (Former Colleague at Lincoln) on: Aug 15, 2013

• Mr. Mitt was my band teacher at Ness. He helped me learn how to play the flute, alto saxophone and piqued my interest in Jazz. He was someone who was passionate about what he did and I also went on to become a music teacher, in part because of him. May you rest in peace Mr. Mitt. Marla - Posted by: Marla (Dreger) Tran (Former Student) on: Aug 14, 2013

• He was a great teacher. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Collette (former student) on: Aug 13, 2013

• Like others I am truly sorry I could not do more for my friend. I knew Charles or Chuckie as he probably hated but never said a word, since elementary school. After moving to Alberta lost touch a little but tried to stay in touch. Charles was a great friend, dedicated teacher and excellent musician. This was a fellow that truly cared. We are going to miss you. - Posted by: Craig Nagazina (Friend) on: Aug 12, 2013

• Mr. Mitt was my first band teacher, and a truly great teacher. He set us up for success and enjoyment of music right from the beginning by meeting with each of us to help us find the instrument that best fit us individually. He led us to award-winning performances while helping us keep our joy of music. This takes an excellent teacher who truly cares about his students. I'm so sorry to hear he's gone. May God's peace and grace be with those who were closest to him and are grieving and struggling with his untimely passing. - Posted by: Dana Stoesz (Ablack) (Former Student) on: Aug 11, 2013

• Oh dear! I was so very sorry and deeply moved to read of Charles' passing. I was a teacher at Ness and taught in the Resource Room beside the 'band room' where the grade 7, 8,and 9 bands were given instruction. I marvelled at how Charles could take a 12 year old grade 7 student who could barely lift a trumpet or saxaphone and in three years have him/her proudly and confidently perform in front of judges and audiences in many parts of Canada and win awards. Hats off to you Charles and may you RIP, knowing you were a very talented and patient teacher. - Posted by: Alene Whitlaw (Former Ness teacher) on: Aug 11, 2013

• I was fortunate to call Charles my friend since the late 70s when I met him through a mutual high school friend. We partied together in our younger days, then as we got a little older, we played volleyball (on the same team for awhile) and did a lot of fishing together. We developed a close relationship where we would confide in each other and help each other through some tough times. He was always there when I needed him, but unfortunately I was unable to help him when he needed me most, though we spent many hours talking. You will always hold a place in my heart Charles, and I hope you have found peace. - Posted by: Bob Peters (Friend) on: Aug 11, 2013

• We will miss Charles' quirky humour, his calls, e-mails and visits out west. We recall the exuberant young boy and ready-for-anything teenager who was a bit of a dare-devil. Then came his dedication to his career and students. We regret not having been able to help him in his final struggle for health, and hope he is at peace and out of pain at last. - Posted by: Jackie and George Meikle (Aunt & Uncle) on: Aug 11, 2013

• Ness middle school is where it all began! Mr. Mitt is the reason I started to play the drums. My older brother Tyler attended Ness as well, unfortunately he and I were never in the same school with I being 3 years younger. Mr. Mitt taught my brother first and then he had another Yip right after. As Ross stated above, Mr. Mitt taught us music, and how to excel at our instrument of choice. He would stay after school to help students, work through his lunch hour, and even first thing in the morning. I looked forward to band class and jazz band each and every time. Mr. Mitt will be in my memory forever. Rest in peace my friend, may the music comfort you now like it always has. You are greatly missed, and will be a part of every life you have touched. Until we meet again. . . . . . - Posted by: Derek Yip (Former Student) on: Aug 11, 2013

• Charles had been a very close friend of my husband Bob. I also knew him quite well, and found him to be a very caring, sensitive person, and a true loyal friend. My condolences go out to his family. May he now rest in peace. - Posted by: Judy Peters (Friend) on: Aug 10, 2013

• Mr. Mitt taught hundreds of students and I'm sure that all of them will remember him. He was a good guy and was always patient. He made us strive for excellence and with that we saw many awards and medals in band. The highlight for me and the Senior Jazz Band I was in was when we were on TV...it was very exciting and I will always remember that he encouraged and inspired us to do and be better. Many people I know and I'm sure a whole lot more I don't know, are who they are in their music careers because of this man. With heavy heart I will miss him. RIP Mr. Mitt. Thanks for taking a chance and letting me play some solos...lol - Posted by: chantel (wylie) saarinen (former student) on: Aug 10, 2013

• Mr Mitt, you were an inspiration to me musically- your teaching evoked in me a life long interest to teach young students about music, as well as a love for the genre of jazz music! For this, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Had you not taught me, I'm not sure i would be where I am today- a music and arts educator! I dedicate the jazz numbers I conduct to you, Mr Mitterndorfer. Rest in peace..... - Posted by: Lindsay Vieira (Student ) on: Aug 10, 2013

• Very sad to hear Mr Mitt passed away. My sympathies to family and friends. - Posted by: Tammy (Former Student) on: Aug 10, 2013

• I was saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Charles. For a number of years Charles provided me with music students who had graduated from his Ness Middle School band program. These students were always very well trained and enthusiastic to continue their band studies at high school. He was an excellent teacher who motivated his students to reach their highest potential. He will be missed by his many former colleagues and students. - Posted by: Ross Shaver (Band teaching colleague) on: Aug 10, 2013

• Chuck I think about you all the time, especially since we last talked. I am sorry there wasn't more I could have done for you. I know you wanted life to be better and get back to things you enjoyed. I will miss our talks about the latest reality show, your quirky lunches, sick jokes or just running into you at practices. I know you are in a happy place now and I just want you to know you will be missed. Rest in peace Chuck. - Posted by: Whitney (Friend) on: Aug 10, 2013

• Being a 1st year teacher in a middle school can be a daunting challenge, but Charles or Chuckie as the staff called him, went out of his way to befriend me and always treated me like an equal, not the struggling newbie on staff. His nuggets of advice I still find valuable. - Posted by: Paul Harland (Former co-worker) on: Aug 10, 2013

• Teaching junior high band class takes a special kind of person - encouraging, determined and patient; Mr. Mitt had all of those qualities. He was a good sport who knew how to work hard, to pursue excellence and to have a lot of fun at the same time. He was a dedicated and memorable teacher and he will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family. - Posted by: Heidi Schell Reimer (former student) on: Aug 10, 2013

• I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Mitt's passing. The Junior High / Middle School Years, in anyone's life, is a time of personal growth and change. Mr. Mitt helped create a space - through music - where all individuals were welcome and were given a sense of belonging. Through his music program, many friendships were formed, successes were achieved, talents were highlighted, and laughs were had. He pushed his students to reach their full potential, and created opportunities for all of us to shine. I will always be grateful that I had the privilege of calling him my teacher and friend. - Posted by: Melanie Paragg (Former Student and friend) on: Aug 10, 2013

• I met Charles a few years ago through an internet fishing forum. He most definitely had a passion for fishing. Had not seen him in a long time. RIP Charles! You're fishing the best honey hole now. gatorhunter - Posted by: André (Acquaintance) on: Aug 10, 2013