NEIL WEBSTER

Condolences & Memories (3 entries)

• And what if one of those I choose to tell is you, dear Neil? More than words can say. You were the first light at the dawn of adolescent awareness, the embodied reassurance that life was swell, despite a molten uncertainty at its very core. When the temper of the times finally allowed love in all its manifestations, you stepped out and in with the undeniable delight of one too-long denied. And that, too, was swell. Neil Webster was the first and finest guide that a young Kildonan pup ever could have hoped for. Parents trust educators with the lives they hold dear. Mr Webster understood the broader mission: "These Children are not your Children; They are the Sons and Daughters of Life's longing for itself". There was never a day, when in Neil's charge, that I returned to my parent's home the same as I had left it that morning. Neil's trust, his questioning quest, his affection for all things vulnerable, his transparent enthusiasm for the opportunity we each are given moved me deeply. I've known no other like him. I, some days, dare to hope I am at least a bit like him myself. Now I'm off to find one other, that they, too, will know that they are loved. Allan Rathbone (Edmund Partridge alumnus, world-without-end stumbler, confidant and friend to a precious few). And that's all he wrote. Sad beyond words. - Posted by: Allan Rathbone (Friend) on: Apr 12, 2021

• Mr. Webster was the first person in my academic experience who encouraged his students to think and occasionally act "outside the box." In 1969! I am forever grateful to Miss Murray for teaching us the rigors of the English language but it was Neil who taught us the freedom of expression. The trip we 14 and 15 year olds took to Great Britain under his and Miss Poustie's guidance sparked a love for that island which I have returned to many times and an early appreciation seeing the world in person. Thanks, good fellow. - Posted by: Howard Skrypnyk (Student) on: Dec 21, 2020

• Neil Webster was my Grade 8 Teacher at Edmund Partridge Junior High School in West Kildonan. The manner in which the obituary is written leads me to believe it is he. He was my favorite teacher who treated the entire class respectively, sometimes irreverently; he was authoritative when needed and friendly at the same time; he taught us a lot about life; he treated us like people which I'm sure at times was a challenge. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Colleen (Whibley) McEwan (Previous student in the 60s) on: Dec 19, 2020