Thanks John, and I’ll Say This Very Publicly…

Yeah, I know this’ll be slightly off topic, but…

On 4 June 2005 a very good man celebrated his 65th birthday. Mr. John Gellard, now among my best of friends, is retired.

Exceptional educators are a rarity, and may now be an endangered species bordering on extinction. In my long, long career as a student I’ve run into only a handful. John, who taught me drama (and some English) for four years at Van Tech in the late ‘70s-early ‘80s, was also, and I know still is, among the finest Shakespearean actors. Unlike most instructors, John dedicated himself to his students, above his work, and as a result demonstrated just how invaluable learning could be. He’s one of the reasons I, along with many others, arrived at the conclusion that schooling was worthwhile. I can certainly thank him for my high school diploma, and maybe even parcel out some blame for his keeping alive and promoting a drive that culminated in doctoral studies. As of the 4th of this month, the school system in the City of Vancouver is not just a little poorer; it’s much, much worse off.

Thanks for everything, John. You are exceptional.

Stan  ¶ 12:12 AM