Event Date : Friday, August 17, 1979
Event Type : Death
Municipality :
Community : Newmarket
Street :
Lot :
Concession : 0
Description : (Editorial)Last week a man who made a significant impact on a generation of students, teachers, and members of the community died of a heart attack.Don McFadyen was for 16 years a driving force at Bradford District High School. He started as a part-time music teacher in 1962, and from that year forward, he touched the lives of everyone with whom he came in contact.In large part, he was the man behind the school's music program. Students benefitted from his love of music, both classical and contemporary. They also benefitted from his dedication to them as individuals.Don McFadyen was always ready to help his students. He was always willing to listen, encourage, or explain. He was one of those rare teachers who could relate to his students and maintain their respect.Other teachers at the school respected him for his teaching ability, his drive, and his commitment to music, drama, and education.People in the community enjoyed the fruits of his labours when they attended the school's commencement ceremonies, annual music nights, or drama nights during which he and his students performed.But it was his students who knew him best and loved him most who will feel his loss most directly.Don McFadyen's love of English and the theatre led him to start a drama club at the school and found one of the strongest and well-respected high school drama programs in the province.His students' performances earned them trips to the regional drama finals nine times in 11 years. Three times they have gone to the provincial finals.His school bands toured the province and earned a reputation for fine technique and talent, nurtured and encouraged by Don McFadyen.Students remember that he always wanted to involve as many of them as he possibly could in the school's musical and drama activities.If they weren't blessed with musical or dramatic talent, he found them a place behind the scenes making props or working on stage or lighting crews. No one was left out if they were interested.In 1976, Don McFadyen was forced to take time off school when he contracted a viral infection around his heart. But all the time he was convalescing, he was making plans for when he would return.This summer he was working on a play for this year's drama production, one that he hoped would bring the provincial drama award to BDHS.Most of all Don McFadyen will be remembered as a caring human being. One who was devoted to his students, the arts, and life.Many of his students, such as Kate Trotter, Peggy Goffey, and Peter Smith, have gone on to careers as professional actors. Those who didn't will always retain a love of the arts.McFee" as he was affectionately known by students who worked with him during his 16-year teaching career will be missed.He has been a part of Bradford's life - a life that just won't be the same without him.(BRADFORD - A memorial fund in the name of the late Don McFadyen has been established at Bradford District High School former principal Alec Taylor announced following the eulogies Monday night.The fund will award a "deserving" student at BDHS every year.)"
