Tony McCullough - the loss of an amazing teacher, friend, and colleague.

Tony McCullough has left us, far too soon.  Rest in peace, my friend.

What is the measure of a person?  How is it that we remember one person so clearly while another disappears in the thin mists of elapsed time?  I believe the answer lies in the difference that individual makes in the lives of others.

There are many ways that someone can impact other people.  They can bring joy, a sense of trust, help, and be a role model for the way forward.  And not just on an occasional basis; every single day while they are with us, these people offer themselves up and in doing so make a difference in the lives of those around them.

Tony McCullough was such a character.  He was a man of passion, and although not big in stature, he was a giant in the impact he made on others.  He was a leader at heart.  Not afraid to say what was needed to be said and wise enough to say it well.  Tony, Mr. McCullough to his students, was a paragon of knowledge.  He loved teaching, and he loved life.

He taught in Kenya for a while and later in Oliver until he finally came to Maple Ridge where he settled down.  Garibaldi Secondary was his home for so many years and, while there, continued to impact others in his unique and profound manner.  

His passion towards teaching wasn't limited to those in his classroom.  His visit to certain islands of the Pacific left him with the desire to reach out, even across the globe.  Books of all sorts were collected, useless by modern standards but still valuable in third-world places, he tirelessly ensured the children he met would have learning materials where little else previously existed.  

He took students on field trips to places most would not consider.  He frequently was involved in yearly bird counts and passed his enthusiasm for living things onto others.  Students would later become teachers themselves because of the impact he made.  Fellow teachers, still honing their practice, received guidance and support from him through his kindness and generosity.  He always had time, always had suggestions when requested, and always was there to listen.

He organized trips to the United Kingdom where he would travel with students in an effort to broaden and deepen their world understanding.  A few other teachers would join him as chaperones and together they benefited from his experience and knowledge.  

It wasn't just one on one that Tony made his presence felt.  I remember he was a force at staff meetings.  When he spoke the room became quiet; something important was being offered.  He fought for others when he perceived injustice, he fought for improvements in the system, and he stood up when he was needed.  It was amazing to watch him control a throng of teachers by using Robert's Rules of Service; everything was done in an organized and purposeful manner.

Many others, myself included, can say that Mr. McCullough has made a tremendous difference in our lives.  Whether a fellow teacher was in need, or a student facing challenging learning outcomes showed concern, he was there to lend a hand.  The broadened peoples' world view, provided structure and integrity wherever he was, and was always someone you could talk to.  And he did it with all the charisma and charm that made him the amazing person he was.  

Tony McCullough died about a month ago from today's date, his time on earth now at an end.  He lives on, however, in the impact he had made in so very many people.  Tony, you made a difference.  A great, big, huge difference.  May your rest in peace, my friend.  Well done Tony, well done indeed.

Thanks to Lui Zuchetto for his help in putting this together.  He holds Tony in a special place in his heart, one of the many who benefited from his tutelage and friendship.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com