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BORN
1944
DIED
2014
Neil Salkus Obituary
Neil was a proud graduate of UBC engineering. He taught chemistry for 32 years at Handsworth Secondary School where he mentored many students and athletes. He was a founding member of BCO volleyball club and a director for more than 35 years. He loved baseball, golf, travel, and walking his dog Madison.
His kind heart, encyclopedic knowledge, and calm disposition, will be missed by many.
A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at Tsleil-Waututh Nation Community Centre - 3010 Sleil-Waututh Road, North Vancouver BC from 4 pm to 7 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to North Vancouver High School Education Foundation in memory of Neil Salkus fund at www.nvhsef.org and/or BCO Volleyball Club www.bcovolleyball.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Neil Salkus
11 Entries
Edward Cheung
June 20, 2014
To the many students who were lucky enough to have sat in his classroom, Mr. Salkus was more than just a talented teacher; he was someone who cared deeply about his students and who put in extraordinary effort to help them succeed.
I had the good fortune of having Mr. Salkus as my teacher in grade 8 science and again in chemistry 11. I was not a particularly dedicated student in grade 8, but through his mentorship and guidance, I became one. Without exaggeration, his mentorship changed the trajectory of my life. My postsecondary success and my nascent career as a physician would not have been possible without him.
Amanda Snead
June 17, 2014
I am so thankful I had the opportunity to be taught and coached (Handsworth & BCO - class of '95) by Mr. Salkus. He helped make chemistry survivable and volleyball some of the best memories of high school. His dedication to both his students and 'girls' was exceptional - he 'touched' many lives. I am deeply saddened to hear the news as Mr. Salkus is the one high school teacher/coach I have always hoped I'd 'run into' in the future so we could 'catch up'. My condolences to his loved ones - he's an amazing man - never will be forgotten!
Carol Newton
June 9, 2014
I was thinking of something Mr. Salkus taught me just a couple weeks ago, as I often do (particularly about good definitions or significant figures). It is so sad to hear that he is gone. I feel so lucky to have had such a great teacher. I chuckled to learn that he was a "proud engineer"...I never knew that, but as another proud engineer, I'm not surprised. He was a true inspiration. Many condolences to his loved ones.
Jody Kennett
June 9, 2014
He was born to be a teacher and served his purpose with great passion for all of us to benefit. He took incredible care with each and every student and athlete. He prepared us for university with the incredible note taking tasks he gave us and truly wanted each one of us to succeed. So grateful to have had him as a teacher and volleyball coach and have very fond memories of him! He will be missed. An incredible man.
Shannon Sterling
June 9, 2014
After being lucky to have Mr. Salkus for Chem 11 and 12, I am now a professor at Dalhousie University and teach biogeochemistry. Whenever someone gives me a poor definition of a term, I always hearken back on Mr. Salkus's criteria for a good definition. He gave us such a great foundation in science. I know that there are many other now science professors that Mr. Salkus once taught at Handsworth and he lives on in our teaching.
Sharon Smit (Ralf)
June 9, 2014
Words cannot express how saddened I am by this news. You were my all time favorite teacher and coach. Your calm, positive and warm character had a huge impact on my life. I loved Chemistry and volleyball mostly because of how you shared your knowledge with us. As a grad from the 1986 class, it has been many years since I have seen you, but thought of you often over the years. One of your math tricks you showed me in Chemistry 11, I still use today to figure things out. I realize I am only one of the many, many students lives of whom you touched over the years. You were an extra special man who made a big difference in many peoples lives. My condolences to your family and friends and to everyone that had the pleasure to get to know you over the course of your 70 years. So sorry you are gone.
Heather Dempsey (Woods)
June 8, 2014
We all have those special teachers who did more than teach, but inspired us and made us want to do better. Mr. Salkus, it has been many years since I sat at one of your lap tables but I hope that we made you proud and honour the contribution you made to our lives.
Irene Ma
June 8, 2014
Thank you, Mr. Salkus, for being an incredible teacher and mentor, and for being a role model to me and countless others. Your kindness and brilliant teaching techniques continue to inspire me. I am incredibly lucky to have been your student. I will miss you. My deepest sympathy to your family. May you rest in peace.
Ken Kuhn
June 3, 2014
Neil, you were a great department head when I taught at Handsworth from 1980-82. You also became a great friend and over the years I've come to appreciate the twinkle in your eye and your warm heart. These, along with your deep subject knowledge made you the kind of teacher that students appreciated and remember. My deep sympathy to Heather, who was such a loving companion on your journey.
Sheelagh (Nixon) Brothers
June 1, 2014
Mr. Salkus, you were an inspiration and an outstanding example of a superior teacher. My years of chemistry classes at Handsworth were fantastic, due to the efforts you made to teach us so well. I am forever grateful for your guidance, mentorship, your fine writing of my scholarship reference letters, and your example as a teacher. I know I am a better teacher myself, due to the examples I had from people like you. Thank you, and I hope you are at peace.
Kim Lee
June 1, 2014
Thank you Mr Salkus for sharing your knowledge and part of you to your Handsworth students. I was one of the lucky ones.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results