19 comments for ““RIP Stick” salute to LHS math teacher David Stickney

  1. My first memory of Stick was in 1964 when I had the good fortune to come to Leaside to coach the mighty Richardsons Juniors and he pitched for Doug Lauries. Later he said I tipped my hitters for his pitches – giving me way too much credit. Over the ensuing years we met frequently in the park as he walked or biked back and forth. We had lots of friendly banter. Then when Eric started to play there were many more conversations – lots where we commiserated about our sons 🙂

    Over the years I came to learn more and more about how much Stick gave to his community, a remarkable life.

    As I type this, I recall the phone ringing and the deep voice, Howard this is Stick.”

    RIP my friend

  2. Mr. Stickney made a huge difference in my life; from math club to trips to the farm, the Bruce Trail Hikes !! Math was my favourite subject. I’ll never forget our advanced math class, the first in years, and the Supermarket Game we played using the new computer mainframe at the school board headquarters. A highlight, and he arranged it all. It is an end of an era. Without a doubt Mr. Stickney was the greatest teacher Leaside High as ever known. A great loss. My condolences to the family.

  3. I used to super glue pennies to the ground and watch him try to pick them up, I used to steal his cheap bike just to watch him freak out at the thought of a hooligan stealing it, when I was really young in his car- whenever he got out of the car for a second I would change the radio-change the mirrors-turn on the fan- move the seat-put the parking break on- and when he got back in the car I would laugh so hard I couldn’t control myself.

    He ultimatly got me back when a few years ago he bought a car and didnt even tell me because he knew I would try to drive it. HE PARKED THE CAR 3 BLOCKS AWAY for 3 YEARS JUST TO MAKE SURE I NEVER KNEW HAHAHAHAH! When I finally found out, I couldn’t believe it ! Him and I laughed forever over that one!

    We loved pranking each other, we loved each other, everything good in me is from him, he could teach me by teaching, and he could teach me by example. He would tell me when he couldn’t help me, but would always have an answer of some sort that would lead me in the right direction. He was a second Dad to a lot of my close friends, our home was a second home for a lot of my friends and vice versa. He looked over me my entire life and provided a safety net for me so that I could explore the world and take risks. My conscience is just his voice. My better judgement is just an extension of him. My skills, my talents, my hopes and dreams all come from him. I was never the perfect son, but I will spend the rest of my life trying to be.

    I am so lucky and proud to call him my Dad.

    Sticks
    Just trying to fill the un-fillable shoes of Mr Sticks

  4. I met Stick in the UK some years ago when we were both on holiday. He produced a bottle and glasses on th etop of a mountain having carried it all up there, and drank a toast to the Queen- I was a fan from that moment on. Rest in Peace, you will be sorely missed.

  5. I lived on Cameron Cres. with the `boys“ Tank, Pip and Alfie. I remember when David`s Dad passed at such a young age and David stepped up to the plate. He was a responsible and loving guy. His sister Carolyn and I had many happy days playing Monopoly and skipping. I am sorry he is gone as he did so much in the community. Leaside High School and the students there were his love as was math and teaching the students. I can only assume his passing was quick and sometimes that is a blessing. Carolyn my thoughts and prayers are with you!
    Love and hugs,
    Joan xoxo

  6. Terrible news. Dave “Tank” was one of the best. I had little contact with him after high school days (my loss) but knew him as sincere, funny, hard working and extremely generous to all who knew him. Rest in peace.

  7. Totally shocked!!!!!! Played LHS football and Talbot Park baseball with the Tank. We later reconnected at Leaside United. Dave was Mr Leaside and a friend and inspiration to all of us. Rest in peace my friend.

  8. David first hired me and became a great mentor and a dear friend. His participation in all 22 Math Camps is emblematic of his devotion to students and his love of mathematics. He will be missed.

  9. A terrible loss for the Leaside Community. Well known for his work with students at LHS as a math teacher who taught for many years after he retired.
    He was seen riding his ‘girly ‘ bike around town or walking with his chain saw to assist neighbours who’s trees had fallen during a storm. Most recently I found him shovelling the stairs from the end of Bessborough down to the football field to save anyone from slipping or falling down them. Who will carry on this community service for others? Pay it forward
    My thoughts go out to Eric who carries on his father’s passion for baseball.

  10. Dave was a Leaside neighbour. We knew each other first because he taught two of my children who thought he was the best math teacher ever’. Later as neighbours we would chat as we passed each other on the street. He was always genuine and caring. The street seems emptier already without Dave pedalling along, no matter what the weather or time of day. He brightened the place up. He will be sorely missed.

  11. Hi my name is Morgan Pearce. I am a new zealender my mum and I visit every year my mum knew him since she was 12 and he was a maths teacher at leaside high school to everyone and to my friend. Emily Martin I knew him since I must say by the time Eric and I first met he was a great person he had such wisdom and I really looked up to him and really respected him he had a way of making a conversation Intresting I always listened to his conversations and really really found him to be really wise he was a great father to Eric and Irene and as I am writing this on behalf of Eric and also for Irene

    I want you to know that. We will always carry the memories of David. Wherever we go

  12. David Stickney was/is a wonderful man. There are not many people I would refer to as changing my life but he is one of them. I was not doing very well in his math class. He brought me from a mark of 55 in my first term to an an 85 in my last term. This shaped my view of what could be accomplished with help, hard work and encouragement. From this experience I realized I could apply this learning principle to virtually any area of my life. I am forever grateful to David Stickney and hold him in the highest regard. I thank God for his life.

  13. Run on Tank! – we’ll miss your big smile and positive helpful outlook.

  14. My mom recently came across a copy of the 1974 “Board of Education of East York – School News”, that she had saved because it had my picture after I won the Junior Math Contest pin, with “Mr. D. Stickney” as coach. I never told him that I had guessed at most of the answers and that one of the reasons that I entered was for the pastries that he served afterwards. Great memories of a great teacher!

    • That is soo funny!!–I remember (on one of our Bruce Trail hikes with Mr Stickney) stopping in Shelbourne, Ontario because we absolutely “had to” try fresh Apple Fritters (deep fried with icing of course) at one of the local bakeries he knew! Great teacher, great human being! God Bless

  15. Was so saddened to hear of Mr. Stickney’s passing! He was my (wonderful) Math teacher at LHS and more recently a friend through Leaside United. A true community champion he will be deeply missed. My condolences to his family.

  16. Attended LHS with Dave and did my MBA with him. Shocked ! A big loss to all who knew him.

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