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Colin Crichton Obituary
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85 Entries
Gabriel Tang
October 15, 2010
I have the pleasure of working with Colin at the beginning of my teaching career at St. Helena Junior High School. He enthusiasm was infectious and through his examples, he made me become a better teacher and person. The world will miss a great teacher and I will miss a great friend.
Gabriel Tang
October 15, 2010
I have the pleasure of working with Colin at the beginning of my teaching career at St. Helena Junior High School. He enthusiasm was infectious and through his examples, he made me become a better teacher and person. The world will miss a great teacher and I will miss a great friend.
Jenn
October 6, 2010
Mr. Crichton was simply one of a kind. My fondest memories of junior high and high school are of the classes I had with Mr. Crichton. I'll never forget the day he took us to McDonald's for Science class. He was a joy. The world lost a great one. God Bless.
Erica Kiemele
August 11, 2010
Mr. Crichton was my hero. I was originally going to become an accountant. I need two sciences to get in the faculty of buisness. I took chemistry and physics. Chem 20 is where I met Mr. Crichton, he made me fall in love with chemistry. There I met my friend Paul Murphey who he always called *murphey*. He always said he hated lawyers and I remeber defending Murphey once and he made me walk to the door and back. I went on to take chem 30, did a Honors bachelors of science in chemistry and now am well into my PhD in organic chemistry doing drug design at UBC. If it wasn't for him I could be in an office crunching numbers.
I love teaching university and try to think of him and be a good teacher. One day I hope to be a professor and have students look up to me as I looked up to him.
My thesis will be dedicated to him.
with love
Erica Kiemele
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louisa
June 28, 2010
my name is louisa and i had the pleasure of being in mr. crichton's class over 10 years ago. He was an excellent teacher. He really made a positive impact on me. He was so full of life and his classes were very hands on which made them fun. I just wanted send my regards to his family and friends.
Jessica Relitz & Jamie Farwell
June 27, 2010
It is with great sadness and fond memories that we write our condolences to Mr. Crichton's family.
We were fortunate enough to be students of Mr. Crichton’s adventurous science classes from 89-90,
90-93 at Holy Cross School. Just a few weeks ago in the car we were discussing a few of his wild antics - hypnotising a real chicken and removing the panel ceiling to demonstrate mountain climbing. His passion for life and teaching was infectious, leaving a lasting impression on us.
“Happy Trails”
with sympathy -
Scott Jubinville
June 21, 2010
I was saddened to hear about Colin's passing. He was a great person, and a mentor of sorts. I had to privilege to work with him for a year and a half and he left an indelible mark on me and I shall not forget his humour and optimism. R.I.P. Colin
Matthew D
June 7, 2010
Mr. Crichton was a wonderful person, with a great attitude and he made school life fun. He impacted countless students lives. Everyone loved him at school, he was truly the favorite teacher of most everyone, and he deserved it. My thoughts are with his family.
Loretta Zahary
June 5, 2010
I am a parent of a student he taught and one who was lucky enough to experience a camping field trip with the grade ten biology class lead by Colin. I can't help feeling that I was very lucky to get to know Colin even for this brief time and I am sad to hear of his passing. On that weekend with the grade ten's, it mostly rained and instead of the hyperthermia risks we were prepared for we were instead bordering on hypothermia. Yet when the rain stopped and the grey skies continued, Colin would be the only one to point out the small snippets of blue sky. We all started to feel just a little more optimistic and kept looking for the blue sky. Colin had a way with the kids, and many memorable methods of teaching. He let the kids take on respondsibilty and enjoy their time while learning. He let them operate their own gas stoves to cook food and nothing bad happened. I am sure those kids will not forget that weekend and smile from the memories. He had such a wonderful gift teaching his students, my son loved his class - you never knew what he would be doing in his classes. It is a good feeling to know someone who truly enjoyed living and to experience some of that joy. I still look up and try to find the blue in the sky when it is grey. It always makes me smile. Thank you Colin.
Desiree Doell
May 31, 2010
Mr.Crichton was one of coolest, most out there teachers ive ever had, when i heard the news of his passing, i shed some tears and remembered the good times. He will be missed.
Shane Hunter
May 27, 2010
Mr. Crichton was my Junior high school Science teacher '87 to '89 at Holy Cross. His passion for science and a good sense of humor still resonates with me to this day. I attribute my love of science and engineering to my experiences in his science class.
You will be missed.
Brian , Gaetane, Jennifer, Tiffany & Candace Zwarich
May 26, 2010
To Mr.C
From Mr.&Mrs.Z
If a person should be so lucky,
once in their lifetime they may meet a mentor such as you. Not only have you
"sparked" all three of our daughters to their present careers (two geologists and an environmental scientist), but also rekindled a boyhood passion of rocks and fossils in myself. Thanks to you for volunteering me for two school field trips...Drumheller and Grotto canyon,for the chance to meet Mr. Darren Tanke and for the opportunity
to give back to St. Helena (my old jr. high school) a little of my time.
We will miss your unique style, but have comfort in knowing a little of your passion will live on in each and every student you taught,and parent that was fortunate to meet you.
Catherine Friesen
May 25, 2010
Mr. Crichton was my grade 9 natural resource teacher at St. Helena. He made everyday so much fun, it was a pleasure to be in his class. I remember on day we were bugging him about his small car he had and the thing he had on top of it, he said it was his limo (that's where people sat). We all had a good laugh...He was always happy, smiling and cracking jokes. You will be missed.
Amanda Au
May 24, 2010
Mr. Crichton was my Bio 20 teacher. He made me want to go to class everyday just so I could listen to his stories and actually learn and enjoy bio. He made people laugh and he really made all his students feel important. He helped everyone and he was such a caring man. He has made a positive impact in my life.
He will be missed by everyone who have known him.
Alex Ramirez
May 22, 2010
Mr. Crichton taught me in grade 12 and he never ceased to make each and every class a memorable one. His passion for learning was apparent everyday and it reflected in his students.
He will be deeply missed.
Catherine Hardy
May 22, 2010
What a wonderful role-model Mr. Crichton has been to so many young people. Two of our children have had the privilege of sharing first hand his love of science and nature. He has had a hand in shaping who they are today, thank you. Catherine Hardy
Darlene Bobrosky
May 22, 2010
I worked with Colin at Holy Cross and he inspired all of us to work harder and maintain our sense of humor.Colin was unique and will not soon be forgotten.Condolences to his family!
Anna Medeiros
May 21, 2010
Some of the best memories I have of Holy Cross were because of Mr. Crichton. He saw potential in every student he taught and he made us all love science. Thank you for everything Mr. Crichton. You will surely be missed.
Catherine Mackie
May 21, 2010
What a beautiful tribute you have written for such a wonderful man. I have many many happy memories spent in your home, which was always full of laughter and joy. Just the other day I was chuckling to myself about the guinea pigs that used to jump out of their tubs all the time in your basement!
Your garden was such a magical place to me, and instilled a love of horticulture in me that is reflected in my large food garden and seedling experiments. Margaret, you and Colin shared so much love with me and my family. What a wonderful legacy to leave.
Kim Mackie
May 21, 2010
Margaret, Jane & David - it is with sadness that we have heard of Colin's passing. We remember the Brentwood school days & all the hours Catherine and Jane spent in your home, part of the family. Colin shared so much passion for living with everyone that moved through his life. Hold dear all your memories.
Dustan Byrnes
May 21, 2010
Mr. Crichton planted a seed in hundreds, if not thousands of his students, colleagues and friends. This seed was one of which brought curiosity, intelligence and an appreciation of life through his teachings and outlook on everyday activities. Mr. Crichton was no regular teacher, or person for that matter, as he brought energy and enthusiasm to his classroom that some teachers spend their careers trying to accomplish. Outside of the classroom Mr. Crichton was a caring, loving man who got to know each individual student for who he or she was and guided so many in the right direction. He not only made learning and living life fun and exciting, but he kept students in school and his encouragement was like no other. I chose the path I did because of Mr. Crichton and his encouragement and perseverance in what I could accomplish. It is in this time of mourning that the thousands of people he touched truly realize the impact he had. He has left a piece of him with everyone he met; curiosity, wonder, intelligence, experiment, adventure and energy. He is now in a place with endless mountains to climb.
Falyn Larsen
May 21, 2010
In the light of darkness,
hope sees a star.
And if one listens closely,
you will hear, the faint flutter of a wing.
R.I.P Mr. Chrichton.
Elaine Breeden
May 20, 2010
I only met Colin a couple of times, but have known his sister, Jan, and brother-in-law, Gord, for over 25 years. I have heard many fond, and amusing, stories of Colin, Margaret, Jane, and David. I am sad for your loss, and hope that you are comforted by the many lovely tributes to Colin offered in this guest book. He obviously was loved and treasured by many. My deepest condolences to Margaret, Jane, and David, as well as to Linda, Jan, and Robert, and their families. I'm certain that Andy, June, and George were happy to see Colin again.
Jason Elford
May 20, 2010
Mr Chrichton was the only teacher I could call a real friend. He treated his students with dignity and was always honest. I will never forget him.
Alana DiBiase-Marchetto
May 20, 2010
Thank you Mr. Crichton for not only instilling a love of science and nature in my life but also for making it abundantly clear that a zest for life and imagination were as important as good grades and hard work. My father and I will always be grateful for the field trips that opened our eyes to our glorious backyard. Thank you.
May 20, 2010
Mr Crichton was a wonderful teacher. He taught me at St. Helena's 16 years ago and I will never forget how fun he made Science class for all of us! You will forever be missed. God Bless your family during this Hard time!
Anna Ammirati Fournel
Frederic Appoo
May 20, 2010
I always loved his stories he would share with us during class about his excursions and life lessons, he kept us entertained. I was most proud of him when was teaching at st. helenas and on Tuesdays he held what was called gym night. This idea of his was to bring kids together and play basketball which he was really good at, while keeping them off the streets and keeping them active.
He was a wonderful man and a great friend but was very sadden by the news. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, God bless you all.
Elizabeth Pollock
May 20, 2010
I was very sad to learn of Mr. Crichton's passing. I didn't even like science until I had him as a teacher. My condolences to his family and friends.
Amanda Farmer
May 20, 2010
Mr. Crichton was an inspiration to all who were blessed to have known him. He will missed very much ....R.I.P Mr.Crichton
Rachael Chien
May 20, 2010
As he left his footprints on all those trails and mountain paths, he has also left them in the hearts and minds of all the students he taught. To those who had the pleasure of knowing him, we know how much better off the world was with him in it. Through all the experiments, 'give away' animals, early arrivals/late departures from his class, and hidden life lessons, Mr. Crichton taught us something more than just science; he taught us about ourselves and how to find inspiration in the smallest of places. Condolences to his friends and family; it was a real humbling honor to have known him.
Megan Miller
May 20, 2010
To a life well lived, you will be remembered and adored always...
Carol Morrison
May 20, 2010
I was fortunate enough to work with Colin for a number of years at St. Helena. For part of that time, we shared a false wall that was really just an elaborate divider between our two rooms. We had many wonderful conversations and laughs, and we had a shared love of the outdoors. It wasn't uncommon for me to find some of his dried reptiles, that had accidently fallen on the floor and been kicked under the divider! He almost always had live animals in his classroom too, and my son really enjoyed it when we were able to babysit them on weekends now and again. Colin was always full of fun and crazy stories, and he really loved kids! I know that he will be missed and remembered dearly by many for his warmth and humor. My deepest condolences to his family. He always spoke so fondly about you, especially Jane and "Boy Wonder". Colin was surely taken from us too soon!
Cody Cormier
May 20, 2010
Mr Crichton wasn't a regular teacher of mine. He had retired but came back JUST to teach the grade 12's for the science diploma exam. Having him for the review is what saved me on that exam, I would have failed had he not reviewed everything in a fun way that made sense. I will miss him, and my thoughts go out to his family. Blessed be to all of you and may the Lord and Lady watch over you in this time.
Karla Mitchell - Calvert
May 20, 2010
Mr Crichton was the best teacher I ever had, and I was lucky enough to have him for three years at Holy Cross. I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Katie Piet
May 20, 2010
If there's one thing I learned from Mr Crichton, it was that spontaneity was really the spice of life, and that being serious was only as good as the smile you kept hidden behind the lesson you were teaching. He was probably the best Bio teacher I ever had, and one of the most loved in Francis. He always had a way to cheer myself and my friends up on a bad day, and always was a kind, honorable,gentle, and informative gentleman. A Trekkie till the end, there are a lot of memories I'll keep close that involve him. Inspiring everyone I knew, he will be very missed. But I think... there's no need to say "Rest in Peace", because if the description of his life and the written memorials are anything to go by, he's already resting with a smile on his face.
Angelica Bender
May 20, 2010
A great soul will be forever missed...R.I.P Mr. Crichton
Nikki Macaraeg
May 20, 2010
My condolences go out to the Crichton family. Mr. C taught science in such an exciting and interesting way; he made me want to learn. You are missed, Mr. C. Keep on hiking...
charissa Hong
May 20, 2010
Mr.Crichton was one of the most influential people at St. Francis that I know of. He was so full of life and a great source of SO much information. The stories and laughter from the classrooms that he taught from would always entertain and inspire jealousy that he wasn't our teacher! His love of the outdoors and random visits out to the field during track and field season would make my day.
Thank you Mr. C for all that you did for us students and faculty, whether you were recognized for it or not. You inspired us to reach farther, climb higher and explore the world. Blessings and prayers for your family.
Ashleigh Van Oyen
May 20, 2010
Mr.Crichton was the first of my high school science teachers. I hadnt truly enjoyed science until the year I was in his class. No matter how dark a day, he was able to bring me a laugh. In the one semester that I was able to know him, Mr.Crichton showed me what it meant to be truly enthusiastic in what you do; how to truly enjoy the things that you participate in.
You will be loved and never forgotten.
Kelcey McKuski
May 20, 2010
I attended St. Francis in 2001-2004 and even though I never had Mr. Chrichton as a teacher I did go on a few field trips with the class he tought and it was the best field trips of my whole high school career a blast. The way he taught us made learning so much fun. I remember our trip to Seebe, Exshaw and Banff in my last year and we had many stops so he could teach us about what we have in our back yard. When my sister Lisa told me today I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of his passing. God took a wonderful man, a great teacher away from his loving family and his work too soon.
Mr.Chrichton you were and still are an inspiration to your past students and were a legend of St. Francis.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Nicholas Michalezki
May 20, 2010
Me and my sister were talking about him the other day. all the stories he shared and the things he did that we will never forget. he taught all 4 kids in our family either at st. helena or st. francis. so on behalf of the Michalezki family Thank you for the memories.
Karen Dizon
May 20, 2010
I had Mr. Crichton for science at St. Helena and I have great memories of having him as a teacher. He made science fun. He was always approachable and always made us laugh. He has touched thousands of lives and will be terribly missed.
My sincerest condolences to his family.
Falon Culpan
May 20, 2010
Awesome Teacher! Great Guy! Will be Missed!
Daria Hantzsch
May 20, 2010
Rest in peace Mr C. I'll never forget how much fun you made Science class. Especially when you lit your hair on fire and it burnt a hole in the ceiling!! :) You were the greatest!!!
Wendy L
May 20, 2010
He was an inspiration to us all. Not only did he teach us to become better people, but he also taught us to enjoy life to the fullest. He will be missed.
Curtis Senkow
May 20, 2010
As one of his previous students, he influenced me to be my best. Always greeted me with a smile and made learning an adventure worth taking.... he will be forever missed but always cherished
Angelica Martin
May 20, 2010
I'll miss your enthusiasm and sincerity. You saw in us what many of us failed to see in ourselves: promise. You recognized our talents and helped them grow. We can never thank you enough for that. Truly an individual. Admirable in that you got along with everyone and used your funny, endearing quirks and sense of humour to relate to us with stories and share experiences with us. Yours was the only class where all the students showed up and stayed for the whole time. I think there's a lot o be said about a teacher who can have an impression like that on his students. You will be missed, Mr. Crichton. May you Rest In Peace.
Christina Durrant/LaMarsh
May 20, 2010
Mr.C was the ultimate science teacher. He was my teacher at Holly Cross School from 1988 - 1991. I will always be greatful for his teaching enthusiasm and nurturing of the mind. Thank you Mr.C for opening my mind to the misteries of the world. You will always be missed and thought of often.
Christina Perrott (Szekely)
May 20, 2010
I truly adored Mr. Crichton. He taught me at Holy Cross Junior Hight for three years and not since have I understood or appreciated science the way he allowed me to. I laughed until my stomach hurt and will never forget his wonderful and warm antics. He loved his school kids and it came out in everything he did. We loved him too....and will never forget him.
Sharon Smith
May 20, 2010
I had the privalege of being a colleague of Colin's in the Science Department at St. Francis High School. He had an enthusiasm for life that was contageous in both teachers and students. We used to joke about how he was our "walking encyclopedia". You could ask him about anything and he'd answer your question honestly (and correctly!) and if he didn't know the answer he'd be able to direct you to where to find the information you needed. He cared deeply for those who were apart of his life and never failed to take the time to speak with you no matter how busy he was. His presence in the world was a real gift. He will be missed greatly.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it to the Celebration of Life on May 22nd. I extend my condolences and prayers to Colin's family in their loss.
Christina Snyder
May 20, 2010
Mr. C was an amazing teacher and I was lucky enough to have him as a teacher both in St. Helena and St. Francis.. I had told a story about his "nose" just a few days before I heard of his passing. He really did love his students and it's very apparent in the number of people who have posted comments on the Facebook group RIP Mr. Crichton. He will be fondly remembered. I am sure he will be doing all sorts of experiments where he is now!!
Beverley Huynh
May 20, 2010
My love and respect goes out to his friends and family. He was an incredible mentor to me and I only wish I was in Calgary to pay my respects. He was truly an inspiration and a great and wonderful person, we should all strive to be more like him.
Fred Arseneault
May 20, 2010
I worked with Colin at St. Francis, and he was simply the best. Kids loved him and always wanted 'Mr. Crichton' as their science teacher. He made learning more than interesting and fun; he made it worthwhile. No one left his classroom without a bit of Colin trailing along. He was the teacher of teachers, a master teacher extraordinaire.
Fred Arseneault
May 20, 2010
I worked with Colin at St. Francis, and he was simply the best. Kids loved him and always wanted 'Mr. Crichton' as their science teacher. He made learning more than interesting and fun; he made it worthwhile. No one left his classroom without a bit of Colin trailing along along. He was the teacher of teachers, a master teacher extraordinaire.
Fred Arseneault
Fred Arseneault
May 20, 2010
I worked with Colin at St. Francis, and he was simply the best. Kids loved him and always wanted 'Mr. Crichton' as their science teacher. He made learning more than interesting and fun; he made it worthwhile. No one left his classroom without a bit of Colin trailing along along. He was the teacher of teachers, a master teacher extraordinaire.
Dave Ruschkowski
May 20, 2010
I met Colin my first year teaching at Holy Cross Junior High School in 1989. I was fresh off the farm and Colin immediately welcomed me to the big city. Colin had a unique sense of how to make people feel valued and took the time to really listen and get to know you. Over the following three years Colin showed me how to treat students with respect and dignity no matter their background or ability. He was always planning the next field trip which was usually to the mountains somewhere. We did not follow the rules back then and took risks with the students that would make school administrators queasy today. For many of the students it was their only chance to get out and explore and have fun outside the city. Reading the other student letters it is obvious these adventures left a lifelong impression. One memorable trip led us to the ice caves in Kananaskis which now 20 years later I have taken my own children several times.
Colin was always a joy to be around and quickly made friends with every staff member. We loved to hear his latest story from some far away exotic locale. He often invited us along to go “hiking” in the mountains. These “hikes” amounted to much more than a simple walk and would be considered an arduous trek by most complete with waterfalls, cliffs, feet of snow and of course bear scat. Colin loved to explore.
As a teacher Colin was second to none, inspiring a love for science in all his students. I learned more from watching Colin than any colleague since. We all admired his energy and zest for life. I can still see him in my memory playing basketball in the gym with the kids wearing those bright orange shorts, gangly legs sticking out below – it makes me laugh now. I miss him. We all lost a great man. Keep climbing Colin.
May 20, 2010
May you rest in peace Mr. C. You sparked a love for chemistry in most of us to make a life out of it. I will always think of you when I work with chemicals.
Lana Phillips
May 20, 2010
Mr. Crichton left an impact on many as a school teacher. I was fortunate to have him as a science teacher at St. Helena and many of my fondest memories of junior high are from his class. He made school fun and learning 'cool' with stick bugs, guinea pigs and nail boards. I still have on VHS a copy of the commercials we made as a class project in Grade 8. While I didn't have him as a teacher in my years at St. Francis his spirit was alive in the hallways and he always was a friendly face. As I moved through my schooling I occasionally would track down Mr. Crichton to give him an update knowing that he truly appreciated seeing success and growth in those he taught. Having him as a teacher very directly impacted my academic path.
My condolences to the Crichton family, and while I?m no longer in Calgary I certainly will plant a flower in a sunny spot here in Ontario for Mr. Crichton.
Alex Nash
May 20, 2010
Mr. Crichton was an amazing person. I am so grateful that I had him as my Biology 20 teacher in 2007. He was the nicest, most kind teacher I ever had and always kept the students entertained by all his great stories. He was always there for anyone who needed it, even if he didn't know them. His love for science and the outdoors and trying new things taught me that it's ok to take chances and always try something different. I have many great memories from that semester at St. Francis that I will never forget.
Thank you for everything Mr. Crichton.
Nina McDermand-Sisonenko
May 19, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you Mr. Crichton and family. What a wonderful man who had such an impact on so many...including myself. He was my favorite teacher during junior high at Holy Cross, 1985-88. "Inspiring" in a word...you will be missed Mr. C!
Jennafer Bilous
May 19, 2010
Mr Colin Crichton, or Mr. C as a lot of his students would call him, was an amazing teacher, and more than that he was an amazing man over all.
He was a huge influence on all of his students lives. He was there for all of us, whether we needed help with some homework, another subject or just advice.
I had Mr. C as a teacher at St. Helena's, then he came along with us to Francis. The first thing everyone checked is if they had Mr. Crichton for anything. It was a huge disappointment if we didn't, however it didn't stop him from stopping us, or us stopping him in the hall just to say hi or to chat for a few minuets in between classes or during lunch.
Students that tended to skip classes, didn't want to miss any of his, cause they would regret it, there was always some hilarious story, or crazy experiment happening in his rooms. No one every wanted to miss it.
Mr. C, You were and always will be loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. Say hi to Sunny Bunny for me.
Gina,Quinto,Mirella De Santis
May 19, 2010
Mr. C was a gentle and loving teacher.My brother, sister and I all had the opportunity to have him as a teacher. He had such passion and love for science. It was obvious that he also had a passion and love for teaching. He has always come up in our conversations over the years and was an integeral part of Holy Cross School.We laughed, planted,and joked around with Mr.C and it saddens us that he is gone.The De Santis clan (as he reffered to us) will miss you dearly.Good-Bye dear Friend. Heaven is a better place with you there!!
Julie Valenzuela
May 19, 2010
Mr. Crichton was the teacher that everyone wanted to have at St. Francis. I was fortunate enough to have him as my Science 10 and Chem 20 teacher. He always made it fun to go to class and to learn. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this difficult time. He will be truly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have known him.
Susy DeMarsh
May 19, 2010
Through this shock of losing your beloved husband and dad, I hope and pray that you take comfort in knowing that many people also know what a special man he was. I had the honour of being in his Holy Cross class in the '80's, and to as recent as a couple of weeks ago, I was telling my kids about what a great teacher he was and some of the antics that happened on our field trips and classroom. My thoughts are with you.
Mary McDougall
May 19, 2010
I feel very fortunate to have known Colin as a fellow science teacher. Colin was a person who had a passion for everything that he did but more importantly he had the ability to share it with others. It was contagious! He was supportive and caring and always made me feel welcome whenever I saw him. His classroom was inviting and engaging and he offered students a place where they could learn and feel accepted. His smile and obvious love of life was shared with everyone. When he spoke of his mountain climbing, it was evident that it was more than the physical skill involved. Colin's approach to life is one we can all learn from. My condolences to his family for their great loss. He will be lovingly remembered by many.
Giulia Fatica
May 19, 2010
Mr. Crichton was my Junior High Science teacher. I had no interest in Science until I had this teacher. Every day he made class so much fun and interesting. Each class was full of stories about how he pulled pranks on his kids and he's world travels . He was so kind to everyone no matter who you were. He was one of those teachers who treated everyone with equal respect. It put me to tears today to find out that he passed away. The world needs more teachers like him, teachers who touch the lives of every student. Nature was his true passion in life and with his incredible sense of humour he shared his passion by teaching it to others. He inspired and touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He was more then just a teacher to me. He is someone I will always care for and hold close to my heart. He will forever be a hero to all his students. My prayers go out to his family. He will never be forgotten.
Jennifer Zwarich, P.Geol
May 19, 2010
From Drumheller to stick bugs and eating chalk; I have many, many fond memories and enduring lessons of adventure, individualism and inquiry... I will remember you always.
Goodbye Mr. C.
Laura Knauff
May 19, 2010
My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. We will miss our beloved teacher and never forget all the fun times we had in science class. Mr. Crichton always inspired us to learn and kept us interested in the material he was teaching through songs, experiments, and many many great stories. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Julia Davis
May 19, 2010
Mr Crichton taught me science in jr high at St Helena and in high school at St Francis; I was lucky to be in his classes for a number of years. He made every day exciting and had you wondering what could happen next! I'll never forget the "experiments" he would do in class that would have us laughing, screaming, and completely amazed. He has been an inspiration to me. I still tell stories of his science classes to friends, and to the kids I teach now. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Tony Miotti
May 19, 2010
I had the previledge of have both my children who where taught by Colin. I got to know him as I tag along on field trips with both of them. As an employee of Calgary Catholic although I never worked with Coiln his smile and quick wit was something I will always remeber. Thanks to his family for shareing this wonderful amn with us
Veronica Cruz
May 18, 2010
Donovan and I were very lucky to have Mr. Chrichton as a teacher (Donovan for both Junior High and High school and myself for Grade 10 Science). He was a very kind, humourous and caring individual - someone who always made you feel welcomed and shared his passion for life in his "special ways!" We will miss you but you will forever be in our memories and our hearts. May you rest in peace. We love you!
Brigida Battistessa
May 18, 2010
I had the privilege of working with Colin Crichton at St. Francis High School. Colin lived his life by example, forever sharing his enthusiasm, his love of life, and his free-spirited nature with both students and staff alike. I consider myself lucky to have known him -he will be missed.
May 18, 2010
My thoughts are with you as you celebrate Colin's life. It is so obvious by the words I have read in the Guest Book Online today what a wonderful husband, father, teacher, friend and mentor he was to so many. Your home and garden told the story of what a love he had for the outdoors and nature. Lauren truly found a great friend and family when she met Jane. We were so fortunate for knowing him.
Shirley (Martin) Psaltis
Maria West
May 18, 2010
I worked with Colin both at St. Helena and St. Francis. He was always full of joy and enthusiasm. He truly loved his work and put a smile on the faces of the people he worked with. He was always eager to help and even loaned me some plants so that I could create a "jungle" for my Spanish class. I consider myself lucky to have crossed paths with someone so wonderful as Colin. Colin, thanks for the wonderful memories.
Karl Amm
May 18, 2010
Mr. Colin Crichton, he was tall and quite the older looking man when most of us met him at age 14 or younger. His energy and character would tell you different!
He knew the wilderness like nobody you'd ever know. Grade 8-9 he taught us his Natural Resource Studies class, created exclusively by him. However it ony lasted 2 years after battling with school policy and lack of funds, or at least thats what I was told. No other school in the city had this. He took us on many field trips and or camping trips, showed us first hand with his own hands how whatever worked or what you could do with it
Besides all that fun stuff he was the ONLY teacher to ever listen to my not so good up isses as I was not popular in school by any means and the only teacher who sat with me in the principles office to explain the not so good going on. Mr. Crichton was also the only teacher to ever tell me he thought I was cool just for being me! At this time I was only 15 and I was almost trying to find a way out of school if it weren't for him.
When I hit grade 11, Crichton transfered into my high school as science teacher. I never had him there as he taught general science and I was in bio 20 by that time. But he still continued to be a good friend. He was also the only teacher that would make the weirdest jokes with students. While in junior high he would pull this bird out of a cage he had hanging from the ceiling, only the bird was roadkill. He would peck its beak on his nose claiming he had his nose blown off in Vietnam as some of us asked why his nose looked funny (his nose was real and normal in actual fact). He did this while making a teaching point and for sure we were all paying attention!
Only teacher to take us on camping trips and to McDonald's during classes while making up some excuse how it fit in with his teachings!
Laurie Odnokon-Warren
May 18, 2010
When I think of great people that I have known in my life, Colin is one of them! He was so much fun to work with at St Helena and I have always looked back on that time with a smile because of him. I still have the plants he gave me for my first garden and laugh over the ducks he convinced me to adopt. His approach to life was always an inspiration.
Mireille Arias
May 18, 2010
Colin taught me science at Holy Cross in the 1980's. He had a gift for making each student feel noticed and validated. His stories were humorous, numerous, and memorable. I contacted old class mates the day of his passing only to find they were already aware of it and sharing memories of him. To me, this speaks volumes of how much his students loved him.
He instilled in me a love for teaching, a love of the mountains, a desire to serve others, and a passion for discovery. I am one of thousands whose lives were touched by your willingness to share the gift of your husband, father, brother, friend. Thank you for your contributions to the person he was, and know that he was a light to so many of his students in small and large ways.
Larissa Drozda
May 18, 2010
I was lucky enough to meet Colin while I was doing my teaching practicum in science at St. Helena 12 years ago. It was easy to see how much his students loved him and his science classes, and I knew that I wanted to have that same level of respect, adoration and passion in my relationships with my students. He was what a teacher should be- a mentor, an educator, a listener, a sharer of life and its experiences, and a friend.
Verna MacKinnon
May 18, 2010
Colin was a joy to teach with at St. Francis, and a true inspiration. I feel blessed to have known him, and am thankful for the many great memories. Even now, in this time of sorrow, I think of what he would say, and I smile.
Cheryl Grant
May 18, 2010
Mr. Crichton was my ultimate favorite teacher ever! He is one of the biggest reasons that I am a science teacher today. I had him as a junior high science teacher at Holy Cross and was honored to work with him in the same profession. In fact, I even worked with him a few times in a class next door when I was acting as a substitute teacher at St. Francis high school. I recall how it felt to have my favorite teacher, my inspiration, working by my side.
It was amazing! I am now an AISI learning leader with the CBE in which part of my success I owe to Colin Crichton. He is still such an inspiration to so many! My love goes out to Mr. Crichton forever! He will be missed by so many. Words can not express my feelings of gratitude, respect, and honor. We all love him so very much. Time will pass and help us to heal but our memories will remain strong in our hearts forever. I express my dearest sympathies to all those who knew him and loved him.
If I could offer help in any way I would be honored. I would love to say some words at his Celebration of Life or even sing a song for those who love him. Just let me know whatever I can do to help.
Lauren Martin
May 18, 2010
My sincerest condolences to your whole family. I've known Jane since I was five years old, and this came as a complete shock. Colin was a wonderful person, and always an entertainer when we were little kids. He leaves a legacy in the hearts and minds of all the people he knew.
Silvia D'Alfonso-Allan
May 18, 2010
I had the pleasure of working with Colin at Holy Cross. He was an incredible teacher,colleague and friend. He truly loved the kids and what he did.Colin has left a beautiful imprint on all of us. I will miss him.
caralyn oster
May 18, 2010
Mr. Chrichton taught me at St. Francis in grade 10 and 11 and he always brought an incredible spirit and passion to class. I'll always remember his support and compassion for others and especially in my life at that time. Everyone that was taught by Mr. Chrichton remembers him and his lust for life.
Kim Skulsky
May 18, 2010
Colin was the type of person we should all aspire to be. He brightened many lives with his unique teaching style and dedication to his students.
Godspeed, and new heights to climb.
Harvey Loria
May 18, 2010
As a colleague of Colin, I found him to be a remarkable individual and teacher. I worked with him at both Father Lacombe and St. Francis high schools. He taught my daughters, my nephew and my niece. They all agree that he was a superb teacher who inspired and cared.
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