John Walter Krisak

Fond memories of growing up with cousin John and brother Greg in Syracuse NY. His parents were part if the aunts and uncles that mentored us cousins.

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Krisak wrote four words on a high school guidance form that I can still remember clearly. You see I was flunking his writers craft course, having not submitted some of the work, …yet. Feeling embarrassed that procrastination and perfectionistic tendency had put me in this predicament, I now needed his signed permission to remain enrolled. When I explained the situation to him he asked if I was ok. He confirmed that I would indeed be handing in the work instead of obsessing on it. He signed and handed back the form. On it he had written, “This student is indispensable”. Thank you Mr. Krisak for this kindness in the challenge of adolescent times, to be valued, not for achieving the high marks, but simply for being.

A donation has been made to London Health Sciences Foundation. Message from the donator: From friends of MECP in memory of John Walter Krisak.

Paulette and Family, my condolences for your loss. May his memory be eternal. Zoi se sas.

"Writers write!" "Discipline! Discipline! Discipline!" Two very memorable comments Mr. Krisak scrawled on my creative writing papers, when I was his student in the '90s. Just last week, I had mentioned his name, recounting what an indelible teacher he was. His creativity and crackling dry wit are timeless. My heartfelt condolences to his family and to all who loved him.

Students: "How long does my essay have to be?" Mr. Krisak " When your friends call you on the phone, do you ask 'How long do I gotta talk to you for?'" Mr. Krisak was a fixture at Central S.S. when I had the pleasure to have him as my teacher in the mid- late 90s. As a teacher myself now, I think often of his personality as a teacher and I remember his lessons fondly. My condolences to his family and friends.

How fortunate am I, to be able to count myself among those blessed to have known John. In the music and many conversations we shared over the years, exchanges with John often left me feeling incredibly humbled, and always infinitely richer. His passion for music, arts, literature, family, sailing-life- was an inspiration. His insight and wisdom as a master teacher, his genuine care for people, and his deep humanity were treasured gifts that form a legacy of lasting impression on me, and no doubt, on many more. May this beautiful legacy bring comfort and solace to Paulette, Rebecca, Leah, and Tessa, and to all family and friends who grieve this deep loss. Fair winds and Following Seas, John...

To Paulette and Family we extend our sincere condolences on the passing of your dear husband and father.

Mr. Krisak…I still write for the sake of writing. I still relish the joy of reading aloud. I recall the Sappho quote in one of your poetry compilations: “If you are squeamish, do not prod the beach rubble”. I suspect as an educator it can be difficult to gauge whether a group of 14 year old's are listening…we were. We’ve gone on to explore beaches and it has been wonderful. May you find favourable winds and calm waters.

Sorry to hear that we have lost Mr. Krisak! I had him for Writer's Craft in the early 90's, and it was possibly the course that had the most transformative effect on me in my time at high school. He was one of the only teachers whose approach was to, "be comfortable in your own skin." Like many other students, he opened floodgates within me to be able to write. Previously, I would just stare at a blank page. One time, I remember he read a poem from a book which was the word, "Silencio" 4 times read loudly, then a pause, then another 4 times. He told us that in that space, we would be able to "hear the silence". I think that over 30 years later, now that he has passed away, we all now hear the silence.

Good teachers are a gift, and Mr Krisak stands out as one of the finest. Seared in my memory is his recognizable scrawl covering every inch of the classroom with quotes, or a “let’s talk” or “a hunnet” in the margin of my journal or Magnum Opus. I only wish every teenager could have their awkward truth met with such openness and encouragement. My condolences to the family. He had a special gift. - Central ‘00

Paulette and family, I’m so sorry to hear the sad news. May his memory be eternal🙏❤️🙏

Mister Krisak was my Writer's Craft Teacher at South Secondary in London Ontario. He was the best English teacher I ever had, and maybe, no not maybe, one of the greatest teachers I have ever had the honor to learn from. Mister Krisak, I remember you telling us to write every day in our journals. To write stuff. To think and write, or not think, and just write. Whatever we did, to write. Something happened when you turn the gears and just do that thing. That creative act, that human thing. I have told dozens of people about Mister Krisak in the decades since graduating high school, going on to university and to my working life, and many times I have thought back and wondered, about the decades of students who were lucky enough to have John Walter Krisak as their teacher, mentor. He had this cool that I have never seen anyone else possess, to any real degree. Urbane, sophisticated, literate, but blunt like a veteran sports-caster, more than merely erudite, but not in any wordy way, never effete, and most of all, never pretentious. Mr. Krisak was the real stuff. The good stuff. The guy. I will always remember you sir, and thank you for being my teacher.

Rachel, we are sorry to hear of your father's sudden passing. We are sending our heart felt condolences, and our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Your father's legacy will live on in your memories and in the hearts of those you share them with. "Missing them in every memory and every moment. Feeling their love every day, all the time."

Mr. Krisak (that's how I knew him when he was my English teacher back in the 80s) was a fantastic supporter of the desire to learn. He took his professional responsibilities very seriously and was responsible for turning a lot of young minds on to literature and culture. His dry, witty humour were honed to a sharp point, but he could be charming and generous, too. Those who never had the benefit of his teaching have missed out. I will always remember him fondly, and I think the world is a worse place without him in it. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

I remember John ("Mr. Krisak" to me, as his student) vividly from English while attending Saunders SS. He was animated, passionate, and commanded everyone's attention with his teaching and delivery style. I don't remember a single bored or disengaged student among us. At a personal level, he inspired me to engage in a lifetime of writing fiction. Years later, I went to a film - "Dead Poet's Society" - in which the actor Robin Williams played an English teacher named John Keating. I left the theatre convinced that the Director, or Williams himself, had used John Krisak as the inspiration for the character of John Keating. Then, it stunned me to realize that they had the same first name and last initial. They say there are no coincidences.... Carpe diem

Mr. Krisak was a great teacher. He will be missed. My condolences for your loss.

Addendum: My daughter, Elspeth, also reminded me that John was one of her favourite teachers at Central for her Writer’s Craft course. Thank you, John.

When my home life went completely off the rails, his insistence that our grade 11 English class write a journal page every day helped me get through some of those really difficult times. I am grateful. My condolences to his family, friends, and former students who are grieving the loss.

John was one of those colleagues that was hard to get to know as a member of a different department, but hearing the kids talk about how much they loved and admired him made you wish you did. When we shared a room I finally got to witness the magic up close, and it was inspiring. The student testimonials confirm his impact on them as students, but even more importantly as people and adults. I hope the memories of a life well lived will provide his family and friends with the strength and comfort to navigate the difficult days ahead.

My condolences to John's family - I knew John through the theatre and we both appeared in "A Man for All Seasons: many years ago. I also saw John in a number of subsequent productions - he was an accomplished actor. A great loss to all.

John left behind great memories and a lasting mark on those who knew him. Beyond being a beloved member of my family, he was also a dear friend. His transatlantic visits with Theia Paulette, Tessa, and Ioulia in Kalamata were always inspiring, fuelling my obsession for travel and exploration from a young age. I was proud to know I had family on the other side of the world and excited as a kid to have someone to torture while practicing my English. John was always one step ahead - wise and full of knowledge. It would not be an exaggeration to say he knew more about my hometown’s history and culture than many of my schoolteachers. I will never forget when he took my friend Sachin and me on a road trip to the ancient site of Olympia, and even forgave us for falling asleep along the way (or at least I hope so!). He was always up for a good conversation, whether about sailing trips, travels in Barcelona, or plans for a future visit to London, Ontario - a trip we always had in mind. I am proud to have known him, and words cannot express how devastated I am that we won’t be sailing together this summer or meet up for a coffee near the marina. My deepest condolences to his family, including those I never had the chance to meet. He will never be forgotten.

Sending my deepest condolences to Krisak family at this difficult time. It was an honour to have been taught English at Central S.S. by him. May his memory be eternal.

I only got to know John last year through our mutual love of sailing. We went out in the bay a few times and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. However as most sailors will know, 90% of sailing is being in the marina talking about boat maintenance and why we are not able to go sailing. This is where John and I had good chats and I got to know about his life, family and teaching. He was clearly dedicated to his family, and I loved hearing about his teaching style. Reading this tribute wall it seems his style impacted the students that were lucky enough to have him. I know he will be missed dearly by all and my sincere condolences. Thinking of you all, Jack

I was in English with Mr Krisak at Central in the late 1990s. He always encouraged us teenagers to be our weird and wonderful selves. He was a gifted teacher and made a difference. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Our sincere condolences to Paulette and all of John’s family. Our paths crossed over many years. Marion taught at Saunders at the same time as John. Barrie shared the love of cello with John and played together with FSA Strings. Also, Paulette and Barrie shared in helping special needs children at TVDSB during Barrie’s time as Chief Psychologist. His many fine qualities were respected by all those whose lives he touched.

Dear Paulette and family, Our deepest condolences for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May his memory be eternal.

Was an honour to have been taught by him

My sincere condolences to the Krisak family with the loss of John . May God bless you and give you strength at this time . He was a great sailer , and always a gentleman .

My deepest condolences to the Krisak and Kanellis family. John was taken too early from you, and from the world. I am grateful for having met John and having gotten to know him, and know that the impact he had on his family and his friends will never fade. He was a blessing to all of us and will be missed dearly.

Dear Tessa, So sorry to hear the news about your dad. I just wanted to let you know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love and light your way. Becky Young (Kensal Park)

Tessa and family: I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you traverse this difficult time.

I did not realize that it was John who passed…my apologies. Condolences on his passing. We met on Crete at the Canadian Lyceum. He was a vibrant man.

John….we did not know your father, but it seems that he was a marvelous individual. God rest his soul. Condolences to you and your family.

Sincere condolences to the family. Mr. Krisak was my English Teacher at Clarke Road S.S. in 1983. I never forgot him or his teaching style. I remember he taught us to keep daily journals, and I still journal even today. I recall something about Oreo Cookies; they were either his favourite or he didn’t like them at all?? Gratitude & Blessings 🙏❤️

Tail winds on your final journey, peaceful traveler of the endless blue and the whispering wind. May you rest in eternal peace. Our deepest condolences to your loved ones. We share in the sorrow and are heartbroken as well .

Dear Paulette and family... We are saddened by John's passing.... He was such a quiet good friend who always stopped by to see how we were doing, and what was going on! Our thoughts are with you and your family as you deal with this... and we hope you know that if there's anything we can do for you... please let us know... Thoughts are with you at this difficult time... Rob and Dale.

Our Captain, my own father, died on September 7, 1994. It was the third day of my OAC year at Central. John was my teacher for English. I was touched by many lovely teachers in my past, but John was different. We connected quite quickly, with me being the vulnerable 17 year old whose dad had just died, and him, the teacher I needed at that very time. Two items on ‘Krisak’s’ ‘start-of-the-year list’ in his writing class, were hard-covered, black journals. His instructions from the start? 1. ‘You are free to discuss your genuine feelings in this journal.’ Kind of a ‘No Holds Barred’, journal. This was an absolute HIT for teenagers, because we finally felt that we had a teacher who would allow us to get our wild and crazy teenager thoughts out on paper. He always read and responded in his brief, gentle notes in the margins. We shared a common love of sailing. We sailed a lot growing up ourselves. He always had the odd check-in about my dad and reached out in margin notes about how I was doing. I’ve been a teacher now in Toronto for 25 years. Those two journals are still in my bedside table to this day, and I refer to them often. It was so nice for me that year to have your Captain to help me grow from the loss of my Captain! ❤️ 2. The second rule in class: ‘Nobody gets any mark in writing below a B unless you don’t bother to see me to chat about your work. If/when you see the ‘Let’s Talk” at the top of your page, make an effort to speak to me about how you can enhance your piece.’ I loved this idea, and it’s been in my practice as a teacher my whole career. ‘Let’s Talk’; instead of the soul-crushing ‘C’, ‘D’ or worse; that are commonly written at the tops of millions of students’ papers everywhere… So simple, but one of the best lessons I’ve learned along the way. I never got the chance to thank John personally all these years later, Darn! I hope he knows! I’m sure he does. To all family and friends of John, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I truly wanted you to know the impact John had on me as a student and now teacher myself. Remember, a good Captain teaches his crew how to sail the boat; and prepares them for when he/she isn’t at the helm. There’s no doubt that John has prepared his crew for a safe journey ahead! Tyler Noble

Mr. Krisak was my creative writing teacher at Central Secondary School in 2001 and 2002. When I handed in my first assignment (which was admittedly in poor form), he didn't leave a grade. He wrote down 'Do you want to be a student, or a kid in school? Let's talk'. He was the type of person who saw value in people, and we saw it in him. I contribute Mr. Krisak in helping me choose teaching as a part of my adult life. He was a good soul, and will be fondly remembered!

A wonderful teacher who sought to inspire his students to find joy in writing. I didn't think much about writing for my own interest until I took his Writers' Craft course at Central. Up until then, I wrote only what was required for school assignments. Mr Krisak encouraged me to look deeper and made me believe I was a writer at heart. That has served me well, and I appreciate his coaching to this day. Condolences to his family and friends.