H. John P. Schaffter

Thank you all SO much for your kind words about my dad!

Maya Angelou once said, “When Mark Antony declares to an angry mob that “the evil that men do lives after them, the good is often interred with their bones”, I’m certain that neither Mark Antony nor Shakespeare meant us to believe that facile statement. Rather, it was employed with the same sardonic imperative which Marc Antony used in the often repeated, “Brutus is an honourable man; so are they all, all honourable men” (Julius Caesar, III, 2).

Angelou continued, “I’m convinced that the evil that men do lives after us, but then I believe the good we do lives after us.”

When my dad saw “Schindler’s List”, he said that he didn’t find it depressing because, “it showed how much good one person can do!” (I add the exclamation point, because papa was a major enthusiast.)

I’m personally humbled by your comments because they’re proof that YOU have obviously absorbed the concept of the value of doing good, such as performing acts of kindness small or large that can have positive consequences long after you’re gone, in ways that you can’t imagine.

Dad would be proud of you excellent students and teachers! (He already was, long ago!) Thanks again!

John educated all four of our children the last of which was a lifer at St Michaels. He was a gifted teacher and adroit leader of that school and his legacy lives on. Like most dedicated teachers he was not without quirks. One of them was lefthanded children should be avoided. Luckily his admission test, holding up a roll of paper and looking through, it was only applied to one child. Even more lucky he picked the right handed one we shall miss you John

Dear Anne and family, it was only on the 28th day of May this year that you and John came to SMU on a sunny Saturday to celebrate the life of our father , John Nation. While i somehow missed seeing you , my sister Sarah, at the very least did not ,so she was able to thank you on our family’s behalf for making the effort to come and pay your respects to a “prince among men “. What a strange, sad twist of fate it is that leads us just 3 months later to acknowledge the life of your John .These 2 guys left their modest mark in a way that is pure and powerful and we are all the better for having known them. The sadness is so deep yet running along side is the pride and gratitude that they were who they were , that we had them for as long as we did and that they were loved fiercely – it was as simple as that and that will never die. With love and holding you all in my heart thea nation

The class was falling asleep during geography class at Upper Canada College in the early 60s. Frustrated, John suspended the class, put someone in charge and went to the office. A few minutes later he came back with forms for our parents to sign requesting $25?. At the time, most kids parents at the school could afford it.

The class was reviewing the Niagara escarpment. The next day a bus arrived and took us to the airport. A chartered plane flew us over the escarpment and John taught the class in the sky.

Nobody fell asleep. And nobody ever forgot the class or the determined teacher who wouldn’t be denied his opportunity to enlighten us.

That was just one example of a very exciting educator who never stopped looking for new ways to get through to the kids he was charged to educate – even when they tried to catch a few winks. His enthusiasm for education and the delight he took in what he did was infectious.

Dear Anne and Family;

There is a great deal more happiness in this world because of John’s influence on many, and especially on me. He was a mentor and friend, he would raise me up all the time, and generously shared his wisdom and experience. I shall not ever forget him. God bless you and your children. Don Farnsworth

Words In Memoriam for John Schaffter:

Looking back over my twenty five plus year teaching career John Schaffter was my best administrator! He was really unique among administrators (especially compared to administrators of the public school system — the stories I could tell) because he loved to celebrate his teachers. He was civilized, knowing, knowledgeable, gentle, inspiring, appreciative, diplomatic, encouraging and celebratory of my teaching. He knew what English teachers are supposed to do — that they are to take both an individual as well as a global/universal approach in both subject and in delivery! He was proud and pleased to have me on board at SJR even though I decided to stay for only one year in ’75/’76. He had faith in me. He would bring guests unannounced to my English classes to show me off as it were. And he would leave with — a job well done glowing smile! I think that John appreciated good teaching because he himself was a genuine teacher! John Schaffter knew that passion for subject matter, a sense of humour and encouragement of student efforts were the very essence of teaching. John was disappointed that I decided to leave after only one year at SJR where I had also done my student teaching elective under his watch. But John recognized that I was young and that I needed to explore writing and teaching beyond SJR.

I still have a note from John which I still keep in my study drawer. This would have been written by John Schaffter in September 1975. God help us – where has all the time gone!

Brian,

A grade eight Mum phoned. She thinks you’re “the greatest” and so does his father BUT he’s becoming “really discouraged” by the number of assignments. Eg. last night he was home at 6:15. Had a movie to watch, a science test to prepare and math homework to do. He spent hours over the weekend on English and is determined to do well but there was, again, little time for other subjects. I’m DELIGHTED you’re stretching ’em but, please, while continuing to stress quality, do bear in mind that quantity may need to be modified. That is, it may be self-defeating if kids become discouraged by a subject which obviously you’re putting across in first rate fashion. Maybe talk to them about their schedules?

Thanks — and thanks for the good work you’re doing.

John

Genuine encouragement is never forgotten or as the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas put it — “for as long as forever is!”

Thank you John Schaffter!

My deepest condolences to Anne, Cathy, Tim and John and to all the Schaffter family!

Brian MacKinnon
Retired Inner City English Teacher/Anti-Poverty Activist
Prime Minister Award for Teaching Excellence Recipient 2006

How sad this news; my condolences to the Schaffter family. John Schaffter was a genuine leader — bold, fair, challenging in the best sense, and quietly but deeply caring. In recent years, as I’ve focused on my two sons’ educations, my appreciation of him — and the opportunities he provided for my generation at SJR — has continued to grow. Thank you, Mr. Schaffter.

Anne, I am very sad to hear of John’s passing. I am sure that I speak for my brother Greg, sisters Melody and Alison, brother-in-law Kurt Fellner and sister-in-law Shannon Hill in offering our hearfelt condolences. Your husband was an important influence in our lives and his work at SMUS has truly changed lives. We shall keep you and your family in our prayers.

John changed the landscape of Canadian Independent Schools. He was a visionary and I feel blessed to have worked for him at SJR, where I saw a great school being created.

John ‘s gifts were wide-ranging. He believed in his students and inspired them accordingly. At the same time, he knew that boarding schools needed to be promoted effectively so that we could attract as many talented young people to think of us. His achievements in the area of educational marketing are legendary.

John was a loyal man. He built confidence in his students – and his staff.

The soirees John and Anne continued to hold for we ex-SJR types now living on the island were a privilege to attend; these pleasant evenings, always filled with stimulating conversation, were a joy. John and Anne remained the gracious hosts they had been at Shepard House in the 70’s.

Fare thee well, John.

John phoned me four years ago when I had a severe heart attack, renewing a friendship after an absence of 30 years. He really cared about people. In the ’70’s he shared many struggles with me at SJR and in the face of considerable opposition from people accustomed to being heard, he built a better school, in its day arguably the best in the country. Bright, determined, affable, clearly and mutually in love with Anne, John holds a special place in both his private and public lives. Rest in peace, John. You were a good man.

Jim Ison