In Memory of John Moffat 1951-2013

For the people that didn’t get to meet John and spend a bit of time with him, I feel sorry, as he was the nicest guy you would ever meet. Battling cancer for many years you would never hear a word from him about he was doing unless your pried it out of him and even at that it would be brief. He would focus on how you were doing and what was new with you. An asset to the community, family man, devoted husband and friend. I can tell you that its a sad day out here on the Coast as we lost a great one way too early. Know Johnny we will miss you and think of you often as you changed a lot of peoples lives. Won’t be the same out there without you!

In Memory of John William Moffat 1951-2013

It is with profound sadness that I convey to you the passing of John Moffat this morning, January 15, 2013. His loss will be felt throughout the School District and the North Vancouver community. John has a very special place in the hearts of our students, staff, parents, and colleagues.

John was one of our home-grown talents. After graduating from Carson Graham Secondary School in 1969, he attended Capilano College and then transferred to the University of British Columbia. He graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 1975 (Physical Education and Psychology), completed his Masters of Education at the University of Western Washington in 1990, and qualified for a Graduate Diploma in Administrative Leadership from Simon Fraser University in 1998.

John joined the teaching staff at Carisbrooke Elementary School in 1975. In 1979, he transferred to Outdoor School, and in 1981, he was assigned to the position of Vice-Principal at Burrard View School. From 1985 through 1988, he was the Director of Outdoor School. John was assigned as Principal of Norgate Elementary School in 1988, and Lonsdale Elementary School and the Windsor House Program at Cloverley in 1992. From 2000 through 2008, he served as Principal of Queen Mary Elementary School, and then transferred to Boundary in July 2008 and Norgate in July 2011. After 37 years of dedicated service to students, staff, and parents, he retired in July 2012.

John’s voice was distinctive; you could hear his “radio announcer” voice coming from a distance. We always knew that his visits would bring us a smile, a twinkle in his eye, and a positive and upbeat outlook on life. His interpersonal relationships were the strongest feature of John’s leadership and administration; he was warm and sincere. At each of his schools, he developed a welcoming and supportive environment for his students and their families. Students responded well to his approach and John seemed to instinctively sense their needs.

On behalf of the Board of Education and all of our students, staff, and community members, I want to express our most sincere condolences to John’s wife Tracy, his daughter Carly, son Cole, and all of his extended family.

Further information will be provided when it becomes available.

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In John’s memory, I provide you with these words:

I believe that how we see ourselves, others also see us. It is critical then that teachers strive for the same characteristics they promote in children. Principals must advance these ideals by giving support for ideas, recognition for effort, understanding for anxieties, encouragement for

creativity, and energy for the advancement of cooperation between the school and the community.

John William Moffat

Sincerely,

John Lewis