CHARLES ELLIOTT "CHUCK" PASCAL

PASCAL, CHARLES "CHUCK" ELLIOTT April 21, 1944 - April 24, 2023 Chuck was a remarkable man who packed so many lives into one. He was a beloved husband, dedicated father, devoted educator, respected civil servant, an architect of early learning policy, and a relentless preacher on the art and science of baseball. He died on April 24, 2023, in Toronto, following complications from surgery. Chuck's ride began in 1944 in Chicago, where from an early age he played baseball. He briefly became a catcher for the semi-pro White Sox farm team. He chose that position because it was the catcher who orchestrated the play and mapped strategy. Chuck wasn't quite good enough to be called up to the Major Leagues - one of the very few times in a rich life of accomplishment when it could be said that "he wasn't quite good enough." From baseball, he steered his attention to education. He earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Michigan. Upon graduation, he taught at McGill University where he was most proud of helping to create the McGill Community Family Centre, a full-service child care centre that was the first of its kind in Canadian universities. His career over the next 40 years spanned education, public administration and social activism. Following McGill, he accepted a professorship at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, where his leadership saw him elevated to Chair of his Department and head of Graduate Studies. Then, he was on to Peterborough to become president of Sir Sandford Fleming College. It was there he and his wife, Tassie, learned the joys of rural living. Chuck always believed that a life without cause was a life without effect. He found many causes to champion, foremost among them, early childhood education. He served the Ontario government in many capacities, including as Deputy Minister of Education. He left to become Executive Director of the Atkinson Charitable Foundation, a position he described as "the greatest job in the world." It was during this time that he and the Hon. Roy Romanow led work on the Canadian Index of Wellbeing, now situated at the University of Waterloo. After leading the Foundation's crusade for better early childhood education, Premier Dalton McGuinty appointed him Special Advisor on Early Learning. His groundbreaking report, "Our Best Future in Mind," was a plan of action to implement full day kindergarten in Ontario. He worked in Australia, creating the Goodstart Early Learning Thought Leaders Group, international experts on the best early learning and research around world; and closer to home in Prince Edward County, he helped to successfully save a school from closure. Chuck never lost his love of baseball. In the late '80s, it took him to the Toronto Blue Jays' press box, gathering quotes for UPI. He also spent twelve years coaching the University of Toronto's Varsity baseball team. Chuck received honorary degrees from several universities. In 2015, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. Above all else, Chuck was a devoted family man. He leaves his heartbroken wife, Tassie Notar; his children, Blaise Pascal (Matt Chapman), Jesse Pascal (Muriel Stiller) and Tai Notar (Steve Thom); and grandchildren, Brycen, Indiana, Jacob, Dakota and Zachary. He will be deeply missed by his brother, Ross (Laurie); his sister-in-law, Betty Notar (Nance Nigro); and mother-in-law, Athena Notar. Not to overlook, of course, his poker pals and his dogs, Nelly and Chia. A celebration of a life well lived will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. in the OISE Library, 252 Bloor St. W., Toronto. Please RSVP at: myemail.constantcontact.com/A-Celebration-of-Life-for-Professor-Charles-Pascal--Tuesday--May-2--2023-.html?soid=1111462123555&aid=Mv_oF3MxsFk In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the newly created Charles Pascal Memorial Scholarship by visiting: engage.utoronto.ca/site/SPageServer?pagename=donate#/fund/1970