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48 Entries
SOS TDSB Toronto, Canada
September 25, 2023
Invitation: Tribute to Richard Bilkszto on October 15, 2023
Please join us at Mel Lastman Square on Sunday, October 15 from 2 to 4 pm for a tribute to Richard Bilkszto.
Come hear testimonials and honour his legacy.
All are welcome. Please RSVP here: https://sostdsb.ca/justice4richard
Lynda Pellerin
August 29, 2023
To the Bilkszto family I am so sorry for your loss. I met Richard in Grade 8, yes going back abit. I joined Miss Bidgoods class along with 5 other girls, became best friends with Bobby(Andrea) and we are still best friends to this day. I only had 1/2 a year to meet and get comfortable in a new school before I went in to high school. Richard hosted a party at your house on the beach, hope you knew about that lol, he was such a kind fellow classmate. Made me feel at ease and hosted a great party. I remember playing baseball with a lot of our classmates on some weekends and he was with us all. At 60 I still love these memories.
Sending you big hugs.
Lynda Pellerin
Will Madronich
August 23, 2023
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of my childhood friend Richard. I have fond memories of our magic show ( I believe we only sold a few tickets to our families LOL ) , building rafts from drift wood , cleaning up the beach front , trying to write a song about pollution ( I remember Richard played the piano) , and a group of us kids going on adventures with our bikes . The Bilkszto Family was always there to help when we needed it . Mrs.(Alice) Bilkszto , Larry and the rest of the Bilkszto Family please accept our deepest condolences from me , Willie Madronich and the rest of the Madronic(h) Family .
Susan J. Johnson
August 20, 2023
As a former colleague at CALC, I was greatly saddened to hear of Richard´s passing and the emotional pain he must have felt. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Let´s all be kinder.
Alfred Chan
August 13, 2023
I was extremely sad to hear about Richard's sudden passing. I worked with Richard as a colleague, and was always impressed with his professionalism, caring and respect for everyone. He was an outstanding educator, and I was proud to having been a colleague of his. My condolences to his family, who are experiencing a great deal of stress.
Helen D. Teetsov
August 7, 2023
I was shocked and deeply saddened by Richard´s sudden passing. We hadn´t talked in a while, but I had hoped he was enjoying a beach somewhere. He will be missed.
My sincere condolences to his family circle.
Valerie McIntyre
August 6, 2023
My deepest condolences to his friends and family. This is so sad and I support bringing to light any pieces of this story. People need to be kind.
Carol Richards-Sauer
July 31, 2023
I´m so very sorry to be writing condolences because Richard is no more. I so wish we were able to connect and catch up over the summer. I will cherish the memories of being your Adult Day School colleague and your friend after your retirement. My sincerest condolences to your family. You were loved and respected by many.
BALC staff member
July 30, 2023
I am so extremely saddened to hear of Richard's passing.
I had the pleasure of having him as my Principal. He was an outstanding Principal who never allowed harassment of any kind and did so in the most professional manner.
My very sincere condolences to his family.
BALC staff member
Gerard Ezinwoke
July 28, 2023
I am truly sorry for Richards passing and the anguish you, as his family, must be going through. I never knew Richard personally but I read about his passing and wanted to show my support to you, the family, during these no doubt to be difficult times. From all indications, his life was a blessing to many and he will always be loved by the family who are left behind. Dedicated educators like Richard was, will always be remembered and I'm sure that there are many many children whose lives will always be affected, for the better, from coming in contact with him. My late Mother, who was also an Educator, always used to say "A Teachers reward is in heaven". My prayers go out to you, his family and that God give you the strength and some peace through these times. Gerard
Just a member of the public
July 26, 2023
I watched Richard on TVO and read his sad story last week. Such a passionate educator, a powerful a leader in life and his passing is the spark for a new movement. Thank you Richard. Sympathies to your loving family.
Mary Borg
July 26, 2023
I was very shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Richard. I worked with Richard at the City Adult Learning Centre for a number of years and I remember him as a very hard working Principal who cared a great deal about ALL students. He was taken from this world far too soon, and I can't even imagine the stress that led up to his untimely death. He will be greatly missed. My condolences go out to his family. Mary Borg
Rose Ivy
July 26, 2023
My heart goes out to your family and friends. Your life was a blessing, your memory will remain in my heart. I am deeply saddened by your loss, but grateful for the time we had together. You left us far too soon, but your loving presence will endure forever in our hearts and souls. You were a true inspiration, a born leader full of charisma and fighter for justice. I am a better person for knowing you, better for having met you. May you be as blessed in the next life, as I was in this one by knowing you. You will be missed by all of us lucky to have known you. May you rest in peace.
Susi Kennedy
July 26, 2023
I am heartbroken over your loss. I didn't know Richard, but he sounded like a wonderful human being who only wanted what was best for the children. May he rest in peace.
Ruchika
July 26, 2023
To a fellow educator:
dear Richard, I learned of your passing through the news. And, what awful news this is. You have left us too early. 60. We will not forget -- you.
I grieve for all that you faced -- perhaps unbeknownst to others -- in the months leading up to your untimely passing.
I am learning about your many contributions to the Board -- to people, working and studying to improve their own lives. I will continue to learn about you; we will speak about you, Richard. We will not forget.
My sincerest condolences to Richard's dear family and friends.
-Ruchika
Colleague
July 26, 2023
I was very saddened and disturbed to hear about Richard´s death and the circumstances that led to it.
I had the pleasure of talking to Richard at a Principal meeting about his retirement. Although I did not know him well at all, he seemed very kind, engaging and excited about his new future.
My condolences to his family and friends who will continue to deal with such a tragic and senseless loss.
Jennifer Mayr
July 26, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with Richard and am deeply saddened at the circumstances that lead up to his death. He cared tremendously for not only his students but for his fellow coworkers. A compassionate man with a heart of gold. He will be greatly missed and never ever forgotten.
Jennifer Mayr
Rose Ivy
July 26, 2023
Your life was a blessing, your memory will remain in my heart. I am deeply saddened by your loss, but grateful for the time we had together. You left us far too soon, but your loving presence will endure forever in our hearts and souls. You were a true inspiration, a born leader full of charisma and fighter for justice. I am a better person for knowing you, better for having met you. May you be as blessed in the next life, as I was in this one by knowing you. You will be missed by all of us lucky to have known you.
Rose Ivy, co-worker
Annette Malinowski
July 25, 2023
My deepest condolences to Richard´s family, friends, and all affected by this very tragic loss. May God grant him eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon him! Rest in peace.
Jody Kitson-Roy
July 25, 2023
Although I never had the honour of meeting Richard, the news of his passing has saddened me to the core. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who are affected by this great loss. Richard, thank you for all of your many contributions to education throughout your career. It is evident that you have positively influenced the lives of many.
Ralph Nigro
July 25, 2023
My deepest sympathies to Richard´s family and friends. A great loss to the TDSB, where Richard worked so tirelessly to help so many. We miss you dearly. Rest in peace.
Rosetta Del Monte
July 25, 2023
I am reading Richards story in the national post. My heart grieves for the situation leading up to his emotional distress and subsequent death. This is a national tragedy. This story must be told so that it is not repeated. I send you my deepest sympathies.
Warmly
Luciano and Rosetta Del Monte
Guelph ON
TC
July 25, 2023
I understand your frustration and pain. A good man taken too soon. Rest in peace.
Tehmina Ahmed
July 25, 2023
I am a Teacher with the Peel District School Board & learn about this tragic loss today.
Feeling extremely sad & am thinking about all family + friends, who are grieving/morning.
Blessings & eternal peace for Richard, who devoted his life to supporting others via public education
Margaret Gatley
July 25, 2023
Deepest condolences to the Bilkszto family.
Through the power of love, "Bur Oak's" deep roots, connect to thousands of oaks, tapping into their root systems to ensure survival, knowledge & healthy growth.This was Richard Bilkszto.
Margaret and Lorne
July 25, 2023
Deepest condolences to the whole family. A wonderful man who will always be remembered for his integrity and unconditional generosity.
Dan Poursanidis
July 25, 2023
My Deepest Condolences to the Bilkszto Family . May his Memory be Eternal.
Peggy Murphy
July 24, 2023
My deepest condolences to Richard´s mother Alice and his brother Larry and family.
Ann
July 24, 2023
I did not know Richard but I am a fellow teacher and this news about him is so sad. Richard sounds like a wonderful person and educator. My deepest condolences for his family - may his soul rest in peace. God Bless you Richard.
James Jensen
July 24, 2023
I Grieve with Thee.... Thank You for your Service to the Youth.
John Au
July 24, 2023
I first met Richard over a decade ago when he supported me in the promotion process. Professional, kind and honest - as he was every time I saw him since that first meeting. I will always remember him in that way. His passing is so sad. My deepest condolences to his family.
Gillian Gibbons
July 24, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. Richard was an amazing educator and person. We shared the same interest in music and we always had such wonderful conversations about the latest concert we had attended. This is such a great loss, he was a beautiful human being.
Sincerely,
Gillian
Myra Leffler
July 24, 2023
Condolences to Alice and Richard´s family.
I met Richard during a political campaign he was involved with in Lincoln many years ago. He was full of life and always a defender of Canada and his community and wanting to help people. He would have been a great asset to his students. God bless !
No. Findlay
July 23, 2023
Dear Lovely Man.
May Your Soul find Peace!
What a Tragic Loss!
Tim Seabrook
July 23, 2023
I was shocked to learn of Richard´s passing. He was a good friend to me, who studied and advocated for educational issues important to him, cared for his students and mentored his colleagues. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. RIP RB
Janice Gladstone
July 23, 2023
I´m so sad about Richard´s untimely death. I have known and enjoyed Richard as a colleague for many years. Recently I had the pleasure of spending time with him when he came to our school to work with us as a supply administrator. He appeared to be doing well, making his passing seem all the more tragic. I wish his family a soft journey through their grief. Janice Gladstone
G
July 23, 2023
Had the honor of having Richard as an administrator twice in the last 3 years. Heart broken by the news. He will be remembered.
dTb OCT
July 23, 2023
A brave man in a harsh world.
Paul M.
July 23, 2023
I will plant a beautiful white pine-Ontario´s official tree in memory of Richard. I offer my condolences and sympathy for his friends, family, colleagues and anyone in the community who was fortunate enough to meet him-while not knowing Richard personally, I understand he was an advocate for Canadians and new Canadians -especially those that struggled in education. We are truly all losing out on a great man who made this country that much better. May he rest in peace and may we all honour him for countless contributions to making this Country a better place.
member of the community
July 23, 2023
I did not have the good fortune of meeting Richard, but I wish to extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones on this profound loss. I only hope that this devastating situation will serve as a cautionary lesson for society at large.
Mol Macdonald
July 23, 2023
Old Irish saying: "Caomhnaíonn aingil an fhírinne nuair a thiteann laoch."( Angels guard the Truth, when a warrior falls.")
Catherine M Thompson
July 22, 2023
Richard Bilkszto was my principal when I served as vice-principal for Edvance at CALC. He was very kind to me, virtually holding my hand as I learned the ropes that year. The news of his passing is sad, indeed.
Tasha Kheiriddin
July 22, 2023
My deepest condolences. Richard was a kind and lovely person and it was a privilege to know him and work with him to improve education for our children. He will be sorely missed.
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