H. John P. Schaffter, M.A. (Cantab.), died suddenly on Friday, July 29, 2011, in Victoria, B.C. Born in Isfahan, Persia, in 1926, he was the son of a Church Missionary Society surgeon and nurse/hospital director, the cherished husband of Anne, his wife of 59 years, devoted father to Cathy, Tim (Diana) and John (Cheryl), loving grandfather to Scott, Kevin, Claire and Alexandra and brother to predeceased Jim. He was an author, teacher at Upper Canada College Preparatory School, Toronto (1950 – 1969) and headmaster of St. John’s-Ravenscourt School, Winnipeg (1969-1978) and of St. Michaels University School, Victoria (1978-1989). Under his leadership, St. John’s-Ravenscourt became the first all-boys independent school in Canada to accept girl students and later, St. Michaels University School also became co-educational.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4049 Gordon Head Road, Victoria, on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. Donations in his name may be made to a scholarship fund of your choice. Condolences may be offered at www.mccallbros.com.
`He was a good man.’
21 Responses
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
We were privileged to know John and Anne and to count them as dear friends. Much of what I have become was shaped by SJR, and much of SJR was shaped by John Schaffter. I remember a kind, intelligent man of exemplary character who cheerfully and unfailingly called me Charlie – and that was fine. Rest in peace, John.
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.
Mr Schaffter has left me with mixed emotions. He faced a daunting task of overseeing a brutal archaic institution at S.J.R. in which hazing and abuse of younger students by senior monitors and prefects was commonplace AND ACCEPTED amoung the teaching staff. While I truly believed he attempted to reform the system he ultimately failed in his attempts and endeavours and for that I am saddened because his vision was not fully realized.
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.
This news has come as a great shock and John will be greatly missed by those of us in whom he inspired great love and respect.
Under John’s direction, St.Michaels University School achieved a reputation for high academic standards and and during his tenure, some of the finest student minds in Canada attended the school.I always thought of him as the General Manager of the team, and I was one of the Coaches, and together, the plan was to win the game, and with all pulling together we did. it was as good as winning the World Series.Under his mentorship I aspired to teaching levels I had never before achieved or dreamed about.
John and Anne made a wonderful team, both at the school ,and later in retirement at Lyn Crescent, and during those social times we always felt comfortable and welcome, almost like family.
We say goodbye,John, but will continue to celebrate wonderful memories throughout the years to come.
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 Schaffter has long been my definition of a gentleman. Urbane, dignified, thoughtful and kind, he gave unstintingly of himself and brought out the best in others. (He also had a wicked sense of humour and knew how to throw a great party!)
SJR was a very special place in the 1970s and much of that was due to John’s humanity and extraordinary vision. I will always cherish the memory of this remarkable man.
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
I feel such a loss. There is so much wrapped up in what I am that was shaped by SJR and the chance that I was given by Mr Schaffter. It is a great loss to all .
Mark George