John Redmond Curtis

Dr. John Redmond Curtis passed away February 17, 2019, after a long journey with vascular dementia.

He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Charlotte (Egan) Curtis and his sister Carmel (Tony Schwab).

Redmond was born December 30, 1936 in Sydney, Nova Scotia and was a proud Ashby boy. He attended local schools in Sydney and graduated from Sydney Academy in 1955 as Class Valedictorian. He made that long familiar trip to Antigonish where he attended St.F.X. and graduated in 1958 (B.A.). He liked X so much that he went back three more times, in 1959 (B.Ed.), 1966 (M.A.T.) and in 1980 (M.Ed.). In addition to his studies at X, he was a graduate of the University of New Brunswick (M.A. in 1968) and Dalhousie University (Ph.D. in 1985).

His career passion has always been teaching. He began teaching French at Sherriff Junior High before a quick stint at Reserve District High School. After that he landed his ultimate spot as an English teacher at Sydney Academy, where he taught many happy students from 1968 until his retirement as Chair of the English Department in 1993. His Canadian Literature class was a fan favourite, and one that always filled up first. He was instrumental in helping to bring the International Baccalaureate program to Sydney Academy. Always the educator, after “retirement”, Redmond spent some time teaching at UCCB in both full and part time capacities. He supervised practice teachers for the B.Ed. Program for Memorial University, UPEI and St.FX.

In addition to his academic life, he was heavily involved in the arts in many different capacities. Over the years, he was a singer, an actor and an artist. Redmond was in many musical productions while in High School and University, as well as performing in the Rotary Shows in Sydney. While at X, he was the vocalist with the XMen of Note and sang with The Four Xs. Years later, he was the male vocalist for a local swing band in Sydney, The Right Stuff. He hosted the radio shows, “Happy Harmony” and “Four for a Song”, as well as hosting a Learn to Draw show on local television. A strong Catholic, who attended daily Mass, he also sang in local church choirs and spent years on Parish Council. He was on the committee that brought us TV Mass. Redmond was a published author and an award-winning artist. In the 60’s, he was in the Army Reserves, holding the rank of Lieutenant.

Redmond enjoyed sharing all his God given talents. However, his biggest joy came from his grandkids who could always make him smile and laugh, even at the end.

Redmond is survived by his best girl, his wife of 55 years, Rosella (MacLean), his daughter Stephanie (Vivek Sood), his son Red (Jennifer Grandy) and his cherished grandchildren, Jaya Sood, Riley Sood and Jack Curtis. He is also survived by his brother Brian (Margie) and his sister Anne (the late Greg Blanchard).

The family would like to thank the staff at Melville Lodge and Dr. Catheryne Meehan for the care and respect afforded Redmond during this rough last chapter of his life. There will be visitation at J. A. Snow Funeral Home on Sunday, February 24 from 7-9pm, and a funeral mass at St. Agnes Catholic Church on Monday, February 25 at 10am, Fr. Paul Morris officiating. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Funny stories or memories shared from former students, friends, neighbors and colleagues can be made by visiting www.jasnowfuneralhome.com It’s good to remember and celebrate the good times!

A man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?