David Gewanter

David was my physics teacher at John Jay High School in 2010. His class was challenging, but I always looked forward to it. I still remember many of his lessons like they were yesterday-whether we were learning about relativity or listening to him share his passion for audio engineering. He had a way of making complex topics come alive. Because of him, I chose to major in physics. I'm deeply grateful for the inspiration he gave me and the impact he had on the path I´ve taken in life. He will be missed.

Dear Suzanne, I am so sorry for being late with condolences AND so sorry I never met David! What an amazing person!! I am sure you are so proud of him and miss him terribly. My heart is with you

Dear Suzanne, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. David was such an inspiration and mentor to so many. His unforgettable backpacking trips and summer survival course were life transforming for me. David was an open and generous teacher who reached beyond traditional boundaries to reach into the lives and minds of his students to plants seeds of self knowledge and curiosity. I am forever grateful for his friendship and all he taught me.

I will always remember the fun times we had in Florida and Connecticut. Will miss you `cuz.´

Words can't express how much my 3 McKibben children learned from Dave's Science of Survival class in Simsbury, Connecticut. We will always be grateful to him and never forget him.

If I'm not mistaken, he could also play guitar in a fingerpicking style reasonably well, and there were stories of his making his way through college as a pool shark! He encouraged my entering an illustration contest once... and I still recall a fascinating assignment involving potential and kinetic energy that related to building a working, 3D machine. Enthusiastic teacher who we were lucky to know!

I am deeply sorry to hear of David´s passing. He was an incredible human being and an outstanding teacher. I was fortunate to work with David at John Jay HS. He truly was a master teacher whose classroom inspired many, many students. I observed him teach numerous times. David´s interactions with students were thoughtful and purposeful. I also considered him a friend and enjoyed our conversations tremendously. It is tragic that he has died so young.

Dr. Gewanter was my AP physics teacher in high school. He challenged us and inspired us with difficult physics problems but also with life stories and lessons. I remember him always taking an interest. He saw that I was reading about the Kennedy assassination for another class and told me his story of being home that day. When I missed class for a funeral of a classmate, not only did he teach me one on one the physics I missed but he talked to me about dealing with the loss. He was great!

The only photos I could find in my archives were from the 1975 year book. So many memories of Mr G. My condolences to the Gewanter family. Such an impactful man.

I had the pleasure of meeting David, Suzanne and his family not so long ago. From the first day I met him he had a light and energy that surrounded him. He had a brilliant mind and I would have loved to meet him earlier in life I feel blessed to have know him and his beautiful wife and their true love for each other.
My thoughts and prayers are with you

David Gewanter, or Mr G as most of us called him, was a new teacher back when I and my brothers George and Doug and sister Jennifer were in Simsbury High School in the early to mid 70s. Two minutes after meeting him you knew he was someone you wanted hang around and be with. His questions and his jokes gave you pause and made you think and laugh. Definitely inspiring, a friend, and a leader you could confide in. I have many fond memories of packpacking trips along the Appalachian Trail, staying at the Snuggery in VT and skiing at Glen Ellen, hiking and spring time skiing Tuckrman Ravine (got a wicked sunburn skiing in shorts and teeshirt). When I got back from a tour in the Navy David helped me shop for my own Triumph TR6. So many memories. We all loved that man.
Mark Van Wormer, Class of 1975

While I never had Mr Gewanter as a teacher, I took his summer survival skills course, went on many outings, and was a frequent visitor to his classroom outside of class time. His joie d'vivre particularly sticks out in my memory, just like that smile in the photo above. I remember stories of him driving that Triumph out to Wyoming immediately after school ended, and remember him telling stories of his time at NOLS. I don't hit the trail without thinking about one or another memories of a trip we took, led by him. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving.

Mr. Gewanter was one of the most inspiring teachers I have ever had. As an educator myself, I often share the story of my high school physics teacher and how he inspired a love of science in me that I pass on to my own students. I graduated Simsbury High School in 1985, and David is one of the few I truly feel impacted my life's trajectory. David was a true gem who touched so many lives in positive ways. Sending love and condolences to his family.

Dear Mr. Gewanter´s family,

I´m so sorry for your loss. I had Mr. Gewanter for 12th grade physics at Simsbury High School in 1992-1993. He was a great teacher and seemed like a very kind person. He had the hard task of keeping seniors focused and interested in learning science. He made physics understandable and fun. He had a great sense of humor and was a very fun teacher. I remember one trick that I assume he pulled every year on a new class. His classroom was on the third floor. It was usually hot in September so the window was open. One day the class was acting up a little and he pretended to settle us down. He then threw up his hands and said I can´t take it anymore, walked to the window, climbed on the counter and jumped. Half the class rushed to the window to see if their teacher was sprawled on the pavement. Of course we didn´t know there was a 2nd floor roof right under the window so he was laughing as people realized the fall was maybe 4-5 feet.

As a teacher he had a positive impact on so many students. I´m very sad to hear of his passing, but am so happy to have a year´s worth of great memories learning physics from him.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Fondly,

Jeffrey Prowda - SHS Class of 1993

The epitome of a man with a full life. As SHS tennis coach, he brought a joy and enthusiasm to the team, yet he always demanded we put our best foot forward both on the court (performance wise) and off (attitude wise.) Thank you for the memories and for the positivity you brought to your students and others.