David Richard “Rick” Crampton

Being a past Laurier student, of course I had Mr Crampton and he had a positive way of connecting with the students. He had a profound impact on his students and he is appreciated and will be missed. Thanks Mr Crampton.

I am deeply saddened by Mr. Cramptons’s passing, but honoured to have had him as my wonderful, cherished math teacher that till this very day I have praised him and have told many people and my son that if it wasn’t for him I would of never passed math, and he had a way of always knowing I needed help when I was too shy or embarrassed to ask for help. He would casually walk by and see where I was stuck and very respectfully show me to see how to solve the problem and to never give up. He showed compassion always . I was very fortunate to have had the chance to thank him personally for being so kind hearted and making a difference in so many of his students lives, we shared some tears and laughter. I told him that so many of my friends from high school and I have always stated he was the best teacher/human ever!! He changed the way of learning and understanding and respecting others and always with a great sense of humour. God bless you and rest in peace, i will never forget your bright blue eyes and smile. Condolences to all family and friends. Hugs!!

I was one of Mr. Crampton's students at Laurier. I was in his OAC calculus class, 1993 I think. He was great, and he became a friend of my whole family because of something special that happened. This was the era when students had to bring in a note if they needed to be excused from class. Normally it was my mum who wrote those notes, but one day, for whatever reason, my mum couldn't so my dad stepped in. "Does Mr. Crampton have a good sense of humour?" my dad asked me. I confirmed that he did and the next thing I knew I had my note for the teacher - written in poetic verse. It went like this: Dear Mr. Crampton, My youngest child Elizabeth whom you know best as Lizz Requires a note she tells me so you know that she is Quite properly requesting some time away from school (Not something that she likes to do and break a general rule) So here I am requesting though her class may not be done Could you kindly send her on her way at thirty before one? She has one last appointment to confirm she's fit and well And when she comes back to your class I know she'll work like... (really hard). Mr. Crampton loved this note and requested that it be returned once the office had seen it. After that, dad had to write all of my notes, always in rhyme and always returned to Mr. Crampton. I'm not sure how many there were in the end, but I know there was a special one upon my graduation from Laurier and another one when I returned there as a student teacher. My father (and the rest of the family) have treasured these memories of Mr. Crampton over the years, and we still reminisce about this unusual friendship that grew between my dad and my teacher. There are not many teachers I would have been comfortable bringing such a note to, but Mr. Crampton was definitely one of those special teachers. My sincerest condolences to his whole family.

I have many good memories of Rick during our shared teaching time at Laurier S.S. I joined the staff in 1989, very much a rookie teacher, and Rick was a seasoned veteran of the classroom. I appreciated his professional manner, as he was the best dressed teacher every day! Rick was quick to share his experiences and as I recall, wrote a book on leadership in that era. My condolenses to his family. May the words of Psalm 46 bring a sense of hope and peace in this season of grief and loss.

Our thoughts go out to the family. We have known Rick going back to band days with the Viscounts, many good times and memories. Doug & Marianne

My love to all of you. A battle done as he enters his glory free of the pain and challenges. His tribute is the 30 years of students who benefitted from his caring and teaching; The love his family have shared and the many adventures will carry you through the time of loss and grief to and eventual time of peace and gratitude for his part of your life . Know so many care for all of you. : Sharon