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John W.M. Killingbeck
John W.M. Killingbeck
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John Killingbeck Obituary
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49 Entries
Paula Stein
January 13, 2021
I only just came across this notice about John’s passing 10 years ago. I am so sorry to learn of it and event hough many years have passed, I extend my deepest condolences.
I was a teacher at Sunnydale Park in the early 1970’s and I remember John as a wonderful Principal and a kind, supportive man. I shall never forget him.
Jonathan Collias
January 3, 2020
I want to say when I think of Outer Space I always think about you about you and you are Special Person all the time and miss Killingbeck always love you all the time with all of her Heart. And You always in Everybody s heart that Care about you all the time I want to say thank you all the time when you Teach Me all those Years and Everything is doing Great All the time. You always make Everyone Happy When you Teach all those time in the last Year and your Wife Makes you Happy all the time you Enjoy that And When I See Outer Space I see you there that you are There For Me and you are Happy all the time and We Care about You all the Time dont forget we are inside of your Heart Forever ok Just to let you know about that Thank You Forever you always are Everyone s Heart that Care about you all the time so Dont worry Everyone is there for you ok thank you John Killingbeck for Everything and you are doing Great all those Years Thank you for Everything
William Slattery
June 24, 2019
To the Killingbeck Family,
I just came upon this announcement while doing a search for Sunnydale Park Elementary School. John was the principal during my time at this school during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was a wonderful, kind, man who always made me feel comfortable. He was the kind of Person all teachers, and school administators, should aspire to be.
I know it has been almost 9 years but, I would still like to give my deepest condolences for your loss.
Ken Chevrier
October 14, 2010
To the Killingbeck Family,
Comments found in the Guest Book are a true testament to what a wonderful person John was. I retired from the board in 2002. While judging a Science Fair the following year, I met John once again. Always ready to lend a helping hand, he was acting as a judge, also. Upon seeing me, he smiled that wonderful smile of his and said, "Now there's a face I really miss seeing." What a beautiful thing to say to another person. John had a way of making everyone feel special.
Please accept my deepest condolences on his passing. I feel, truly, blessed to have met him as a fellow golfer and educator. He was an inspiration, wherever he happened to be, whatever he happened to be doing.
Most sincerely.
Ken Chevrier
Beaconsfield, Quebec
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Sheila Rubin-Bruman
October 6, 2010
To the Killingbeck Family,
As a relative of students in the West Island, when I had concerns about anything, I would call Mr. K. He would listen and offer comfort. I never felt I would have to rush. He got involved; he was reliable and reassuring. He was a warm friend that cut through the system for those of us who didn't know how to make the thing work. He exuded brotherhood. He made one feel that if it was your problem, then it was his, too. We have all lost a wonderful human being.
Sheila Rubin-Bruman
Knute Sorensen
October 6, 2010
Dear Olga and family.
You know only too well how much I have valued John's friendship and professional advice during the many years we worked together at the School Board. John had such remarkable ability to counsel his colleagues in their efforts to solve problems and they didn't even know it was happening.We were all richer for having been in his company.
Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. Betty and I know that John was a loving husband and father.
Take strength from the knowledge that he touched the lives of so many.
All our love,Knute and Betty Sorensen.
October 6, 2010
Dear Olga and family,
We are so sorry to hear of John's passing and for the loss all of you are feelimg now. John's compassionate, gentle demeanor were truly special. May you find comfort in your memories of him.
With Love,
Steven and Joanie Rossy
Chris Naylor
October 6, 2010
Dear Mrs. Killingbeck,
It is with great sadness and sorrow that i heard of Mr. Killinbeck's passing from my father. I still remember seeing both of you and your lovely family at all of Betty's Christmas parties in Beacon Hill. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this rough time. Chris Naylor and family
October 4, 2010
Mrs. Killingbeck,
The last time I saw both you and Mr. Killingbeck, you were guests at my wedding 36 years ago. I am still a teacher in the classroom, and not a day goes by that I don't remember my first principal at Sunnydale who taught me always to consider the needs of the child first. In these days of "No Child Left Behind" and high-stakes testing, it is a philosophy to remember and hold dear. I thank him for his positive and gentle influence on so many students, so many young teachers, so many parents, and so many educators. It is my prayer that the sweetness of your memories will soon soften the sharp pain of your loss.
With sympathy and affection,
Joan Vaughan (nee Gibbon) Dallas, TX
Sherri & Grant Utter
October 4, 2010
Dear Olga and family,
We are so saddened to hear the news about John's passing. He was a truly remarkable person who took the time to make everyone he ever met feel special. Our sincere sympathy.
Genevieve Lussier
October 4, 2010
Dear Olga,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of John's passing. I remember vividly seeing him in the halls of Sherwood Forest, always smiling, brightening up the hallways.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Don and Sharen Barnes/McDonald
October 4, 2010
Dear Olga,
We were shocked and dismayed to hear the sad news about John. We share a great respect and appreciation for the support we both received from him as our mentor and guide during those unnerving years as novice teachers.
His memory will be cherished forever by us and many others, and we send you and your family our deepest sympathy.
Don and Sharen
Don and Sharen Barnes/McDonald
October 4, 2010
Dear Olga,
We were shocked and dismayed to hear the sad news about John. We share a great respect and appreciation for the support we both received from him as our mentor and guide during those unnerving years as novice teachers.
His memory will be cherished forever by us and many others, and we send you and your family our deepest sympathy.
Don and Sharen
Kate Le Maistre
October 4, 2010
Dear Olga:
I remember hearing Dudley talk warmly and admiringly about John as an educator and as a man long before I had the privilege of meeting him.
I appreciated his enthusiastic support when I wanted to do some research in the LSB, but my fondest memory of him was when I was registering my son for school. The Kindergarten office at the Board Office had a box of toys, and after he'd said hello to me, John sat on the floor and joined in my son's play, showing as much interest and respect for a five year-old as he would for a colleague. A true gentleman.
I hope the many messages and tributes you will receive from people who share a small piece of your great loss will be some comfort to you.
In sympathy,
The Cave Family
October 4, 2010
Dear Mrs. Killingbeck and family,
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Mary and Chris Milligan
October 3, 2010
To Mrs. Killingbeck and family,
I was deeply saddened to hear that your dear husband, father and grandfather has passed away. I had the privilege of belonging to his very first grade 6 class at Cedar Park Elementary in the 50's and we could not have hoped for a kinder more thoughtful, patient and dedicated teacher.
He will always be warmly remembered by all his students. My husband Chris met him some years later in the Education Dept. at McGill and was also impressed with his concerns for quality education.
He was a wonderful person and a true gift to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
With our deepest sympathy,
Mary (Selyan) and Chris Milligan
October 3, 2010
Dear Olga and family,
We have always had the utmost respect and affection for John. His genuine kindness and professionalism will be deeply missed.
Walter Makowski and Nancy Stokes, Saint-Lazare,QC
Glenn Cartwright
October 3, 2010
I was very distressed to hear of John's untimely passing. He was a great gentleman. I first met John when he supervised me giving of IQ tests at Macdonald College in 1969. In later years, he was my colleague in the Canadian College of Teachers. His great legacy is that he taught us so much. He will be sorely missed.
kim de Clercq
October 3, 2010
Dear Olga, I often spoke to John at Riverdale and Sherwood forest. I will miss seeing his wonderful smile. He was the kindest man. My thoughts are with you and your family.
October 3, 2010
Dear Olga and family,
My deepest condolences in the loss of your husband. It was with shock that I read of his passing .
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
May the wonderful memories that you have of him give you strength.
Sincerely,
Denise Arseneault ( Sherwood Forest work associate)
Rob Gilmartin
October 3, 2010
Dear Olga,
I am very sorry to hear about John's passing. Our after school chats were always a highlight in my day. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
October 3, 2010
It was with profound shock and sadness when we heard of John's passing. He was a wonderful human being and a great educator. John was my inspiration and very supportive when I was a very "green" DG. Our sympathies to the family. Diane Fyfe and John Cyr, Gatineau. QC
Natalie Knott
October 3, 2010
Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others. (Plato)
Mr. Killenbeck was an inspiration and a kind man! He made us all feel special and proud to be educators. Dear Olga, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Madelon Lorber
October 3, 2010
Dear Mme Killingbeck, Our family is profoundly sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family. May the love of friends and family give you comfort in this difficult time.
Zackery, Trevor, Madelon and Michel Lorber
October 3, 2010
My thoughts keep returning to John since I heard the news. He has been such a constant in my educational life: my Grade 6 teacher back in the 1950's(what a crush we girls all had on him!), my guidance counsellor at BHS (he was one of the first to be trained in Quebec), a mentor in the 60's when I chose teaching, later my D-G at the Lakeshore board and a great colleague when our paths crossed in subsequent years. Always a model of integrity, good humour and commitment. Always a good friend with time to talk. To all the Killingbecks - my sincere condolences - I hope you find some comfort in knowing he so positively influenced so many!
-Barbara Goode, Westmount, Quebec
Liliane Franco
October 3, 2010
Dear Olga,
My thoughts are with you in this difficult time. John was a wonderful and special person to everyone who knew him. He will be missed dearly by all. My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Veronica Lake
October 3, 2010
Sincere condolences to the Killingbeck family. John was truly a gentleman and a scholar.
October 2, 2010
Dear Olga and family
While John the Educator’s passion for the best for students was an example to us all, it is John the Man I will remember and miss the most – his ability to unerringly seek out the positive in what he saw and heard, his listening with respect and genuine interest even if you were on the other side of the fence, and the smile or self-deprecating comment to defuse a situation or to move things along, his concern that no one was left uncomfortable or unheard.
If there are schools in Heaven, they will soon be better for his arrival.
God bless you all, and may the memories of the good times ease the pain of your loss
Doug Flook, Verdun, Quebec
Robert Lavery
October 2, 2010
To Mrs.Killingbeck and family
I am truly sorry to hear of John's passing. I knew John when I was Director General of the then Lakeshore School Board where we worked closely in the murky days of Bill 101 and his interest in demography was so invaluable to me. I'm sure he is enjoying the reward he so justly earnrd in the field of education.
Louise Sudia and Family
October 2, 2010
We were blessed to have such a compassionate, caring person come to our Governing Board meetings at Clearpoint Elementary. With his warm smile and gentle way Mr Killingbeck always took then time at the end of our meetings to talk, ask how we were. We were so lucky to have such a man care about the quality of our children's school live. My deepest sympathy goes out to his wife and family.
Kym Simonyik
October 2, 2010
To Mrs. Killingbeck and family,
I am truly saddened to hear of John's passing. John was always so remarkably kind and I looked forward to our annual contact when preparing our trip to Barbados. His smile was contagious.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Kym Simonyik and family
Barbara Michel
October 2, 2010
My sympathy to his family. May his memory be eternal.
Angie Ekonomopoulos
October 2, 2010
Dear Olga and Family,
Our sincere deepest sympathies for your loss.
John was an incredible person. We were very fortunate to have known him. He was especially very dear to Jonathan. He will continue to be an inspiration to him throughout his life. Jonathan and I will never forget him. We will miss him.
All our love,
Angie Ekonomopoulos, Jonathan, Adrea, Natassa Collias
October 2, 2010
Dear Olga and family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family on your loss. My remembrances go back to Montreal West, memorable hockey games, to building of a cottage at Lake MacDonald, to John opening cars doors at Windermere School for my grandchildren but best of all for his warm smile and good nature whenever we met. Our paths didn't cross too often but I can say John will be missed but not forgotten by all who knew him.
Ron Howe, Venice, Fl.
B Chazan
October 2, 2010
Dear Olga,
Deepest sympathies to you and your family. We remember how you both always supported all the volunteer events at Windermere School.
Bonnie,Don,Hayley and Devon Chazan
Anneleen & Peter Szatmari
October 2, 2010
Dear Olga,
Shock and sadness hit us hard when friends from Pointe Claire wrote us of John's illness and passing.
We loved him over the many years and were always happy to be in his and your company.
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Peter Gilson
October 2, 2010
Dear Olga and Family,
My deepest sympathies. I only have fond memories of John as a gifted leader in education, as a mentor and a friend.
Sergio Borja
October 2, 2010
Our sincere condolences to John's family,
he will always be remembered by his generosity, and his kindness towards people he met along his life....I will always be thankful for your participation to help the victims of the
Ecuadorian floods. May he rest in peace with the angels.
From: Sergio Borja and Family
Pompeo Family
October 2, 2010
Dear Olga,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of John. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wendy MacDonald Alarie
October 2, 2010
On behalf of Mr. Killingbeck's students attending Sunnydale Elementary School during the 1960's, we extend our deep heartfelt sympathies to the family. We remember John as a kind and patient principal who always encouraged and took time to nurture. We also remember his courtship with our lovely french teacher Miss Olga Schmidt who later became his devoted wife. He will be missed by so many.
Julie Nadler
October 2, 2010
Dear Olga and family,
I am saddened by your profound loss. Although I never worked with John myself, I have heard many heartfelt tributes from colleagues over the years. Just in casual conversation, one always felt John's quiet but intense respect. The world will be a lesser place without him.
Dick Brook
October 2, 2010
Dear Olga and Family,
John was my best friend in high school - a friendship which continued through my University years. He served as my best man when I wed Glen Oxley in 1955. Unfortunately my business career then caused us to lose all contact. It was great to read that you two have five children and so many grandchildren. Together they will provide comfort to each of you in your time of need.
October 2, 2010
To the Killingbeck Family..I was so sorry to hear of John's death. He was truly a wonderful man and a great educator. When we opend Forest Hill School in 1998 we named a trophy after him called The Killingbeck Cup. It was given to a Grade 6 student each year and John always tried to make a point of coming to the Awards Assemby to present it.. It will be truly missed.My deepest sympathies to all the family..
Marti McFadzean
October 2, 2010
Olga and family:
The world is a better place because of John Killingbeck and it will sorely miss his kindness, passion for people and education as well as the love he showed for family, colleagues and friends.
Marti and Sandy McFadzean,
Lake Huron, Ontario
Margaret and Frank Hofmann
October 2, 2010
To dear Olga and Family,
We were deeply saddened to read of John's passing. It seems only yesterday John so kindly stepped forward to help Marg solve an exam scheduling problem when he was teaching education at McGill's MacDonald College, and then a year later became such a friend to Frank when Frank joined the teaching staff under John's principalship at Sunnydale School. We both followed John's career with tremendous interest and pride through the years, and were always pleased to know that the love and deep respect we felt for him was shared by so many others. We share your sorrow, and wish you healing and love in the time ahead. John was a prince among men.
Gloria Canzani
October 2, 2010
My deepest sympathy to Olga and her family. I will always remember John as a kind and gentle man who was always there for me during my teaching career. I will truly miss him!
Paul & Stephanie Brulotte
October 2, 2010
Dear Olga, I feel privileged to have known John. I hope knowing that you are in our prayers can somehow give you a bit of comfort. God bless.
V. Jonas
October 2, 2010
Dear Olga and family:
Please accept our sincere condolences on the death of a wonderful man and educator.
Much peace,
The Jonas-Kapelanski Family
Linda and Herb Luft
October 2, 2010
John was a true friend who will always have a special place in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy to Olga and family.
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