Charles Shergold Passes Away

I read today that a teacher from my middle school days has passed away.  His name was Charles Shergold and I am saddened by his passing.  He was young and I think fondly of him from time to time.  Why?   Because of all the teachers I have had, he is one of the few who made a difference in my life.
 
This is from the Victoria Times-Colonist:

SHERGOLD, Charles James
January 10, 1953 December 13, 2005
 
It is with deep and overwhelming sadness that we mourn the passing of Chuck who died suddenly from a heart attack on December 13th. Predeceased by father Charlie Shergold last April and by his beautiful daughter Stephanie six weeks ago, he leaves behind his wife Wendy, mother Hettie Shergold, brother Dave (Anne), aunt Olive Hays, mother and father-in-law Marge and Art Sutherland, brothers-in-law John (Gail) and Dave Sutherland (Jeannine), nieces Laura and Andrea Sutherland, Katie and Sean Shergold, Steph's partner Dan Weatherhead and numerous relatives in Victoria and Olds, Alberta.
 
Chuck was an outstanding sportsman, who began an illustrious rugby career at Claremont School in 1969. He continued with James Bay Athletic Association, playing on eight provincial championship sides. He was also a stalwart for the Crimson Tide and BC and further represented Canada on several occasions in 1979-81. His passion for the game continued after his playing career ended, as he served with distinction on the JBAA executive. Huddy, Huddy!!
 
Chuck's other passion was teaching, a career based in Victoria (Cedar Hill, Arbutus and Reynolds) which also took him and his family as far afield as Grand Forks, BC and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In 1996 he joined the staff at St. Michaels University School. He taught History with a particular flair and creativity, coached rugby at all levels, and directed one of the Boarding Houses. SMUS was a special place for him, but the school benefited even more from his balanced, selfless, optimistic, good-humoured approach to life. His razor sharp wit was appreciated by all, and in every way, he was a superb role model for colleagues and young people.
 
Chuck had countless friends, whose company he treasured. He was quite simply as fine a person as anyone could hope to meet. Most of all, Chuck loved his family. He was a model husband and father, who devoted his life to his wife and daughter. A celebration of Chuck's life will take place at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, December 21 at the UVIC Auditorium.
 
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation www.ccff.ca
 
Be at peace my love. You are with your girl.

Charles Shergold was my social studies teacher in 1987-1988 at Cedar Hill Secondary School and he was always pushing me to do better.  For some reason, I thought he had taken a special interest in me because I was a quiet kid.  I remember a time when he felt that I was too distracted and called up my mother to talk about my performance in school.  I remember this because I answered the telephone when he called.
 
"Hello, this is Chuck Shergold looking for Mrs. Birley."
 
I was in shock.  I didn't know why then, but today, I kno
w it was because, I had realized, he was a true human being.  He was always positive and seemed to really care about our academic performance - and his call proved his dedication.  He was the first teacher and, I believe, one of the few who took an interest in his students.  I am not aware of any other teachers in my life that took such an interest in me or any who let me know they were caring.
 
Unfortunately, I never did get to know him as much as I would have liked.  But, his passing will not go unnoticed by myself.  I will light a candle for you, Mr. Shergold - for you and your family in this hard time.
 
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