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Thomas Nowak Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Nowak
14 Entries
Lydia Twining
October 4, 2019
Well, I stumbled across news of Toms passing a number of years late. Gord, Bruce, Agatha, Tom...formative teachers, all of them. In 2010 I was 2 years into a life-changing decision to move to the other side of the world and pursue a dream. Toms influence in shaping who Ive become certainly bore fruit, and Im very grateful for my high school years at ASE1. Thinking of him fondly, I often recall how he was so enthusiastic about my stream-of-consciousness work in one of his classes. He always made a person feel valued, like they had something very important to contribute, and that they were going to be enough, no matter the present circumstances.
May Toms Family be blessed and well.
Agatha Marinakis
June 7, 2010
Tom, you were the heart and soul of our alternative universe at ASE 1. Your vision inspired us, your compassion moved us, your knowledge enlightened us, your energy and life force motivated us. You taught by example, and gave us all the freedom, space, and opportunity to grow and develop our art as students and teachers. Thank you for believing in us and giving us all the chance to inhabit and contribute to this extraordinary place called ASE 1. Those of us who continue to teach here will remember your legacy and ensure that the flame of creativity that blazed so brightly while you were with us will remain strong and light the way for all Aseolites now and into the future. Your spirit shines on. You will always be with us.
Dita Petrova
June 3, 2010
Tom was an inspiring teacher who had a great smile and I am sad to have learned of his passing. I will remember him for being a good listener when I needed someone to talk to, ASE 1 was an amazing learning environment because of him.
May he rest in peace.
c c
June 3, 2010
My deepest condolences Linda and family. Tom Nowak was one of my most amazing teachers and mentors. He was a great leader and his sense of adventure was captivating. I looked forward to his classes where we would travel to nirvana, explore the deep recesses of the mind, or dissect lyrics by the Doors. He encouraged self cultivation and travel which he said were the best forms of education. He opened my mind and taught me all things were possible. I wish there were more teachers like Tom.
Andrew Urie
June 2, 2010
Tom was a wonderful teacher and an exemplary human being. He took me in at A.S.E. 1 and even gave me a second chance after I dropped out of the program. Today I'm working on a PhD in English at York University. I often wonder what might have become of my life had I not met him.
Jacqui Bergin
June 2, 2010
The world has lost a very inspirational person. You gave me a chance to succeed, at a time in my life when many thought I was destined for failure. Thank you so much for believing in me. We have lost a great man, an inspiration, and most of all, a friend to all.
Gord Doctorow
May 30, 2010
Dear Linda,
Tom's influence was amazing. He was a creative and compassionate force who believed in the capacity of young people to think for themselves, do seemingly impossible things, and exert an important influence on the world. After all, he was an exquisite role model. Not only for students but also for his colleagues. He changed my life--led me to try out things I had not contemplated--and buoyed my sense of intellectual excitement. I have known few people in my life who gave so much of themselves to others. Tom in so many ways was bigger than life because of the indelible imprint he left on others. He is and will be missed.
With great sadness and wistful affection, Gord
colleen chafe
May 30, 2010
Tom was the best teacher and mentor I have ever had. I will never forget what an incredible person he was. Break on through to the other side Tom! Much love Colleen
Heidi Handley
May 30, 2010
I am so glad that Tom came into my life when he did. Tom and A.S.E. 1 changed my life. What a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed and the world will not be the same without him.
Gab
May 30, 2010
Tom was and will always be the wise man on the mountain.
May 29, 2010
Always and forever Tommy,
Lisa
Matt Lawson
May 29, 2010
The most gifted and inspirational teacher I have ever had. I would never have finished high school without Tom's encouragement. His example of facing life fearlessly and critically will stick with me forever.
Teena Daize
May 29, 2010
I remember Tom as the principal when I attended ASE 1 for a year in the late 90s. He was a wonderful educator, and inspired us to think for ourselves, to try new things, and to always carry an open mind.
Nikisha Reyes-Grange
May 29, 2010
Tom was an amazing educator and mentor. He helped to shape so many people - including me. I'll always remember him to pushing me to be my best (even when I just wanted to rest and slack off for a while), and his unwavering belief that excellence was in us all. He will be missed.
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