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Saturday, May 30, 2015

I was Dave's classmate at Leaside High. He arranged the 50th anniversary celebration of the graduation of our class a few years ago. Everyone enjoyed seeing former classmates thanks to his hard work. I am so very sorry we have lost Dave.

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Linda Nicholson posted a condolence

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

I just read via The Toronto Star, electronically, that David Stickney's death occurred on May 11/15. With reading all of emails sent to this page, I can only recommend you all read them! This is just a small sampling of people David had left lasting impressions with. Oh yes, his legacy will live on through all of us. Do read them all. R.I.P. Mr. Stickney.

M

Micky Donaldson posted a condolence

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

When I first learned of "Stick's" death, I paused and reflected on what I'm doing with my life. Someone spoke of achievements in life, "Stick" would be so proud, as I went on to do what I love to do primarily because of teachers like "Stick". I travel all over the world teaching math and statistics which had me be at Oxford in England, when I heard the news. My God's presence be among you all at this time, in order that we draw strength through this. Oh, yes his legacy proudly lives on within all of us who were fortunate enough to know and love" Stick".

M

Meredith Meads posted a condolence

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Firstly, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Mr. Stickey was one of the finest people I have ever had the fortune to meet, and I know how keenly family and friends will feel his loss. Mr. Stickney taught me math in the mid-80s. He was an exceptionally kind and patient man, and took pity on me and my terrible math skills. He went out of his way to provide extra tutoring, and writing math problems out in words so I could understand them. He made it his business to make sure I passed Grad 10 math. This, and all of his kindnesses have stayed with me throughout my life. Not only because he made me unafraid of math, and indelibly imprinted the Pythagorean theorem in my memory, he christened me "M Squared" which is how I sign my name to this day. His good humour and empathy in all of his interactions with me were deeply appreciated, and when people talk about teachers that changed their lives, it is Mr. Stickney that I think of.

H

Hilary (Monk) Ivory posted a condolence

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

My sincerest condolences to your family. Every time I encounter a youngster who proclaims he/she "sucks at math", I think of Mr. Stickney - "If only he taught this kid, they would do just fine!" Mr. Stickney - and I will always think of him in that way, with the reverence due a precious teacher from a student - opened several important doors to new worlds for me. I remember his shiny-at-the-elbows, green baggy suit, matching his green '60's Mustang, as he loped along to class, always with that lop-sided, faintly arch smile. I had the immense privilege of meeting him during summer school (his idea of 'fun' at the time?), 6 hours a day of math and this marvellous teacher. He introduced me to the aesthetics of logic that summer - on learning deductive geometry from him, the beauty of the indirect proof of the irrationality of the root of 2 made me burst into tears! And he understood! ... From that moment on, the deep connection between math as an 'art' in nature guided me through various explorations into philosophy, psychology, medicine and spirituality, always fascinated by what he had shown me about the interweaving of logic into all fields. I remember the delight of Fridays in his class (we did the regular curriculum Mon - Thurs), learning Statics and the architect who forgot about the weight of the books in the library he designed!, his elegant approach to time/motion problems, his anecdotal lectures on life and relationships - 'the "Ages of Man". I remember him groovin' to the Platters(!!)at dances. The clearest memory is of him doing what teachers aren't allowed any more - taking a bunch of us city kids to his farm in the country for a day of chores, laughter, hay stuck in your hair, "burp" in the creek, and generally jumping about having fun. I last chatted with him at Leaside a decade ago, and we spoke about the "Ultimate Equation", like the mathematical equivalent of Unified Field theory. These days I 'do' numbers - taxes and the like - to relax ... and I will think of him whenever it is especially pleasant. What a gem of a man!

M

Marianne Marusic posted a condolence

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

David Stickney was the best teacher I have ever had and one of the finest people I will ever know. His concern for his students knew no bounds. Over the years, I sometimes would call him for advice and even though a decade might have passed between conversations, the moment he heard my voice, he knew it was me and said "Hi M-Squared!"- addressing me by the nickname he had given me on that terrifying first day of Grade 9. He gave me my love of mathematics and became a good friend. If I ever have a moment when I do something special for one of my students, believe me, I am trying to emulate him. Thank you for everything. RIP Mr. Stickney.

J

James LeNoury posted a condolence

Monday, May 25, 2015

Last December Mr. Stickney and I drove together to his student, and my classmate, Brenda Plunkett's funeral. At one point in our wide ranging conversation as we were driving home after the funeral that celebrated Brenda's wonderful accomplishments Stick pensively said, “I don't feel like I have accomplished very much in my life." To which I blurted out, "Are you kidding me?! The lives of all the students you have touched and positively influenced, (including me), and all the people you have helped." He just turned his head and looked over at me and didn't say anything.The conversation moved on. The outpouring of messages and remembrances since Stick's too soon death, confirms all that he accomplished. James LeNoury LHS '74

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Lucy Burston posted a condolence

Monday, May 25, 2015

Anyone who has ever met David Stickney remembers him. He was larger than life, always radiating good cheer, vitality and joy of living. Although he taught math, he was really a Renaissance man. He was a fascinating storyteller, and could quote Shakespeare as though he was a personal friend of the Bard. When he crossed his arms and gave you his smile, you knew he was about to launch into an interesting story about one of the things he loved - his family, friends, neighbours, or one of his many hobbies. I knew David for 35 years, working beside him in the Math Department of Leaside for twenty-five of those years. He was a great mentor and an even better friend. He had boundless kindness and concern for all the students entrusted to his care. During our time working together, we shared many of the triumphs and tragedies of our everyday lives. David was an amazing teacher. I will never forget one of my first impressions of him sitting on a desk in front of his class rowing two meter sticks to make a point. He was a showman who grabbed students’ attention with his colourful antics. Another memorable lesson had him acting as an auctioneer, which sounded so real that people in the hall would poke their heads in to see what was being sold. He once told me something that I used many times when I became a guidance counsellor. He said: “I come in every day and do something that I love doing - and they pay me for it!” I encouraged my students to find their passion so that doing work and having fun become intertwined as it had for Dave. He gave generously to his community and did so with devotion and perfection - whether it was coaching, shovelling driveways or taking photographs. One of my enduring memories is watching him work math contest questions with insightful precision. David had many interests and hobbies. He especially enjoyed hiking, and looked forward to his walking holidays in England and France. When he took his students to explore the trails in Sheldon Valley, he returned looking refreshed while his students behind him were panting for breath. David also found that chopping wood was very therapeutic, and he would frequently show up at my house with a trunk load of neatly boxed firewood. We certainly benefited from that hobby. Mr. Leaside, as he was known both in the school and in the community, was a one-of-a-kind. I find it hard to believe that I will never see him at my door again with a big smile, a warm hug and an enthusiastic greeting of “Lucia!”. David will be missed by all who knew him and he has a special place in my heart. My condolences to Irene, Eric and Janet who were the centre of his life.

J

Jean lit a candle

Sunday, May 24, 2015

I still have the "Mathematics Distress Centre" business card you passed out inviting us to call you at home if we were having difficulty with our homework. Never did call because you also helped students each day before classes started. Your kindness always went above and beyond.

K

Kate Kennedy posted a condolence

Sunday, May 24, 2015

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Stickney's passing. He was a warm and engaging teacher, and he really knew the LHS community. I think of him often as I try to inspire my daughters to love math, and I think he'd have a chuckle to see that the "Captcha" to post a condolence is a math question. I wish for his family at least a few moments of peace and solace in the knowledge that he had a beautiful and lasting effect on so many people. With love to his family, Kate

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Paul Kavanaugh posted a condolence

Sunday, May 24, 2015

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of "Mr. S". Being a former Leasider, having been taught by "Stick" in math. I had two teachers at LHS which played a big part in my success in life and "Stick" was one of those teachers. It was only in later years that I grew to appreciate both his teaching and mentoring skills and told him numerous times, as I played hockey at Leaside Arena with him (complete with his leather hockey helmet)! Another occasion to share gratitude and thanks, was at his mother's funeral a few years ago (who also worked in the LHS offices). "Stick" loved who he was, what he stood for and what he taught (which was more then just math) to myself and others at LHS. I had the wonderful privilege of knowing him, and having him be a part of my life. My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the entire Stickney family. What was once said, "It's not only a time to say goodbye, but also a time to say thank-you"!

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Bob Fleming posted a condolence

Sunday, May 24, 2015

I knew Dave best during the "Tank" years. At Bessborough, Scouts, Leaside United, baseball and Leaside High.He was like a wise older brother and a trusted friend. Dave not only cared for others but he acted on it. We are all poorer for his passing. Rest in peace.

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Pamela (Dawes) Baker posted a condolence

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Please accept my sincere condolences from Nova Scotia. Although I retired from teaching (at Leaside) over a decade ago, I was privileged to have been part of a terrific staff, including "Stick". May your memories of David's contribution to so many lives sustain you at this difficult time.

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Bill kennedy posted a condolence

Sunday, May 24, 2015

I not only lost a great friend for over 50 yrs but an honourary member of our family. I was best man at David's wedding as he was at mine. He is the Godparent to one of my sons as we are to Eric. I spent many days during my teenage and University yrs playing billiards, lifting weights and listening to our favourite rock and roll hits in his basement. Tank was always ready and willing to help whenever needed to assist in home repairs. He became the official handyman of our house. His generosity and kind spirit will never be forgotten. God bless you on your final journey.

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Anonymous posted a condolence

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Although attending Leaside High School was many decades ago, Dave is still often on my mind, making him by far my most memorable teacher. The first time I saw "Mr. Stickney" I was in the hall. He was in his classroom. What made the sighting remarkable was he was sitting on his chair, which was mounted on his desk, using yard sticks to row his way into one of his lectures. My first thought was "Wow, I want to be in his class!" Fortunately, I became one of his students. I found out that he was introducing the effects of opposing vectors when he repeated the spectacle for my math class. Over my high school years I learned many things from him, most of which were not part of the provincial curriculum. Following are just a few of the ways in which I remember Dave: TAXES I am most thankful to Dave each year at tax time. I remember him teaching us to do our own taxes. Although most of us were not yet interesting in dating, he also made us work through various tax scenarios including marrying, having children and going to university. Dave drilled into us that we now had no excuse to have anyone else do our taxes -- ever. As a result I have always done my own taxes. I must admit that for the past two years I did "cheat a bit" by using a Turbo tax program, instead of doing it all by pen and paper. Dave's tax lessons however, were not so popular with my father, especially when I informed my father that I wasn't obligated to sign over my higher education tax credits to him. Over the years I have saved a lot of money by doing my own taxes, even though I may have saved a bit more had I convinced my father that my teacher's approach was best. USING MY "PUMPKIN" I still can't sit and people watch without recalling Dave say that we should always be exercising our "pumpkin" (pumpkin = brain). According to Dave, the best way to do that was to solve complex math problems in our head particularly when riding the subway or bus. I always feel a bit guilty when just people watching. Sorry Dave. Does it help that I love doing sudokus to help pass the time? PEANUT BUTTER Often when I reach for the jar of peanut butter, I recall Dave teaching us that improperly applied peanut butter can go KABOOM. One of Dave's early lessons was the Peanut Butter, Jam and Mustard rule -- also know as the Distributive rule in math terms. For success, you have to spread the peanut butter properly (the first element), followed by the jam (the second element), and then the third mustard. to all base elements. If you do it incorrectly, a mathematical bomb will go off. If you were "lucky", that "bomb" resulted in him quietly telling you that he could see one as he checked over your work. If you were "unlucky", he could all of a sudden shout "KABOOM" startling you while you were trying to solve a question directed at just you. The fallout in the class was generally glee, coupled with some sympathy, when an unlucky classmate had it happen to them. The fallout in the kitchen is I have never made a peanut butter, jam, and mustard sandwich. In class, I observed that the majority of the mathematical bombs occurred when adding mustard -- thus learning mustard can be very explosive. As a biologist, I observed that biological rules can trump some mathematical rules -- mustard can and should be applied selectively. Thanks Dave for sharing your love of math, love of the outdoors, and love of teaching. Through your kindness and enthusiasm, you have touched my life more times than I can count. Through knowing Dave (aka "Stick", "Tank", "Mr. Leaside", or "Mr. Stickney") I am sure the rest of you have a similiar story -- something as simple as 1 excellent teacher plus 1 engaged teenager may result in a KABOOM of unforetold positive reactions. Jean Blane, forever just one of Mr. Stickney's students

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Bruce Godbold posted a condolence

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Dave and I were teamates on the first "atom" baseball champioship team in 1954.We played hockey together and in later years, he coached my daughter Lindsay on the high school softball team.I umpired many of his games, and playful bantering and reminicing were always present.My sincere condolences to his family.You were a good man "Stick" and you will be missed.God speed.Rest in peace. Bruce Godbold.

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Michael & Massey Applebaum posted a condolence

Monday, May 11, 2015

Michael & Massey Applebaum made a donation to LEASIDE UNITED CHURCH, We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies.

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Michael & Massey Applebaum posted a condolence

Monday, May 11, 2015

Michael & Massey Applebaum made a donation to Leaside United Church We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies.

In loving memory of

Robert

1943 - 2015