Ralph Smythe DERBY

B.A. B. PAED., DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION EMERITUS RALPH SMYTH DERBY Died peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2008 in his 95th year. Beloved husband of Gwendolyn Gaukrodger, his wife of 67 years. Fondly remembered by his son, Dr. Ian Derby and his wife, Sue. Sur vived by his sister-in-law, Alice Gaukrodger of Toronto. Predeceased by his brothers, sisters and parents, Albert and Olive Derby. Ralph Derby came to the Sault in 1952 as the Director of Education at the time the city was entering the great educational adventure that was to continue for the next two decades. It was a time of tremendous growth in population and rapidly increasing birth rate, known as the post war baby boom. It was an age of great expectation, challenge, exploration, opportunity, new ideas and demands. It was a time when education was urgently in need of progressive and sagacious leadership. In 1952 qualifications for a Director of Education were stringent. Both teaching and super visor y experience in elementary and secondary levels were required as well as an Inspector 's certificate. Mr. Derby was the Board's first choice and trustees were very gratified to lear n he had accepted their request to come to Sault Ste. Marie. Mr. Derby received his B.A . Degree from Queen's University and further qualifications from the University of Toronto. He began his career in a one room public school in the eastern Ontario village of Bishop's Mills in the depression years. He became an elementary school principal and later taught and become a principal in the secondary level. He was President of Northern Ontario Inspectors' Association and of the Ontario School Inspectors' Association. He served as an officer in the Armed Services in the Second World War. The wisdom of the Board's judgement was exemplified throughout the many years he was in our city during the time of unprecedented expansion. His leadership was Provincially outstanding as the student enrolment grew from 5,500 to nearly 18,000, and the number of schools from 14 to 49. The continuing advances in curriculum and teaching methods kept abreast of economic, scientific, and social progress. His ability to analyse the ever changing educational ideas and plans, to be progressive while still retaining the proven traditional benefits, to balance the academic with vocational student needs and desires, and to maintain a high standard of proficiency, was of inestimable value to our city. Mr. Derby demonstrated many other characteristics so very important to our community and students, such as a fine sense of fair ness, honesty, dignity, compassion, diplomacy, perseverance, good humour, sincerity and the ability to inspire confidence. He will be remembered for these by those who had the privilege of working with him. Mr. Derby was untiring in his efforts to obtain tertiar y education for the Sault. He was instrumental in introducing Technical Night Classes and Adult Education programs. He took a leading role in both the early and later efforts to obtain the Sault College and Algoma University. He was also active in community and social affairs. He was a past President of the Rotary Club. The Rotary Club awarded him with membership in the Paul Harris Fellowship for outstanding contribution to the Club and to the Community. He was an Elder and a choir member in his church, St. Andrew's United. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the many caregivers who assisted Ralph. A Memorial Service will be held in St. Andrew's United Church on Saturday, April 12 at 3 p.m. conducted by the Rev. Philip D. Miller. In lieu of flowers, if it is desired, a gift may be given in Ralph's memory to the Memorial Fund of St. Andrew's United Church, 712 Wellington Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. P6A 2M7. (Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home, 759-2522). www.mem.com