CALVIN JAMES ALWARD

Condolences & Memories (3 entries)

• I recently learned of Jim's passing. Memories of my days as one of his history students at Cecil Rhodes junior high came immediately to mind. A truly inspirational teacher who gave his all in his professional life for his students. I came to know Jim, and Fay, better later in life when I reconnected with him while living in Thunder Bay. I knew he had served in the RCN during WWII and saw more than enough combat in the North Atlantic to last several lifetimes. Years ago I stood on the deck of HMCS Sackville, now a maritime museum in Halifax. I imagined Jim standing out on the wing of an open bridge in heavy seas, his spot in the attack, conveying the captain's orders to the depth charge crews. I was humbled at t he though of what he and his shipmates did. Jim Alward, to borrow the words from the title of Tom Brokaw's book, was one of the greatest generation. He came to adulthood through the Great Depression, put his life on the line for us in WWII and then spent the rest of his life teaching others, imparting his knowledge and keenness to learn with zest for all of his life. Jim never really retired from teaching he just exercised it in other forms. I am sure St Peter is in for many a fascinating discussion. - Posted by: Stuart Jeffrey (Former student, friend) on: Jun 02, 2017

• Jim was my high school history teacher at Kelvin and encouraged my lifelong interests in history and politics. Later I met him a number of times at various political meetings and events in the years we were both actively involved. He was a wise and gentle man, whom I benefited greatly from knowing. He believed in citizenship, and taught all who came through his classroom both of its benefits and duties. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. My sincerest condolences to his family. Paul Edwards - Posted by: Paul Edwards (student and friend) on: Jan 29, 2017

• Mr. Alward was one of my most memorable teachers, encouraging us to dig deeper into history. He encouraged me to keep looking for stories about the contributions of women to human progress. He also gave advice about my desire to become a teacher. I should aim to be a university prof - i didn't follow it but I did teach for a long time. Thank you, Mr. Alward. - Posted by: Sheryl (Flood) Poirier (Former student at Kelvin High School) on: Jan 24, 2017