Todd BEKOLAY

Hard to believe that it is a year since I lost a good friend. Thinking of Peggy, the kids, and family and friends.

Todd was such a nice man! He joined Southminster-Steinhauer church choir and it was a joy for all of us to hear him sing!
When he was not singing he was friendly, funny and entertaining. It came as a huge shock to everyone when we heard of his death.
We will not forget you, Todd!

I'm so sorry to hear about Todd's passing. He was a genuine, decent person with a strong moral compass. I was shocked and saddened to hear this news. My condolences to the family. V.V. Rao

We were very sorry to hear the news about Todd's passing. Regrettably we did not see Todd and family in recent years however we will remember his good humour and kindness. To Peggy, Brett and Kayla, and also to Tim and Tami and your families our sincere condolences....

~ Gord and Roma Barnes

I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies.

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Todd. I first met Todd when he was going out with Peggy at the U of S and later Todd was Choirmaster for the Boy's Choir at Victoria School when our son Matthew was in the choir. Todd was a joy to talk with and he so clearly loved music and wanted to share that. Our thoughts are with you Peggy and family.

I just learned of Todd's passing and would like to pass along our families condolences. I grew up with Todd, attended Alvin Buckwold elementary, Walter Murray Collegiate and was in the music program with him. Had lost touch since out family left Saskatoon and was saddened to here of your loss.

My condolences to the Bekolay family. I just learned of Todd's passing in the church newsletter. So sorry for your loss. I sang with Todd in the choir at Walter Murray Collegiate, during our high school days. I see his love of music continued throughout his life.
Deepest sympathies,
Donna (Walker) Johnson

We are deeply saddened by this news. Our condolences to Brett and Kayla, to Peggy, and to Tim, Tami, and their families.

Dear Bekolay Family
On behalf of the Donovan Family, we would like to send you our most sincerest condolences. We were fortunate to have had Todd as Sean's music and choir teacher during his time at Victoria School. I was also fortunate enough to have worked with Todd and he will always be remembered as a kind and loving person. May the beautiful memories you've shared provide some happiness during this difficult time.

I just heard about the passing of Todd and I am so very saddened by the news. He was a colleague and friend of mine at Hardisty School. He will be greatly missed by many, many people. I am sorry I did not know sooner. My deepest condolences...

Dear Peggy, Kayla and Brett. So sorry to hear of Todd's passing. Thinking of you all at this sad time.

I met and worked with Todd at Northlands, where we shared many conversations about teaching and life in general. He was a fine man!

I was deeply saddened to hear of Todd's passing. I remember Todd as a very talented, energetic musician who played a mean piano during our university days in the music department at the U of S. I will always be indebted to him as he helped me attain my music degree as my accompanist at my final voice recital. My deepest sympathies go to Peggy and the Bekolay family.

What a loss! Todd touched many with his generous spirit, humor, and passion for children. I had the privilege of having him on my staff at Hardisty School and will remember him fondly.

Elvira Loewen

As a young girl my father would take me to see Uncle Don, Aunty Barb, Tim, Todd and Tami. My memories are of Todd making me laugh and the Pop Shoppe pop he would give me. He was always smiling and made me feel so comfortable. I really wish I could have spent more time with him. My thoughts and prayers to his family.

My deepest sympathies to the Bekolay Family.
I knew them from Alvin Buckwold School. May you all feel the arms of God around you as you walk through this hard journey. Our hope is with Jesus who said, I go to prepare a place for you and where I am, you will be also... Someday we will meet our loved one who are waiting for us. God bless you all now and always.

My memories of Todd go back many years. I taught at Alvin Buckwold school and remember this young man as a happy, bubbly boy who loved music. My sincere sympathy to Todd's family.

Dear Bekolay family,
We have only just heard of Todd's passing and are so saddened for you all. The world has lost one of the "good ones". Such a sweet man whose zest for life and music was infectious. He helped steer our children to Vic and directed our oldest, Charly Blais, in the Junior Choir at Strathearn. He was truly loved and admired. We are so so sorry for your loss. Wendy Theberge and Tony Blais, Charly and Cammy Blais

Dear Peggy, Kayla, and Brett,
My thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. Todd was so very proud of you all and I know you will miss him deeply and remember him fondly. I went to high school with Todd and have many good memories of his warm friendship, keen sense of humour, and musical talents. My condolences to you and to all of Todd's family, friends, students, and colleagues.

|So sad to hear of the loss of such a wonderful spirit.. from the first time I met Todd he felt like a friend..always that smile and warm hello how are you doing.. and he really cared about your answer.. he even remebered it the next time you would see him and he would ask about things we had talked about .. just so much fun to have as a co worker... loved his sense of humor and proud to have known him for a bit...he made it more fun to go to work.. we will miss him a lot.. love and hugs to his family and friends at this very sad time... he will be remembered lovingly by all of us at gate 13 and we will see you at the game on the other side Todd..

God Bless the Bekolay family as we are all so blessed. I had the pleasure of hanging out and volunteering at Victoria School for 9 years, while our 3 children went to school with his 2 children. What a blast we all had. Todd was so spirit filled. He shared so much with so many. It was a privilege to have known him and may his goodness live on through all of your families. My thoughts are with you all. "How far is Heaven?"

Mr B was a wonderful teacher. He taught four of my children at Hardisty school and treated each one of them with such kindness. I remember how he would allow his students to plan and run the beautiful chapel times. He spent countless hours listening to the students practice and guiding them in worship. I am so grateful for the love of music and God that he nurtured in my children.

I will remember Todd as a man of integrity and generosity who was always willing to share a smile, a hug and a chuckle. His love and pride for his wife and children was always a part of our conversations. Music, literature and a passion for teaching children are part of the legacy he leaves us to cherish. I will miss finding him huddled under a blanket at the top of the hill at Folk Fest and will treasure good memories.
Pat Radcliffe

It was always a great joy to be in Todd's presence whether playing with his kids or singing to his conducting. Peace to you all.

My condolences to Todd's family during this time. I first met Todd when both my daughters attended Avonmore school -- my kids have fond memories of Mr. Bekolay! They were lucky to have him as both a classroom and music teacher. (And it was quite lovely when they encountered each other during their time at Victoria, as well.) Personally, Todd became my mentor teacher while I was a student at Concordia, and he was lovely -- encouraging, thoughtful, insightful. I shall miss running into him on Whyte avenue during summers, and at convention and most of all, I'll miss our conversations about life, school,teaching, kids, and of course, about music.

Dear Bekolay family,

Todd was a friend, colleage and Christian brother to me personally. He taught my 3 daughters during his time at Hardisty School. I also often substitute taught for his classes at Hardisty and later Esther Starkman. My last "conversation" with Todd was on facebook about a month ago. I was subbing at a school in Sherwood Park. A student used to attend Esther Starkman. The student remembered me from subbing for Todd's music classes. We talked a bit, and I told him that Todd and I were good friends. I told the student I would give Todd his regards, and I did!!! Todd was a caring and loving teacher and friend. I know he's with Jesus, but he will really be missed!! May God comfort all of you!

Todd was a mentor to me when I was starting off as a teacher. He taught me not to take myself so seriously and to keep at it and have fun. He loved his kids and talked about them all the time. I always enjoyed running into Todd as years passed and am thankful to have known him. Integrity and kindness are the two qualities I'll always remember about Todd.

Our deepest sympathies to Todd's family. I got to know Todd at Avonmore School where we taught together for four years. Todd was a fun loving guy who brought a lot of joy to those lucky enough to cross paths with him.
Brant and Charlotte Maidens

Dear Bekolay Family,
Words can't express how much Todd will be missed. I met Todd about 2 and a half years ago when I joined the teaching staff at Esther Starkman. His warm words, kind encouragement, and genuine welcome made my first months as school so much easier. I loved to chat with him about different books, and he was always so helpful securing any book I needed for a class. He loaned his stuff to anyone who asked and seemed really happy to do so. He was an amazing colleague and friend. May you find some peace in your time of grief knowing how loved Todd was.

Todd was a wonderfully genuine & special person. He touched so many people's lives with his joy & passion; he will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathy to those blessed to have known Todd.

Our sincere condolences to the entire Bekolay family during this most difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Be sure to cherish all the memories that Todd has left behind.

I had the pleasure of meeting Todd when we attended University together in Saskatoon. He was helpful, kind and fun. Such a great surprise to meet up again in Edmonton as music teachers. He will be so missed. My thoughts and prayers go to his family.

Dear Peggy, Kayla & Brett,
We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Todd's untimely death. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you at this time of sorrow. Todd was a very special person. May memories of Todd bring you comfort at the time of grief.
With deepest condolences
Chandra & Ian

Sincere condolences for the Bekolay Clan. Todd was a joy to be around, was blessed to know him at Victoria. Many fond memories - thoughts are with his family.

Todd was a fantastic teacher who I feel privileged to have been taught by for several years at Victoria. I have nothing but fond memories of him, and I am happy to have seen him throughout the years, he was always a pleasure to talk to.
My condolences to your family.

What a shock. I worked with Todd at Victoria school in the library. He had such an upbeat personality with a smile and encouragement for all. Although we hadn't been in touch for the last few years except for the odd chance encounter during school life, I thought of him while doing crossword puzzles. My sympathies go to Peggy and her kids. Take care of yourselves.

My dear friend, we will miss your welcoming smile and will cherish the time we spent with you in the library at Esther Starkman School. You were a great pal to little Andrew who enjoyed spending so many afternoons with you, and a great teacher to our book-loving James. Thank you for your advice, your mentorship and your friendship.

Kayla,

I am so very sorry about your Dad. I did not know him but from listening to you talk about him he must have been a great person and wonderful Father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

I was so saddened to read of Todd's passing. Todd and I began our careers with EPSB at Fraser School many years ago and he was so supportive and fun to work with. We continued to cross paths over the years but our time together on "Best of the Best" and our passion for children's literature were the best of times. Please know Peggy, Kayla and Brett that Todd was known as a kind and generous man. Thanks for sharing him with his students and colleagues. He will be deeply missed by so many.

My children go to Esther Starkman school and loved Todd. He was such a special teacher and person. There is a hole in the heart of the school now. He will be greatly missed.

Dear Peggy, Kayla and Brett,
I was devestated to hear about Todd's death. He was a special man and I truly value all the wonderful times we shared musically over the years. He was a respected colleague and a good friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you work through this troubled time. May you find comfort in remembering all the people Todd touched through his music.
Condolences.

I am shocked and saddened to hear this news. I consider myself privileged to have known Todd & worked with him as part of the extended family that the Northlands crew became for me. He was a kind man and he showed me a lot of compassion as I went through a tough time in my life. I pray that his family will find comfort knowing that he touched us all and left the world better than he found it.

Peggy, Kayla & Brett,

Please, accept Kelly's, Dale's and my deepest sympathy on the passing of your wonderful husband and father, Todd.

You are all such lovely people, and Colin and I appreciated your friendship during our Strathearn United days. I have fond memories of Brett "adding notes" to the hymnals;) He's definitely his father's son:) Kayla always showed wisdom well beyond her years with her gentle manner and voice of reason.

God bless you all,
Leslie, Dale and Kelly (and Colin in spirit)

We were so sorry to hear of Todd's passing. A great guy who clearly continued to make an impression on the many lives he touched. Our thoughts and prayers with you, Peggy, Kayla, and Brett.

God bless your memory Todd! You will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
My heart felt condolences to the Bekolay family. He touched so many with his infectious, glowing personality.

Todd your sense of humour and ability to make a person smile will always be remembered. I forever cherish all the wonderful memories from when we worked together at northlands when you were my supervisor. My condolences to the Bekolay family on the loss of a wonderful man , father and friend. May you guys find strength through this tough time.

Dear Peggy, Kayla and Brett
We are sending you our love as you mourn Todd's passing. We remember good times shared at Strathearn and wish you peace in the weeks ahead.

I volunteered at Esther Starkman school in the library; Mr. Bekolay taught me so much about libraries and about life. He inspired me with his passion and dedication for working with the kids and his ability to greet everyday with a smile. I am very thankful to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.

My deepest condolences to the Bekolay Family. I worked with Todd at Northlands, we are all in shock, Todd was a great man and will be missed.

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Todd, a wonderful person and gifted teacher. His faith in Jesus Christ will take him to a better place. I had the privilege of working with Todd at Hardisty Junior High. He was fun and called on me to help the classes learn French songs. Todd also showed great appreciation for my daughter accompanying his classes' performances, on piano. What a great time that was and what a warm and thoughtful person he was.

I am so sorry to hear about Todd's passing, Peggy . I will be praying for you and your kids god bless Todd's memory. May your memories be your comfort!
Heather ( Sundby ) Haaland

Dear Peggy, Kayla and Brett,
We are so sorry to hear about Todd. We want you to know we are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. We are away right now on a trip so will be unable to attend the service. It was great having him as our choir director at Strathearn..he was so talented in many ways. Doug and Irene Sheppard

Dear Peggy, Kayla and Brett
I am so sorry to hear of Todd's passing. I know that we haven't been in touch in recent years, but I have many fond memories of sharing music and fellowship together. My prayers are with you and your family.
Elaine Thaller

My sincere condolences to the family. I was lucky to have worked with Todd at Hardisty Junior High School where we both shared our love for music and students.... He will be missed.

My sincere sympathy to the Bekolay family. It has been a pleasure know Todd from our years in High School and our years at Bridge City DeMolay. You will be missed as have always touch so many. My condolences to your family. Lloyd Ponto

I was an in the office at Hazeldean and certainly remember this kind family. Blessings.
Maeburn Troy

Dear Peggy, Kayla and Brett
Our deepest sympathies to you all. Todd was a very gentle soul and always had a smile for everyone. He will be saddly missed and may he rest in peace.
The Kulys

My condolences to Todd's family, friends and all those kids he
touched with his passion for music. His love of music and his enthusiastic personality definitely sent a jolt of energy through our choir and I am sure he had the same effect on the band. His death has left a gap in our midst. We will never forget you, Todd!

I will always remember the fun I had working with Todd at Strathearn United Church. He was caring and full of music and laughter; he was always supportive to me and my family and a good friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Met Todd at Northlands. He was great to chat with about teaching. Always a smile on his face and an awesome person to be around. Everlasting Memory

My years working alongside Todd were very memorable. He always had a warm smile, a cheerful laugh and great bear hugs to brighten any day. He will be missed.

Dear Bekolay Family: We are so very saddened and shocked to hear of Mr. B's passing. Our daughter Marlee had the great fortune to have had him as her Grades 5 and Grade 6 teacher at Hardisty School. We LOVED him!! He was a great teacher, and had a true and genuine kindness that was a gift he shared with our daughter, and with myself. When my health was failing, and I was waiting for an organ transplant, Mr B. took our daughter under his wing. He understood how ill I was, and made sure that our daughter was coping well!! Thank you Todd for being the wonderful person you were!!!

I had the privilege of knowing Todd Bekolay, and chatting with him about my son's progress, and being astounded by the enormously positive influence he had on him over the years. He was my son's favourite teacher, and my daughter's "to-go-to" person for great book suggestions. But aside from being a great teacher, pedagogue, artist, Todd was a wonderful person. I will miss chatting with him about "teacher stuff" and learning from his wisdom. I will miss my son's enthusiasm when he would come home excited and wanting to do better than his best on his social studies projects for Mr. Bekolay. A tremendous loss, indeed! Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family.

I first met Todd when he was my daughter's music teacher at Fraser School. It was evident then his love of music when he taught the children and I then met him when we worked at Northlands. I'll always remember him as a very kind and gentle man. We will miss you Todd. My sincere condolences to your family in this great loss.

Our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time.

My children go to Esther Starkman where Todd was their beloved librarian. We were so saddened to hear about his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Todd will truly be missed by all the staff, students and parents at the school.

My sincere sympathy to the Bekolay family. Todd was a wonderful and thoughtful man. I knew Todd from Northlands and so sad to hear of his passing.

We had the fortunate gift of working with Todd at Northlands. Thoughts and prayers to the family at this difficult time. His smile and sense of humour will be missed and remembered fondly.

I met Todd in my first year of teaching in 1991, and he was a great teacher. He will be missed by many. My thoughts go out to his family.

Peggy, Kayla and Brett --so very saddened by Todd's passing. We always had such fun together whether we were working or meeting for convention, for coffee, to see music productions. He gave us such a great gift of friendship, music and laughter. Please embrace the love we had for Todd and our condolences.

I had the pleasure of working with Todd at Northlands, and would also see him at the occasional Eskimo game. Todd, you will be missed by many. My condolences to your family and loved ones as they mourn your passing and celebrate your life!

Dear Bekolay Family,
I was so sad to hear of the passing of Todd. I worked with him while I was at Victoria School. He was always kind, caring and had such a positive outlook on life. We are all better to have known him. My deepest sympathy to you at this sad time.

My thoughts and prayers are with Todd's family and friends. I had the pleasure to supervise alongside Todd at Northlands and he always put a smile on my face and the others he encountered. RIP my friend!

Sorry to hear of Todd's passing. He taught our kids piano in Saskatoon which started their appreciation of music they still carry today. Our condolences to Todd's immediate and extended family.

I will always cherish the memories of working with Todd at Northlands. He was always there for you when you needed someone to talk to, he always had a smile on his face, and was just an amazing man! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

My thoughts and prayers are with Todd's family at this very sad time. I worked with him at Northlands and will remember his kindness and sense of humor. He will be missed by many

My heart goes out to the Bekolay family as I knew Todd while working at Northlands and also as a teacher of music to my son for many. You are all in my thought and Prayers at this difficult time.

Dear Peggy, Kayla and Brett-We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Todd. What an amazing wonderful man that he was, with his smiles, always wanting to volunteer wherever needed and his great sense of humor. Our deepest sympathies go out to your family. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Todd was one of my supervisors at Northlands, he was a great mentor. He always had great advice. I will remember his gentleness and leadership! My thoughts and prayers are with his children at this time!

MY thoughts and prayers are with you all! Todd was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.

Sending hugs and condolances to Todd's family. I worked with Todd at Northlands and continued to see him when I moved onto the Oilers. He was always so pleasant and friendly. He will be dearly missed.

Our deepest condolences to the Bekolay family. I had the privilege of meeting Todd at Northlands and he always had a huge smile on his face and was always genuinely interested in how others were doing. Sending our love and prayers to the family during this tough time and hope that your memories will bring you comfort.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all as I remember Todd and his time with us at Northlands. He was an awesome person to work beside and always made us smile! Todd we will miss you.

My deepest condolences to the Bekolay family. I had the oportunity to work with him, but in the end it turned into our work family! I have the utmost respect for Todd, he was such an amazing and light hearted man who always knew how to make you smile! He will be greatly missed! My only wish is that I didnt live so far away that I could be there to say my goodbye in person. Todd, you will be greatly missed!!

My deepest sympathies to Kayla, Brett, and the entire Bekolay family. Todd touched many lives in many different ways during his life, he will always be remembered for his constant smile, his positive personality, and as someone you could always rely on when you needed to brighten up your day.

I had the privilege to be in the Lions Band with Todd, I am sorry to hear of his passing.
All though I have not seen Todd for over 35 years, there are lots of fond memories of those days gone by.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Todds family.

My deepest sympathies to all of Todd's family. He was an amazing man, so kind & caring & a great sense of humor. He will truly be missed by many.

February 13,2014 To the Bekolay family:
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a TREASURE. We are reminded of our treasured memories everyday when we recall the joy and happiness they brought to our lives.
I enjoyed working with Todd at Avonmore School, lots of good memories!Julie Sawchuk Edmonton, AB

Mr.bekolay was an awesome caring teacher ! He was my teacher over 20 years ago and he was there for me and my brother during a hard time at home. I remember at hot lunch he bought me and my brother lunch... I wish I could have said thank you to him for making a hard time not so hard for me. . He is a great caring person ! I will always remember him.

Dear Peggy and family. I want to extend my deepest sympathy. I remember Todd's. big smile and contagious laugh. My thoughts are with you.
Heather Trischuk. (Blyth)

My thoughts and prayers are with you's at this time......

My deepest sympathies to the Bekolay family, Todd was an amazing man with a heart of gold. He will be missed but never forgotten.

My sympathies and prayers to your whole family. I met Todd while he worked at Northlands and the thing I will remember when I think of Todd is his humour and his kindness.
He touched many lives and will be missed.

Dear Peggy,Kayla,and Brett. We are so sorry for your loss. Todd was an exceptional man and we'll always keep him in our hearts. Rob and Rona

My deepest Sympathies go out to all of Todd's family. He was a wonderful kind man. I will cherish his friendship always. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.

Dear Peggy, Kayla, and Brett - I am so very sorry to hear of Todd's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Ann Marie.

My sympathies go out to Todd's family. He was a great man to work with and he will be missed by many.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you Peggy and kids and the whole Bekolay family. Todd was a wonderful man and touched the hearts of many. He was a shining star in our Northlands Family and will be missed by many family, friends and students.