Have Fun Rod

 Rod taught in a residential school situated in our seaside district, and when it closed, he continued in the public school system teaching in his light hearted ways. Teaching was his love and he was a fine man, who was a great father to many children of his own and he was very well regarded in our small town.  It hurt him to hear about the tragic downside of residential schools, and when the same children came to the public school where he worked after, he  listened to those affected so deeply. Sometimes, we forget that latterly regular teachers were employed in those schools as well. They were good people, very saddened. I found Rod's name in our retired teachers' magazine on the obituary page. Rod was a small man in stature but never in character. To me he was tall as a professional and fellow teacher. I called him not long before I read of his passing and regretted that I had not called him again later on. We spoke only briefly due to what sounded like an illness that had found him in his later years. I am no older than he, but am fortunate in my health at ninety. Rod was part of the school in which I was librarian and as a team of caring teachers, he contributed as well as knowledge, common sense and humour. My son was in his Grade Six class. I was told by my son, also gone now, that Rod was one of his favorite teachers. Rod  had a light hearted style that made students happy to be in class. The classes were composed of both Aborigine and all other races of kids and our principal, Mr. Reid, saw to it that the space we shared on the lands of our Aborigines, was respected and its history included in our school lessons, We worked along side as fellow staff members the people who lived on the beautiful ocean Reserve. I have to say, I loved working with my aborigine pals and being on the same grounds: theirs.  It was a beautiful place to live because we seemed to be all together with no enmity and sometimes celebrated together on those shores and waters. My son, to earn post grad education, along with his fellow loggers, found the aboriginal people strong and very capable as he worked on on their crews. They taught him ground level logging and how to be safe while doing it. Always, there was always a good sense of humor included. I live in another town now, but I miss that place and time. Farewell Rod, and if it's possible have fun. You deserve it!