He was my favorite English teacher ever. Mr. Knox inspired my interest in reading Shakespear, which I thought I never would. 
He'll always be remembered in our heart!

I remember going to see Mr. Knox with a friend in Grade 11 when we were deciding whether or not to take Advanced English 12. I remember it was only a 10 minute conversation but up to this day, Mr. Knox imprinted a very deep impression on me. This was almost 20 years ago. Although I didn't end up taking English 12 with him, I remember how inspirational he was even in that 10 minute chat. We conversed about the Greek tragedies such as Oedipus Rex and years after when I finally got to read it in university, the conversation we had suddenly popped into my head. 
My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Mr. Knox!

Mr. Knox and his World Lit 12 class were the highlights of my senior year, so much so that for my elective class, I chose to be his teacher's assistant. 

To this day, almost 20 years after graduation, I still think and talk about him. Rest in peace, Mr. Knox. You were always my fave teacher.

Everything I want to say about Mr. Knox has already been written.  What a tribute to an incredibly beloved educator.  My thoughts and deepest condolences to his family; he was a brilliant man.  With love and fond memories, CH

I can't even believe that Mr. Knox has passed. I was just googling him after giving him a "shout out" on a page to honour favourite teachers, and found this news. He was, hands down, one of the best teachers I ever had. I took his inaugural World Lit 12 class at Hamber. It was a terrible year for me, personally, and he was a big part of why and how I pulled through. I still think of him every time I listen to The Doors' "The End" or watch Apocalypse Now. ;) He was a creative, brilliant teacher who delighted in encouraging students to think for ourselves and push all the boundaries. I'd like to think our signatures are still on the ceiling tile in his former classroom, and I still have the dog-eared photocopy of Equus that he distributed so we could read the play together as a class, with the door shut and the curtain drawn! I won't forget Mr. Knox, and I send his family my deepest condolences.

Mr. Knox had a considerable impact on my life as a secondary school teen.  I had a knack for English composition that Mr. Knox encouraged and nurtured to an extent that no other teacher had done before or would do afterward.  It was Mr. Knox's individual attention (on his own time, after school) to me and my writing that lit the spark leading to my own mastery at describing my Mother Tongue to English learners.  I lost my parents in 2013.  It adds further weight to my grief to know that this kind and honourable man left us during the same year at a younger age.  I send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Bryant will be missed forever. He was a great person and a fabulous friend. This loss is tremendous to all of us. He will be in our hearts as long as we live.

Mr. Knox was an excellent teacher. He will be missed.  Hope his family can get better soon.  Mr. Knox will always live in our memories and heart since he has had a great impact on the people who know him. RIP to an excellent teacher.

Mr Knox taught me English in high school and I'll never forget his passion for teaching and the encouragement that he gave each and every one of his students to succeed in academia and life.

One of my favourite instructors have passed.

I still remember the great passion Mr. Knox had for teaching, literature, and his students. He was my teacher, mentor, and guide in navigating rich and meaningful stories well beyond the average high school curriculum. 

I distinctly remember hating English class because I felt I was a poor writer, and didn't have the time or a love for reading. Yet I kept taking literature courses through my high school electives. Maybe it was fate I would encounter Mr. Knox in my journey up a river to the old world of books and things. He was instrumental in completely flipping my universe, inspiring a deep appreciation for the literary arts and a passion for creative and expressive writing. Confusing and seemingly boring texts would open up and reveal their rich inner workings in his classroom, like opening up a mechanical clock and being able to marvel at the intricacies that made it work.

Mr. Knox, you have instilled me with a passion for the arts and equipped me with skills to critically assess things on paper and in life. You have inspired me to find beauty in words and life that will forever enrich the experiences I have. You will be missed.

An inspiration to all of us, Mr. Knox, taught us the intricacies of the English language. We learned to perceive words for more than their face value and seek the truth between the lines. His passion for literature changed the way we read. I will continue to remember him as being one of the best teachers I've ever had.

Mr Knox not only taught his students English but also taught them about life.  He never stopped challenging us to think more and outside the box about anything.  He truly was an inspiration to me and a great mentor.  I will cherish the impact he has made in my life.  His legacy will forever be carried on through the lives of all of us.

One of the biggest influences in my life. This man gave so much to his students. He taught us how to think for ourselves and stand up for what we believe in. He will be missed and remembered.

Mr Knox was a great English teacher. This is an understatement. I'm glad to have been able to attend his class. That's coming from someone with a less than stellar attendance record for most other classes. Mr Knox, thank you for your energy, humour and passion for teaching. Your contributions live on. Your impact, while immeasurable is certainly profound.

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Knox. I had him as a teacher for English 12 and I cannot remember a more inspiring or encouraging teacher. He pushed his students to think critically and not to accept the status quo. He will be greatly missed!

I had the privilege of acting as a scribe for a student in Bryant's World Literature class at Eric Hamber.  Though I am an adult, well out of school, I was often drawn into the discussions and definitely mesmerized by the most dynamic and inspiring teacher I have ever met.  We discovered a shared of love of poetry and he and Linda kindly invited me join a group in their home to discuss the works of Ezra Pound. 
I will never forget Bryant and his quick wit, sharp mind and limitless kindness toward others.   I am so saddened by his passing and all of my comfort and good thoughts go to his family.  Bryant, you impacted and touched so many lives; it is inadequate to simply say ''you will be missed'.  Sometimes, there really are 'no words'.

Bryant was a real thinker, a charming conversationalist,and a true gentleman. As often the case, teaching colleagues rarely see each other in our classrooms. How I regret that I missed the opportunity to see Bryant in action. On reading the heartfelt and insightful comments on this site, it is crystal clear that his impact on students was profound, and leaves behind a powerful legacy for which all of us in the teaching profession would be extremely proud.

Linda...my heartfelt condolences go out to you and yours. Though our lives grew apart since those early days when Bryant first started courting you my life has been enriched and warmed by those few glimpses of the two of you together in more recent times. We are all left with fond memories of good times with Bryant!

As one of his many former students, I will not be the first or the last to say that he inspired us all to learn and to grow academically and personally. His wisdom lives on within all of us and it was an honor to have known such a great man.

I was fortunate enough to have Me Knox for English 12.  In the previous years, before having Mr Knox for English, I dreaded attending English class.  However, Mr Knox made English class a joy to attend.  I especially enjoyed listening to his tangents at the beginning of class.  
Mr Knox, you will be missed by all

As one of his students in World Literature, I will remember Mr. Knox for two things.  One is his great passion and energy for teaching, and the second is the warmth and joy in which he spoke of his family. A small personal anecdote, every time I write, I am reminded of Mr. Knox's sagacious advice (a word I learned from his class) to "tighten up" my verses.  Without a doubt, there are many young men and women today, myself included, who are better off for having known Mr. Knox.

“And the days are not full enough
And the nights are not full enough
And life slips by like a field mouse
Not shaking the grass” 
? Ezra Pound

I met Bryant in 1975 - we went through the teacher education program (PDP) at Simon Fraser University. During those years we had a lot of fun together discussing poetry and especially the work of Ezra Pound.  I have many books in my library purchased at his insistence - and am glad for that.  Bryant and I lost touch over the years and it was with great sadness that I saw the announcement of his passing in the paper.  I sat for a long time and thought of his energy - his passion for poetry - his intellect.  

After reading the sincere expressions of loss and love his students have left here about their teacher, Bryant, I am warmed with the thought of the light he provided to so many.

My condolences to Linda and all who loved him.

 Linda, If The Stars in The Sky Are Our Loved Ones Than Surely Bryant's Is The Brightest He Will Be There To Guide And Watch Over You Like He Always Has. Love Margie and Dave

I can still picture you adjusting your glasses every 30 seconds or so, Knox. You never seemed to be satisfied with them. You told me at the end of that year that we were no longer teacher and student, and that we were now friends. Your copy of The Cantos will always be in my bookshelf and you will always be in my heart, friend.

Bryant was a highly respected colleague and a very good and caring friend for many years. One of the lights in our lives has now gone out. But, although he is no longer with us physically, he will always be with us in spirit. Good memories include interesting discussions, times of fun and frivolity, and hiking the local trails.

Mr. Knox was such a witty and inspiring English teacher. His love for teaching English was obvious and his classes were always engaging. You will be missed... Such a gem

I wasn't all that interested in English and Lit until I took Mr. Knox's World Lit class. He was an amazing teacher that opened my my mind and influenced my future career. My memories of his class are still quite vivid, from his off-beat rantings to his smile and energy when he gets rolling on a topic he loves. May he rest in peace.

I have had the privilege of being taught by Mr. Knox for two years - English 11 & World Lit. I had always enjoyed English and reading, but Mr. Knox inspired a deeper appreciation & love of literature. He engaged his students by generously sharing his passion of the subject.  It was this passion & excitement that his classes were among my most favourite and memorable.  I will always remember Mr. Knox's heated railings against "the system"!

My sincere condolences to his family - he will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.

I have been fortunate enough to have studied under Mr. Knox during high school.  You have inspired so many with your passion for teaching.  You will be missed.

Mr. Knox was the most enthralling teacher I ever had the privilege of having class with. I was privileged enough to have his English class for two and a half years. He was very encouraging in bringing out every students' own individual potential and talents.
On a side note, I will always remember the life advice he gave us; buying an old Mercedes with the cambered wheels is a must.

"Deeply saden to hear this...English was one of the most challenging subject. However, thanks to Mr.Knox, I learn to overcome my fear and share his enthusiasm and love of his class. He was not only my favourite English teacher but also the most wonderful homeroom teacher. Thank you for everything, Mr. Knox"                                                                           
                                                                                            Michelle Chou (Vancouver, BC)

Rest In Peace.  May the heavens be as enlightened as much as the students who passed through your classroom.

When I first stepped into Mr. Knox's World Literature class in the fall of 1993, he immediately drew us in with his energy, enthusiasm and love of literature. When I graduated, he graciously wrote several letters of reference for me and told me that he would be watching my career closely and that he fully expected me to be a literary star one day. In all the years since, I have been trying my best to live up to his outsized opinion of me. I hope I succeeded. He was a great man, one who loved teaching even the most dramatic of teenagers and who almost danced for joy whenever he taught us a poem or novel he particularly connected to. Rest well, Mr. Knox.

Sad to hear this... Mr. Knox was a caring, humourous, inspirational, and extremely knowledgeable instructor who made English class/World Lit interesting and captivating to attend each time.

I first met Bryant when he came to Vancouver in about 1959 when he stayed with his Grandparents on East 25th.I lived just behind there on East 26th. We were in grade 6 together at David Livingstone Elementary School.
After we first met, being competitive boys we had a race down the street to see who was the fastest. Well I thought I was ahead, then Bryant came up beside me and like the roadrunner went beep beep, went into another gear and left me in the dust. I have many stories of our adventures together.
I spent a lot of time with Bryant for those years, playing Canadian football,  making gunpowder, getting lost on Mt. Seymour, etc.
I am so sorry that had to leave us so soon.

David Grimble, Vancouver

English was my favourite subject in high school, and Mr. Knox was my favourite teacher. I was fortunate to have been in his class in grades 9, 11 and 12, and will always be proud of that moment when I finally got to sign my name on one of his ceiling tiles. He taught me to read critically and to think critically - lessons that I still carry with me today as a scholar in the humanities. Thank you for everything.

I'm so sorry to hear this.  He was a fantastic teacher.  So inspiring.  I had him for two years, Grade 10 and Grade 12 World Lit.  I remember his impeccable hair, and clear voice for diction.  I learned so much from him.  It's so sad.  He seemed so young.

My condolences to the family. I went to SFU the same time as Bryant. We also worked out at the same gym and it was always difficult to move on to the workouts due to the conversations and enthusiasm Bryant had about any subject matter brought up. He was a fine human being, generous and caring and bright and I will miss our catch ups and sad he left us so quickly.

Mr. Knox was the most inspiring English teacher I've had. He taught me that English class was not only a language course, instead he opened my mind to the art of Literature, and through him, I learned to appreciate English Literature. He will always remain an important influence in my life, and he will forever be missed.

Mr. Knox was one of those teachers that forever inspires and challenges you to be a better student and a better person. His passion for English literature and just life in general is contagious. Thank you, Mr. Knox, for teaching us to appreciate the English language and to love reading. Through the years, I have enjoyed exchanging emails with him, and getting good book recommendations from him. He will be dearly missed. Deepest condolences to his family.

I'm fortunate to have studied under Mr. Knox in his last year teaching at Hamber because until Grade 10 English, writing had always seemed a chore. Not only did Mr. Knox help spark my interest in writing (thereby opening up a whole new avenue of communicating), he kept it real in a classroom that went beyond just English literature and composition by eloquently and passionately speaking the things that were true to him.

Mr. Knox was one of the sharpest teachers I've ever had.  An inspiration to a generation.

It was a privilege to be one of Mr. Knox's student during my years at Eric Hamber. He was an inspiring teacher who taught with passion. Thank you for everything you have taught me, you will be missed.

Mr Knox believed in me when I didn't have it in me to believe in myself.   If you were ever lucky enough to have a class with him  consider yourself blessed.  He was truly a gifted teacher and a great human being.

I am honoured to have been in Mr. Knox class. His energy and relentless passion opened my mind to the endless possibilities English literature and life itself. I will be forever shaped by that class and believe that Mr. Knox will live on in all of the students he has inspired. Good-bye Mr. Knox, you will be missed.

Mr. Knox inspired me to major in English.  Some of the stories that I teach to my students now, were ones that I read in Mr. Knox's class.  I have kept the essays that he marked, and recently used his Works Cited exercises to teach my students how to write proper citations.  He didn't just share his knowledge, he also took the time to care for you as a person.  He was an inspiring and brilliant teacher.

Bryant taught next door to me and was always brimming with a zest for philosophy, the classics, psychology, music wine, food-a real Renaissance Man. His passion for his subject area was infectious and I knew that a conversation with him would always recharge me for a novel I had taught for years: he seemed to have always at the ready a resource that would be useful, excited by a certain idea or passage. Students were always lingering after his classes, debating and discussing an idea that had inspired them.
A gentleman, a friend and scholar, he will be dearly missed.
"Now cracks a noble heart, Good night, sweet prince;And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
( Hamlet)

I've had the privilege of being Mr. Knox's student during the most important year of my high school.  He taught me that English is not just a language, but a gateway to subtle and complex emotions we don't otherwise know existed.  It's rare to have met someone with such a passion for teaching and for the exploration of life.  Thank you for sharing it with us and for opening my eyes.  Mr. Knox, you will be dearly missed.

Bryant was a teaching colleague for many years.
I always admired the energy, passion and wealth of knowledge that 
he brought into the classroom. I know that he was respected by both
students and staff.

“All our knowledge has its origins in our perceptions” (Leonardo da Vinci). Thank you always for teaching me how to see.

Mr. Knox was a really inspirational teacher. I had him for English in Grade 11. He was energetic and passionate about teaching, yet always had a scholarly air around him. He understood the pitfalls of our education system and did his best to instill us with passion and motivation for literature. He had provided me with a list of books to read at the end of the year. Each of those books impacted me greatly, and to this day I will remember him most for it.

Mr. Knox was one of the most interesting people I have ever met and one of my favourite teachers from high school. He was passionate and energetic. I remember bringing my dad (who is Deaf) to parent teacher night with an interpreter. While standing at the front of the room, Mr. Knox had a keen ability to speak clearly and VERY quickly. He spoke for almost ten minutes straight and answered questions. At the end of the meeting, the interpreter gave me an exhausted look, shaking his hands at the wrists, and asked, "Does he ALWAYS go that fast?!" I smiled and nodded and empathised - it was hard keeping up with him to take notes. So it was often just best to sit back and listen to the experience as he worked magic.

He could make books that were once cryptic unfold before your eyes and put everything into perspective. He transformed poems into mindblowingly intricate webs of meaning and made everything make sense so that even this science-minded knucklehead got it. 
You will be missed, Mr. Knox.

Bryant will be sadly missed by myself and my family. I knew Bryant since I was a child, and I will always have fond memories of the time our families spent together. Bryant was always ready to join in a conversation about anything, and he would usually have some witty retort at the ready. I will remember Bryant as always being enthusiastic and energetic. He had a lust for life that was sadly taken away too soon.

Bryant was a brilliant teacher, an exceptional person and colleague.  My son was fortunate to have him as his English literature teacher and to this day he refers to Mr. Knox as an outstanding and inspiring teacher whose vast knowledge, enthusiasm and  humanity left an indelible mark on his students. "Bryant you will be missed by all of us who were fortunate to know you and to be touched by your presence."
                                        Fiorella and John Carlo Heywood (Vancouver, BC)

I shall not forget Bryant's enthusiasm and energy.  He also opened my eyes to Mexico in a way that no-one else could.  He has done much good for so many.

Walter Herring

Whenever Bryant joined our table during lunch at Hamber it was always time well spent. Conversation was lively, informative, intelligent and relaxing. He truly listened and respected another's opinion. A scholar and gentleman. Bryant you will be missed!

                                                                       Ron Cancilla, Vancouver,BC

Bryant and I enjoyed wonderful English and friendship moments together. As his department head for many years, I can not remember a more dedicated, inspiring teacher. I still see former students who always speak with much appreciation and admiration of their Mr. Knox.
As a friend, I have shared many delightful breakfasts and dinners, usually arranged by Bryant, for golfing guys and other Hamberites.
The emptiness is so sad but his spirit will always be present.

Bryant was a wonderful friend and colleague for over thirty years.  When my daughter, Laura, heard about his illness she burst out into tears.  Laura said what a wonderful person Bryant was.  Bal Panesar helped me.  She said remember the good memories.  With Bryant there were only good memories. He was an outstanding scholar and a very dear friend.  I have been grieving since I heard the news and will continue to miss his wonderful presence in my life for a long time to come.  Linda, please phone if you need to talk.  Marilyn Super

Bryant taught me so much as a beginning teacher.  He was gracious with his time and knowledge. I remember so well our between-classes chats and our talks on Japanese literature. I feel privileged to have known and taught with such a dedicated teacher.

Bryant was a wonderful friend, colleague and masterful teacher. Our fond memories include attending concerts,hiking, dining,and laughing with him. He will be missed by so many.

Bryant was a great friend. He was a friend who generously shared his knowledge, interests and values and in so doing, educated us all. I will miss him deeply.

OBITUARY

Bryant Knox

October 1, 1946 – November 14, 2013

Ocean View Funeral Home & Burial Park

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