I just saw the sad news of Vern's passing in Stony Bridges - a publication of RTO with which I am associated as a former NYBE/TDSB employee.

It was my privilege to attend Newtonbrook SS when Vern was Principal - and to later serve on St. George's Anglican Church Advisory Board when he was Chair and later Churchwarden (as was Eleanor a few years later).

One memory of him as a Principal was when he visited one of my Grade 10 classes to introduce himself to students new to NSS and answer any questions we might have.  I can't remember the exact question that a classmate posed - but it was clearly facetious.  Another Principal might have been annoyed - but Vern simply quipped "you must be one of those fractured ceramics I've heard about".  Some of us got the joke; it was too subtle for others.  Obviously I was impressed as I still remember these 48 years later.

Vern had been on Advisory Board for a year already when he was appointed Chair.  I remember being immediately impressed with the way he kept meetings on track and considerably briefer.  He managed this feat without seriously ruffling too many feathers - all the more impressive.

One of his qualities that I most admired (and have tried to emulate over the years) was his ability to maintain a common touch and common sense despite obviously being a most accomplished person.  In my roles at NYBE and TDSB over 30 years, I met a lot of very fine educators at all levels of the organization - and always admired and respected those who retained this capacity.

Because I did not learn of Vern's passing until now, I was not able to attend his funeral, an opportunity I would surely have taken had I known.  My thoughts and prayers will be with Eleanor, Margaret, Catherine and the rest of his family and many colleagues and good friends who will be feeling his loss.

Rest eternal grant unto him O Lord
And may light perpetual shine upon him



Eleanor - Berta and I are away enjoying Italy- as you and Vern would have done many times! - when I received word of Vern's death.  My deepest regrets - I always looked forward to Vern!  Regards- Craig Robertson

Dear Marg and family,
May you find comfort knowing that my thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. I sincerely hope that the passage of time and the support of family and friends will help to bring you peace.


 Saddened to hear about  the world losing Vern. He was a true gentleman and a scholar. A wonderful friend,  colleague and true leader! So many fond memories of our time together at Newtonbrook and at recent Founding Club reunions! Sincere condolences to Eleanor and the family.

Eleanor and Family
Vern Gilbert was one of the most influential people in my life. A positive high school experience can be a platform to an even better future, and Vern helped provide that at Newtonbrook, along with a few other main players on the administrative and teaching staff. I had him for math one year and I still quote one of his jokes. He was introducing us to the 'index" concept and stressed that the plural was 'indecies'. After a moment, he pretended to sneeze then said to a student 'Pass me the Kleen-ecies".
 He and one of our classmates Doug (Duke) Russell also dueled in one of the funniest April Fools  pranks I've ever seen. Duke hid in a portable closet along with all the chalk and when Vern opened the door of the closet, out shot Duke's hand with the chalk in it. Not missing a beat, Vern immediately slammed the door shut, fished in his pocket for the keys, then locked Duke in. He remained there all class, sending notes out the slit at the bottom of the door, answering the math questions Vern was asking the class. If you were there, you would never forget that spectacular, impromptu interaction between teacher and student.
Vern helped set the tone for Newtonbrook which Founders Club maestro Scott Ferguson has referred to and it was a joy for all of us to see him at the 50th reunion and beyond. And he was, I think, the only teacher or former administrator to hang around and actually watch The Henchmen.
And he remembered our names!
Great people are greatly missed, and he was a great person.
Steve Milton
Newtonbrook class of 1967



Dear Eleanor,

Our sincere condolences to you and your extended family.  We remember Vern with enormous fondness, and still chuckle at the number of times we met and had meals together in Manly and Sydney when you two and ourselves were escaping the Canadian winter!

Warmest wishes,
Geraldine and Alan

On behalf of the founding classes of Newtonbrook Secondary School, 1964 - 1969, please accept our sincere condolences. Vernon Gilbert was such a key member of this exciting new school. We all look back now and refer to that magical time as our "Camelot". Vern treated us as thinking, feeling people - quite a different approach from other schools at that time.  He had such enthusiasm for learning and such patience with us that we were encouraged to do our best. An unusual percentage of our classes has gone on to success in many fields. We get together every year for a Founders Club dinner and have been doing so for over 20 years,  We usually get from 80 - 150 former students to come out, from all over the world. Vern started attending just a few years ago, but expressed his joy at how much these former students valued him and his teaching after more than 50 years! We were all thrilled to be able to express our gratitude and respect to him. Though were are all senior citizens now, we still referred to him as Mister Gilbert and felt a tad uncomfortable when he insisted we call him Vern. Heaven has become a little better for its newest resident.

Margaret and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. May this be the time to gather wonderful memories and share stories with family and friends. 

Margaret our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. A Father's love is never ending and I know how very proud your father must be of you, your sister and his grandchildren. 
Much love, Sharon 

OBITUARY

Vernon Keith Gilbert

Passed away on 4 OCTOBER, 2016

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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