My father loved his job as a high school shop teacher. For years after he retired, grown men would come up to me and tell me they were his favourite student.

That is how he made them feel.

On top of his classes, he revelled in mentoring younger teachers as the head of his department. He also inspired longtime staff members to keep their skills up to date over their careers.

To set a good example, he took a sabbatical midway through his career to work at an electronics firm. As a result, he came back refreshed and ready to impart lessons that reflected the current marketplace.

Despite his passion for teaching, Dad chose to retire at age 55. At that point, he had seen the potential in a younger colleague as a future leader and stepped aside.

He never regretted that decision, especially as his successor thrived and brought new........

© Peterborough Examiner