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E.R. Braithwaite
1912 - 2016
E.R. Braithwaite
1912 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1912
DIED
2016
E.R. Braithwaite Obituary
The author's companion, Ginette Ast, told The Associated Press that Braithwaite died at a medical center in Rockville, Maryland, following a brief illness.
The 1959 book was adapted later for the big screen; the 1967 James Clavell film starred Sidney Poitier, and the Scottish singer Lulu played a part in the film and sang its theme song, which became a No. 1 hit for her that same year.
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Edward Ricardo Braithwaite was born June 27, 1912, in Georgetown, British Guyana. He was educated at Queen's College in Guyana and later the City College of New York. In 1949, he attended the University of Cambridge, receiving a bachelor's degree and a doctorate in physics.
After a stint in the Royal Air Force, he tried in vain to find work related to his educational field, so he took a teaching job at a rough-and-tumble secondary school in London's East End. "To Sir, With Love" drew on his experiences there.
In the novel and movie, the students, ill-mannered and ill-equipped to learn, at first frustrate their teacher, Ricky Braithwaite. After taking a new tack in teaching, however, he manages to win them over.
The author, whose works often touched on the topics of racism experienced by an educated black man, also wrote "Paid Servant" (1962), "A Kind of Homecoming" (1962), and "Choice of Straws" (1965).
Braithwaite later became a college educator and a diplomat. He was the permanent representative to the United Nations for Guyana as well as Guyana's ambassador to Venezuela.
63 Entries
Terry Melo
February 18, 2021
I just learned of the passing of this great man. His story is the reason I became a teacher.
yeshwanth raj
April 27, 2017
I really feel i lost some of my strength because i had something like "to sir with love" to give me courage to tackle my inhibitions so sensitive that i am... i now understand what is grief..
yeshwanth raj
March 27, 2017
Only today i came to know sir passes away,i had been in touch and sent him card on his birthday and christmas and he was kind to reply, i certainly miss him and feel a precious loss personally but will carry on reading to sir with love but with a lost feeling in my heart ..the world still needs all the braithaites it can find...
capt yeshwanth raj
January 11, 2017
Dear Ginette,
I only recently read of your companion's death, and wanted to reach out and express my deep sympathy for your loss.
You can reach me at [email protected] - would like to talk to you on the phone, and see how you are doing,
best,
Barbara Gibson
How you can show support
Mina Hairston
December 30, 2016
condolences to the family...
December 25, 2016
To the family and friends of E. R. Braithwaite. Sorry for your loss.
You have my deepest sympathies. May the God of all bring you comfort at this difficult time.
P DeStefano
December 24, 2016
So sorry to hear about your loss,may you all find comfort in knowing that Mr. Braithwaite is our Heavenly Fathers memory.I growing up as a young teen showed that movie, and loved it from the beginning to the end. That song To Sir With Love.was diffinitly a bit for that movie. Will never forget it.sending my deepest and sincere condolences to the family and friends.
December 20, 2016
I extend my condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Braithwaite. What a wonderful blessing it must've been to have had your loved one live till 104! (Psalms 90:10). May all your hearts be filled with joy as you reminisce on all the moments spent together.
Derrice and Cordell Deane
December 19, 2016
What a wonderful, long and productive life - thanks, I believe, to his discipline. I last saw him this past summer. His handshake was still as strong as ever. I'm honored to have met him. Our condolences to the family. RIP.
Edward & Auriol Greene
December 18, 2016
Deeply saddened but comforted by the thought that we were privileged to know this icon and to share his gracious company. ER will live on in our cherished memories. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Ginette and other members of the family.
Auriol and Eddie Greene
December 17, 2016
Mr. Braithwaite's writings were so enlightening. May his family and companion take comfort in knowing his books will live on and continue to carry his message to others.
Bev Phillips
Newburyport Ma
Sherry Taft
December 17, 2016
A great book and a great movie. I always liked listening to that girl (I forgot her name) sing the theme song. Thank you for telling it as it is, was, and more than likely gonna be. Rest in peace.
December 16, 2016
I would like to send my condolences to the family. May you cherish the memories. And may God be a source of comfort to you.
December 16, 2016
I only met you once but have the privilege of knowing your sons. You changed peoples perceptions a difficult thing to do. To your family my respects
Jason Eagleton
December 15, 2016
May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad time Psalms 29:11
Susan Walker
December 15, 2016
I will always remember Professor Braithwaite as a kind and passionate man who was truly concerned with the development of his students; not only in the classroom, but in life. He will be truly missed.
Well done sir!
Phillips
December 15, 2016
May the family and friends of Braithwaite receive the strength from above My prayers are with you
December 15, 2016
So very sorry to hear of your loss. I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a well respected and talented man. You have my deepest sympathy. My wish is that our loving Heavenly Father comforts all who already miss his presence and grant you peace during this mournful time.
Deborah Hypolite
December 15, 2016
Dearest Uncle Eustace: My sorrow is inexpressible at this time, but my love for you is eternal. May the Lord Jesus Christ watch over the family as the tears flow and healing occurs. Love Your Great Niece, Deborah Hypolite.
Marc
December 14, 2016
Beatrice G. Gershberg
December 14, 2016
I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved companion, a kind and brilliant man. I'm forever grateful to you and Ted for having attended last year's funeral of my dear departed husband, a special friend of yours. May Ted rest in peace and my thoughts and prayers bring you comfort at this time of sorrow.
In loving memory,
Beatrice G. Gershberg
Brenda Doharris
December 14, 2016
Memories of a sharp, sardonic wit mixed with gentle caring and principled action. The world is a little colder for our loss. A long productive life. A writer's writer.
Gone but never to be forgotten.
December 14, 2016
To the family of E.R Braithwaite
Sorry for your loss , May it comfort you to know that he will return to the days of his youthful vigor promise at job 33:25
K Williams
December 14, 2016
Heaven's gain is the world's loss of a truly brilliant mind and kind soul. May the Lord bless and keep Mr. Braithwaite always.
Jane Dowling
December 14, 2016
I will always love that movie ~ God bless you and your loved ones.
December 14, 2016
My sympathies to the friends and relatives of E.R. Braithwaite. His books touched the hearts of many and so few can say that. May he rest in peace and with joy in God's loving arms.
s b
December 14, 2016
To the Family:
My deepest condolences to you. I pray the God of all Comfort (Psalms 83:18) sustain and protect you during this difficult and trying time.
December 14, 2016
Thankful that Mr Braithwaite shared with us a bit of his life. Yes, To Sir With Love is one of my all time BEST-LOVED movie. Now I must take the time to read the book! May he rest in peace. Condolence to his family & friends marcella
R.C..
December 14, 2016
To The Family Of E.R. Braithwaite
My sincere condolences to the family during this time of such great sorrow. May you find comfort in knowing that Almighty God is close to those brokenhearted.
December 14, 2016
Truly saddened to hear about E.R. Braithwaite's passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. May he forever live in our hearts and in God's book of life.
December 14, 2016
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
December 14, 2016
My condolences to the Braithwaite Family for the loss of your dear loved one Edward. I love "To Sir With Love" and watch it whenever possible. As you celebrate his determined, successful well-lived long life, find comfort in the rich legacy and cherished memories he left behind, along with prayers and the support of others (Proverbs 19:17) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
Jessica Edwards
December 14, 2016
To the family and loved ones: I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Braithwaite but he made a major impact in my life.
Soon after "to Sir, With Love" came out caused me to face my first major in life--should I follow a dream of becoming an x-ray technician or do I become a teacher as I could see my being the type of teacher who reaches those hardest to reach? This struggle lasted about 10 years and finally was made by my body being unable to be on my feet all day.
I was now torn between Middle and High School ages to teach and was allowed a full year's internship at an alternative high school teaching kids who had problems with a regular school setting and my student teaching was done at a middle school. By this point in time video tapes had been released and one of my first ones was "To Sir, With Love". I wore out my copy in one year because of playing it so much (I was frustrated and not certain if I was making a difference).
At the end of my internship I received my answer by a young man coming in at the end of the small progression of those graduating. As he came down the aisle he handed me a carnation. As they started handing out diplomas along with scholarships to both 2 and 4 year institute the principal announced this young man fought for his education--his parents had kicked him out 3 years earlier and he lived on the streets. It took him the 3 years to earn enough credits to graduate. She went on that he'd struggled with a reading disability. After the commencement finished he came to me to tell me that what I'd helped him with afterschool all year long allowed him to attain the last needed credit and my willingness to go the extra mile to help him attain his greatest dream and now he had a new one--going to a two year program to become a licensed mechanic.
Every year after that I asked for those kids others had given up on and received them. Some did poorly, more did okay, and about 1/4 of them went on. One day after watching my new DVD copy of the film and a frustrating day I wrote the following poem that describes both myself and Mr. Braithwaite:
I AM A CRAFTSMAN
I am a craftsman.
I work with many tools in my trade,
In a variety of mediums
Some large, some small
They come in many colors
Each has its own beauty.
Some are hard and rigid as steel,
Others are as soft and malleable as tin.
Some are entrusted to me for a long time,
Others are in my care for a few days.
Each will leave a lasting impression.
With each I have to work with the flaws
Others have caused or despaired of.
Some flaws were accidental, others purposeful.
I search to find a way to lighten the scars
Or correct the errors others have made
And that other artisans may finish the process
Of developing the beauty within.
Each project is unique in its own way
Most will be of use to others
While a few sad ones will be discarded
But, hopefully, not until after
Many like myself, have done everything
To try to save them.
Every day I delve deep inside
To get the inspiration of how to
Know when to apply pressure,
And when to use a gentle hand.
I won't become famous or rich for my work,
But my reward comes from the satisfaction
In seeing the finished project I had a hand in
And knowing that I will live forever
Through all that it touches and inspires.
This is a reward beyond measure.
I am a craftsmanfor I am a teacher.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful teacher with others.
Jessica Edwards
Scott Chamberland
December 13, 2016
Rest in Peace
Valenda Newell
December 13, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the departed, a great man who brought a infinite light into the world. Although one is gone, one's light still shines.....RIH
selma coleman
December 13, 2016
I love,love,love the movie. I watch it with my "grans" on DVD , and I also have on VHS. Read the book in the 60's and still have my copy resting in my personal library.
Whole,Safe, and Intact
Darlene
December 13, 2016
I did not know that "To Sir with Love" was
based on a true story.
I enjoyed the movie with Mr.Sidney Poitier
and will now look in to the real events of
Mr.Braithwaites life.
To the family my sincere condolences to
you all at this difficult time.
May the words Jesus spoke at John 6:44
give you comfort.
Stacey Fassi
December 13, 2016
Very sad news. I can still remember reading tis book at 12 years of age. I have watched the movie made from the book many, many times. What an extraordinary man. Rest in Peace, Sir.
G. Freeman
December 13, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Caroline Bishop
December 13, 2016
What an interesting and successful life E.R. Braithwaite lived. He is a model for all of us. I will surely seek out his books for reading. God Bless.
michelle plakas-kaiser
December 13, 2016
RIP
Harry Simpson
December 13, 2016
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
December 13, 2016
I enjoyed the portrayal of E.R. Braithwaite played by Sidney Poitier in To Sir With Love. Never Knew of him until now and found the movie quite memorable. His longevity was remarkable!
Psalms 90:12,14.
Pamela Moore
December 13, 2016
One of my all-time favorite tear-jerking movies! I didn't realize it was an autobiography. Thanks Mr. Braithwaite for sharing your life with us --- rest in peace!
H T
December 13, 2016
May the memories of Mr. Braithwaite song forever live on in the heart amd mind of family, friends and fans.
Roma Eliker
December 13, 2016
I am saddened to hear of the loss of this great author. The book then the movie of "To Sir with Love" was so epic for me. Never have I forgotten the movie and the portrayal of Mr. Braithwaite by Sidney Portiere. He was quiet an asset to our world. God bless his loved ones and all those who mourn his loss. RIP
December 13, 2016
May it comfort you to know that God as well as others care about your loss at this time.
December 13, 2016
What a surprise, I didn't know To Sir With Love was autobiographical. However, I have seen it a few times and really enjoyed it. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Louie Colinbini
December 13, 2016
Rest in peace. John 14:6
Contessa Nail
December 13, 2016
The movie "To Sir With Love" left a very big impression on me. I never knew it was autobiographical. Mr. Braithwaite lived a long dignified life, I look forward to meeting him in Paradise.
December 13, 2016
A very talented, highly respected, and interesting man. May you continue to educate and entertain the souls in heaven. Rest comfortably.
Tammy Bealer
December 13, 2016
I remember the movie. Thank you for sharing your story.
Linda
December 13, 2016
May Mr. Braithwaite rest in peace. Very happy his experiences were made into a movie. It was done exceptionally well.
December 13, 2016
To the Family:
I happen to be one of many who had a chance to see the movie that Sidney Poitier played in. I did not read the book, however, it is good to put a face to the author of the book. Sidney did a wonderful job in the film.
To live to be more than 100 years old is truly a milestone in today's world. Mr. Braithwaite is one of them. It is good to remember individuals for the work they did and legacy they left that can be followed by others, "for the good." It is heartwarming to know that the promised paradise hope awaits Mr. Braithwaite--Luke 23:43.
SELLA
F Montag
December 13, 2016
A magnificent writer and teacher. Whenever "To Sir with Love" is on, I watch it every time. We need teachers like him in the US. He has returned to the Sparkling Stream.
Ken R.
December 13, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Braithwaite's Family and his legacy. I never really read much about him, but over the years my older brothers and sisters talked about the film "To Sir With Love." His life's story is a testament that anyone can overcome any odds to succeed. Ken R.
Dwaine Johnson
December 13, 2016
My Sincere Condolences to Mr. Braithwaite's Family and Friends. I did not read To Sir With Love, but I enjoyed the movie. I love the song to Sir With Love, by Lulu. I send songs from my youth to my Daughter via You Tube. To Sir With Love is one of the songs I passed on..... God Bless.....
Terri Patillo
December 13, 2016
To Sir, with love. Rest in peace.
December 13, 2016
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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