HIDEWO (HARRY) YOSHIDA

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

• I was a pupil of Mr. Yoshida at Tuxedo-Shaftesbury in the early 70s and will always remember him as one of the finest teachers of my scholastic career. Although the class I was in could be rowdy and disrespectful toward inexperienced teachers, no tomfoolery could ever have been contemplated in one of his classes. He easily commanded respect by his confidence, competence and quiet dignity. He was a natural teacher who obviously loved what he was doing and whose sincerity and dedication to his craft was inspirational. The old adage that "if the pupil hasn't learned, the teacher hasn't taught", could never apply to him. Every single student of his "learned", and learned more than just mathematics! A fine teacher and a finer human being. Half a century on, I remember him with fondness and admiration. My condolences to his immediate family members on their loss. His larger "family" is in the thousands, and will always owe a debt of gratitude. - Posted by: Jock Peden (Pupil) on: Oct 06, 2022

• "cosecant,--cosecant--,cosecant"... That was the chant when Mr. Yoshida entered the room at Shaftesbury High back in the 70's. Notebook? check. Slide rule? check. Cosecant? AHHHHH. I was hopeless at calculus but fondly remember Mr. Yoshida's wry smile and determination to teach a subject he obviously loved. R.I.P. Mr.Yoshida. You were my best math teacher! Kevin McDowell - Posted by: Kevin McDowell (former student) on: Oct 03, 2022

• I enjoyed Mr. Yoshida's sunny disposition and excellent teaching skills when I was a student at Tuxedo Shaftesbury in the 1970's. Although he was a very serious man, every once in awhile, our shenanigans sparked a twinkle in his eyes and made him hide a smile or two. Rest in Peace, Mr. Yoshida...you gave me a 54% so I could graduate. But I have respected you for all these years since. - Posted by: Joanna LaForte (former student) on: Oct 02, 2022

• Mr. Yoshida was one of my math teachers at Shaftesbury High School. He also taught my siblings. For me, it was calculus and Grade 11 math. He was a kind man who had a passion for teaching. It is odd what we remember decades later.... but I remember him writing on the overhead projector and winding the sheets to a clear section in the roll. Like most people who are good at math, his handwriting was not the best! However, he did something right with his teaching as both my siblings and myself went on to graduate from a "Math hell", sometimes called the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba. Students always remember the good teachers. Mr. Yoshida will be remembered by many. Steven Fletcher P.Eng. President Shaftesbury Student Council 1989/1990 - Posted by: Steven Fletcher (Student) on: Oct 01, 2022

• Harry was my math teacher at Tuxedo-Shaftesbury (4 brothers and sisters also) and he was a great teacher and liked to crack jokes. He looked great for his age. I never knew he passed at 95. God Bless. MM - Posted by: michael mark (teacher) on: Oct 01, 2022

• Like many who doubtless will be posting remembrances, I was a student of Mr Yoshida's during high school. And like others, I am sure, I remember both his devotion to teaching and his quick wit. He was also the faculty advisor for the school camera club and I recall the beautiful black and white photographs that he shared with us. I last saw Mr Yoshida at the Shaftesbury 50th anniversary events where I was more than happy to guide he, his wife and son down those hallowed halls to his old classroom. And it was "his" classroom, let there be no doubt. He was not able to find his way on his own, but once we entered the room, it was clear he remembered it. My condolences to the family. Harry was a great teacher and, on behalf of all his former students, thank you for sharing him with us, I am truly saddened to learn of his passing. - Posted by: Tom Saunders (Former student) on: Oct 01, 2022

• I was saddened to hear of Mr Yoshida's passing. He was my math teacher at Shaftesbury in the 70s. He was an enthusiastic teacher who everybody genuinely liked. He knew how to be serious and fun at the same time which was important with math. We all got into the slide rules. He was a lovely man. My condolences to his family. Dwight Peters - Posted by: Dwight Peters (Student) on: Oct 01, 2022