Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Mr. Steve Dart
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Steve Payne posted a condolence
Saturday, April 27, 2024
I was a student at Earl Haig from 1975 to 1979. I didn’t have Mr. Dart as a teacher but he was well known to me because my friends, who did have Mr. Dart, would bring me with them into the many hilarious, educational, humanizing, and absorbing conversations with him in the history office… where he’d hold court for an hour at a time. I learned from from him in those informal conversations than from any teacher I was officially assigned to. I thought of him as a safe presence. Yet when I calculate it, he was only 12 years older than me. So when I graduated EHSS he was only 31. Such wisdom and teaching skill he demonstrated in his twenties!!!! I send my condolences to his family and many students who were friends of his in the truest sense. RIP Steve Dart.
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Laila Hassam posted a condolence
Monday, March 25, 2024
I was lucky enough to work a little with Steve before he retired from AY. I wish I would have known him when I started teaching...he was both an amazing teacher and person. He had a way of inspiring everyone around him.
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Arlene Caplan posted a condolence
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Mr. Dart taught me the best class I ever took in high school, American History, at AY Jackson in 1987. He was an incredible teacher and I had the great pleasure of telling him so recently when I attended the 50th anniversary event at AYJ last fall. I was thrilled to see him there -- he was as friendly as ever and happily posed for a photo with me to share with my brother who also counted Mr. D as his fav teacher. I was deeply saddened to hear of his sudden passing and I extend my sincere sympathy to his wife, son, extended family, friends and many other admirers.
Arlene Phillips-Caplan
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L. Dudgeon posted a condolence
Saturday, March 23, 2024
I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity over 20 years ago when I started teaching to be a part of the History department at A.Y. Jackson with Steve. I loved getting to sit on my prep and listen to him teach as he was just a complete master at it and there was no one like him. I will always cherish the memory I had of him playing a review game with his class where he threw a towel over his head to pretend he wasn't deliberately picking the same group over and over. His students loved his sense of humour and he made every lesson interesting and entertaining. I am very thankful that I got to work with him. He was truly the most wonderful human being and I will miss him.
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Farisa Rahman pledged to donate to Charity of Choice
Saturday, March 23, 2024
A donation has been made to the Daily Bread Food Bank in Steve’s memory, a dear colleague & friend.
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John Baird uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 23, 2024
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Steve and I were teachers at A.Y. Jackson but I think that I know him best as a golfing partner in the summer months and a fellow curler in the winter. We were in the North York teachers curling league on the A.Y. team as the photo shows. In the photo are Dayton Ostrosser, John Baird, Steve and Dave Humphry. As for everyone it was shocking news that Steve had passed so early. He was a great guy, excellent teacher and a wonderful family man as well as a pretty darn good golfer and curler. My condolences to Anna, Chris and family. Steve will be missed by many. Thanks for the memories Steve and may you rest in peace!
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Gord Humphrey posted a condolence
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Through a mutual friend, Ted Nelson, I had the pleasure and honour of becoming acquainted with Steve. As I have read in the many tributes to him, I am not alone in remembering a kind, thoughtful, 'very funny' man. Men of his 'caliber' should most certainly be appreciated while they are with us, and remembered fondly when they are not.
For those of you close to him please except my sincere condolences.
Gord Humphrey
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Tatsu Takada posted a condolence
Friday, March 22, 2024
Many will remember Steve as an amazing teacher, colleague, mentor, family man and friend. Steve was all of those things and more, but above all I will remember him as one of the kindest, most sincere people I have ever had the privilege of knowing.
Like others, I was lucky enough to know Steve as a colleague at AYJ. Steve retired as a full-time staff member at the end of my first year as a teacher, but I was struck by the fact that he used his retirement speech not only to talk of his own time and memories of a long career (as he had every right to), but to also address new people like myself and to give hope and confidence that we had started on the path of the best job in the world - one that affords us the opportunity to interact with young people everyday and open their eyes to the many possibilities the world has to offer through the joy of knowledge.
I was so happy when Steve decided to pretty much immediately return to AYJ as a supply teacher; this is when I really got to know him and benefit from seeing with my own eyes his amazing rapport with students, encyclopedic knowledge of every possible topic, and overall sense of decency and empathy for others. We enjoyed working together and chatting about a myriad of topics both serious and pop culture-related for many years, and I will forever be blessed by having known him and being in his presence as he acted as what I continue to aspire to be - just about as perfect an educator as you can be, while still being human.
My thoughts are with Steve's family and many friends and I hope that wherever he is, he knows how much he was loved, respected, and appreciated by all those whose lives he touched. Farewell Steve; I will play the definitive version of "Whiter Shade of Pale" (which we both love) in your honour whenever I think of you.
Tatsu Takada.
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sandra sharpe pledged to donate to Charity of Choice
Friday, March 22, 2024
In memory of Steve Dart.
You will be sorely missed by so many.
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Amy Barzan posted a condolence
Friday, March 22, 2024
Mr. Dart was my favourite teacher. He taught me, my brother, and my husband at AYJ in the late '80s/early '90s. So much of what I learned from him still sticks with me today, and I can never hear about the movie Easy Rider without thinking of him. He showed it in class and would throw it onto tests as a bonus question ("what is Mr. Dart's favourite movie?"). I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and I truly hope that he knew how beloved a teacher he was and how many lives he impacted. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
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Miriam Pearlman posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Dear Anna. My deepest condolences on the sudden passing of your beloved Steve. I have such fond memories of Steve and I bonding as new teachers at Earl Haig and of the strong friendship that formed. In those early days our students dubbed us "Sonny and Cher" given Steve's fu Manchu moustache and my long dark hair. We shared the love of teaching. May your memories of your love and life together bring comfort during this difficult time. May Steve's memory be for a blessing.
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David Humphry posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
I was a member of the A. Y. Jackson History Department for several years when Steve Dart was the Head. To this day, I feel so lucky to have been in that department while Steve was there. He was both the ultimate professional and so funny/clever at the same time. He was truly an inspiration for both his students and department members. This anecdote will serve to illustrate the point - a large classroom was accessible via a door from the History office - one day, as Steve was about to go out to that classroom to teach, several of us asked Steve this question - and only PARTLY in jest == "Can We Watch?" ==== Steve did indeed have a wonderful talent for using a mix of theatrical performance, slapstick humour & historical knowledge to connect with his students. Several of us in the department were privileged to see Steve *In Action*!!
For a few years, I also curled and golfed with Steve - these times hold memories for me that will last forever!! Thank you Steve. May you rest in peace.
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Sharon Brown Frankland posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Truly the best teacher ever. We had a great chat last spring and I will treasure the note he sent me after. He taught my Man in Society class, his first year of teaching, which was at Earl Haig. My dear friend Debbie had him for History. He remembered us both, and how close we were but surprised me by telling me how scared he was that first year and how grateful he was that we seemed to carry his classes when he faltered. I truly had no idea, to me he was just challenging me to think and express my opinions. That was his strength, making you feel, making you get involved. I am saddened that we will never get together for lunch but grateful that I let him know how much he meant to all of us.
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Linda Lewis-Daly posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
I loved Mr. Dart's classes at Earl Haig. He was a good teacher, a fair marker (realistic and helpful feedback) and a man who truly cared whether or not his students were successful. It was always about the student experience, never about his own ego. Conversations with Mr. Dart were thoughtful, thought-provoking and ... two-way! My sincere condolences to his family. Linda (Dyer) Lewis-Daly
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Michael Spencer posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Mr. Dart was my history teacher at AY Jackson in the late 90s. Over twenty years later I can still vividly recall the passion and empathy with which he approached teaching and his students. I remember him energetically moving through the classroom and covering the blackboard with dates and names and events and arrows connecting them all - he brought history to life in those classrooms. I went on to study history and became a teacher myself, and Mr. Dart played no small role in that happening. May his legacy and spirit live on through is loved ones, his students, and all the lives he touched with his kindness.
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Deborah Salmon posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Mr Dart was one of the absolute best. He personified what a great teacher was. I can hear his voice in my head right now, as l have over the years since the mid 1970s whenever l have needed to further question something or to look at an issue from a different angle. You will be missed sir, but thank goodness you were here. The lives of so many have benefited because you were. You were our teacher. How lucky were we, how lucky were we. Godspeed Steve and thank you. (Debbie Salmon)
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Haafid R. posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
William Butler Yeats once wrote that “education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire”. Steve Dart was one of those high school educators for me.
Steve was a master of pedagogy. I remember leaving every class feeling like he was speaking directly to me – not an easy feat when teaching a class of close to 30 students!
He taught me to use my words. His frequent calls to, “elaborate, elucidate, and generally expectorate” on what we were saying forced students to reflect on what we read, synthesize our arguments, and clearly articulate them to others.
He also taught me to broaden the way I analysed things – a skill I use to this day. I’ll never forget the day he walked into the classroom and wrote in big, bold letters on the chalkboard: SPERM! This, of course, was Steve’s way of teaching us to analyse historical facts through social, political, economic, religious, and military lenses. He made learning meaningful, memorable, and motivational.
Years later, my wife had the distinct privilege of teaching alongside him. For her, he was an excellent colleague, mentor and friend. He helped her become a better teacher and moreover gave her candid, friendly, advice that helped us both become better parents to our son.
My heart goes out to Steve’s family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. So very sorry for your tremendous loss.
Thank you, Steve. You were a giant who lit an inextinguishable fire.
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Ian Shulman posted a condolence
Monday, March 18, 2024
Mr. Dart taught me American History in grade 13 at AYJ in 1986. A number of friends and I regularly ate lunch in the school’s history area, and one day, he taught us (imaginary) curling in that space. I remember him as a funny and kind person.
Condolences to his family.
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Alan Gambell uploaded photo(s)
Monday, March 18, 2024
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I was lucky to have curled with Steve over the years and looked up to him for his knowledge of the game, his sense of fair play, his calm demeanour. He was an ambassador of the game through and through. I will never forget his unique call for sweepers to sweep- “Yes please, yes please”.
He will absolutely be missed at the rink. We have all lost a wonderful man.
Photo of 2023-2024 Suburban Masters team with Adrianne (Lead), Maureen (Second), Alan (Vice) and Steve (Skip).
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Fred King posted a condolence
Monday, March 18, 2024
I am a member of the Day Mens' curling group, of which Steve was a member, at the East York Curling Club. I got to know Steve quite well both curling with and against his teams. I always found him to be a very polite and classy individual, who always had a very positive outlook on life. I had a locker across from his and we constantly exchanged some jokes and other discussions about life in general. I will truly miss him at the curling rink!
I will always remember his polite , "Yes, please", upon asking him where he wanted me to place the rock.
I am very shocked at his sudden passing, and it is a painful example of the fragility of life!
Steve, I will see you one day on the other side and we can then celebrate the good curling times we all had!
My heartfelt condolences go out to your loved ones.
Take care.
Fred King.
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Natasha uploaded photo(s)
Monday, March 18, 2024
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Steve was a dear friend and mentor to me. We met at AYJ and remained close friends after my time there. Steve taught me so much as an educator and also as a person. He taught Krish and I what it meant to be good listeners and to be present in the moment. Steve and Anna’s loving relationship is one that we always look to for inspiration. Steve helped me through some of the toughest times in my life, for which I will be forever grateful.
As my family grew, Steve was always happy to see the ‘gallery of photos’ I would send him, of the girls. He was an incredible human being: loving, kind, compassionate and hilarious!! He will be missed so deeply and I feel very lucky to have had him in my life.
To Anna, Chris and Anna, our deepest condolences for this immense loss. Sending you all lots of love at this most difficult time. We are thinking of you❤️ To Steve extended family and friends, our sincere condolences. Steve is leaving a gap that cannot be filled in all our lives.
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Betty and Bernie Scher posted a condolence
Monday, March 18, 2024
To a good longtime friend. Betty and I were shocked and saddened yesterday when we heard about Steve’s passing. Steve and I go back almost 50 years after meeting as young teachers at Earl Haig. We became good buddies and golf partners immediately. In fact we were both excited about spending our soon to be 50th golf anniversary together. Although different personalities, we found a lot in common. Gonna miss you Snaker. Rest easy. Bernie and Betty Scher
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Maria Melessanakis uploaded photo(s)
Monday, March 18, 2024
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I had the privilege of working with Steve and being friends with him. He was a special human being that mentored so many of us in the History department at AY Jackson and continued to be a great friend that we would chat with and see on a regular basis. He had technically retired when I came to AY Jackson, but the students loved him so much as a supply teacher, many would want us to be away so they could have Mr. Dart as their teacher. Our History department is devastated as he really was the father figure for all of us and we all learned a lot from him. We will miss him and hope that he is resting in peace.
My deepest condolences to Steve's family and all of his friends. Many of us still can't believe he is no longer with us and will miss him a lot.
Maria M.
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The family of Mr. Steve Dart uploaded a photo
Sunday, March 17, 2024
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Brian Taylor posted a condolence
Sunday, March 17, 2024
Steve's death came as a complete shock to me. I had known him as a fellow history teacher, friend and golf partner for about 40 years. Steve was smart, honest straightforward and consistent. People who didn't know him as well may not have realized that he was devastatingly funny, with a droll wit and a keen eye for life's absurdities. I once saw him make a hole in one at a local golf course, and I shall remember him that way, because he truly was an ace. My condolences to Anna and the family at this sad time. Rest in peace buddy.
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Shelly M posted a condolence
Sunday, March 17, 2024
Mr.Dart was an inspiring and dedicated teacher at AYJ. He will fondly be remembered for his prompts to encourage his students to dig deeper in their responses when he would say "please elaborate and elucidate on that!" He taught us to approach opportunities and learning with curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm. He will be fondly remembered by many of his students and the faculty he worked alongside.
I extend my condolences to Steve's family, friends and colleagues for this immense loss.
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Roz Lofsky Posted Mar 18, 2024 at 4:44 PM
Steve was a beautiful person, always kind, gentle and thoughtful. We were colleagues and friends at AY Jackson for many years and continued to be friends after we both retired. As a colleague, he was always supportive and encouraging. As a teacher he was most beloved. I will miss Steve’s birthday and holyday greetings, our lunches and just having him here as a friend.
