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Martha Griffin posted a condolence
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Dear Melissa, Glenn and I were saddened by the news of your father's passing. We are thinking of all of you at this difficult time. Please accept our condolences. love Martha
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Jennifer Harvey posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
I was very sorry to hear that Philip had died. Please accept my sincere sympathy in your loss. I worked with Philip in the Schools Department at TVOntario and was always interested in his opinions on educational matters as well as enjoying a good chat! He was kind, intelligent and a very courteous man and I am so impressed to know that post retirement he went on to teach at Shanghai university. What a great career! Yours sincerely, Jennifer Harvey
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Brian Elston posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Philip and I worked together on many television productions at TVOntario over the years. I edited many of the shows that he so carefully crafted. I was always impressed by the care and attention to detail with which he worked. His passion for language, the execution of the scene and his genuine concern and compassion for the actors and crew were exemplary. In the edit room he was a careful and creative director. Always open to ideas and appreciative of learned critique, he produced some of the most informative, creative, instructional television ever done by TVO. We stayed friends after TVO, and living near his cottage in Bowmanville, I visited him there on occasion. I'm truly sorry to hear of Philip's passing. He was a gentleman, a creative educator and a gracious and honorable friend. I am a better man for having known Philip Nixon. He will certainly be remembered. My condolences to his beloved family of whom he spoke so fondly.
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George Pyron posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Philip and I were colleagues for many years. I believe it was he who won the contest to provide the OECA with a more resonant public name: TVOntario. His keen mind and humour made him an easy person to like. Those who knew him will miss him.
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Sheryl Trachter posted a condolence
Saturday, January 8, 2011
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Nixon. I thought I'd recognized the name immediately in the Globe & Mail but as I read the obituary I was assured that this was the very same man who had taught me English at Sir Sanford Fleming.
He was one of the most interesting teachers and men I had ever met at my young age. He was unforgettable! In fact, I believe every student sensed that he was not 'your typical teacher'. Though he was a bit intimidating looking and sounding, we were fascinated by him...the large definite strides when he walked to the front of the class, the way he would push his long whitish hair back from his face, the way he sat down and crossed his legs and began his discussions with us.... he used no notes. Sometimes he hadn't shaved--one day he was growing a beard, the next day it was gone.
With Mr. Nixon teaching us, we felt kind of grown up ---as if we were university students and not mere high school kids. Discussions were informal, relevant and interesting---some of the best parts were when he'd tell us a bit about his background, and especially when he would speak in Russian to us. To this day, the only Russian words I know are what he taught us.
He was an enigma--full of character----I was never sure if he had been a judo expert, an army commander or a Shakespearean scholar---he was so clever and down to earth. Make no mistake, though. We knew he meant business---you didn't not listen in Mr. Nixon's class. We sat up straight, eyes forward and were ready to participate especially if called upon. His classes were challenging but ultimately he was a fair and thoughtful judge of character and "cultured" in a very down to earth manner.
He sure knew who the "punks" were!! There was one boy who was quite snarky in class all the time---making noises, talking out, and being rude. At one point, Mr. Nixon came to the back of the class where the student was sitting, picked him up out of his seat by the collar. The kid turned white; we all turned white. He never interrupted the class again; in fact, he became one of his most attentive students, and eventually, I believe, they became "friends" through the year.
When he left Fleming, Mr.Nixon was the most respected teacher at the school. I wondered where he went. He had left quite an impression on me and so many others. One day, probably years later, I discovered that he was working at TVO, and sometimes I would catch his name in the credits of a TVO program. I think I saw him from afar at one point when I was in my thirties; he was sporting a beard. He was leaner. I almost went up to say hello but shied away. I often wondered what it must have been like to work under his direction.
I couldn't resist sharing my thoughts with you at this time. What fond memories I have of Mr. Nixon. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Trachter
