I am saddened to hear of the passing of John Mott but I am very, very appreciative and honoured to call him my friend as I worked with him for many years. He showed graciousness to all but, at the same time, no one was spared his razor-sharp wit.

He had an amazing perspective on education and working with students. He made everyone feel good and everyone wanted to be around him. (Even his style of discipline made kids laugh and want to be better students)

I appreciate his support on our trips to Vancouver, Seattle, California and Hawaii. He was an incredible colleague who you could vent to, and find support. John had a marvellous perspective on many issues concerning the world. His opinions revealed a man who was well informed and his views on various subjects belied his Cheshire grin that greeted me each morning for over a decade.

I am hopeful his family will find solace in his memory and strength of character that has given so many students, colleagues and friends fond memories.

Jim Finkbeinet

I was shocked and surprised to read about John's passing. I knew John since his Dad worked with me at Gulf Canada in Toronto. The family lived in Cooksville outside of Toronto and our families became fast friends - really like family. I followed John's growing up, university days, wedding at Lakeview church and seeing him at funeral services for his Dad, Mom and brothers Doug and Rick

What a wonderful family to know as our very close friends. We shared all kinds of special occasions such as Christmas dinners in Toronto, Regina and finally in Calgary. My two sons Bob and Bill loved being around the Mott biays as their older heroes. In 1991 my first wife Mary passed away.. I later married my second wife Christine and we had 15 years together before she passed from ALS in 2009. We used to visit Penny at the Wildwood House and I had the privilege to do the tribute at Penny's service when she passed. So many great memories of a great family. I will be 88 in December and recently moved to a Seniors' Home in Canmore AB which I'm enjoying very much surrounded by the mountains etc. My condolences regarding John's passing go out to all the other family members with love and blessings to Gary,Stephen and families who I remember so well. Sincerely, Keith Fewster

J - Jeans

O- Outstanding teacher

H- Handsome

N- Nervy

M- Marvellous

O- Outstanding

T- Teacher outstanding

T- technical teacher caring for students and staff

Ann Murray

I have such great memories of working with John at HWW! He was all about building positive relationships with students and teachers. At the end of each day he would be in the hallway at the bottom of the stairs talking with students as they were on their way home, and laughing and joking with teachers. John was my right hand man and head bartender on the social committee. He would come to me with a sheepish grin and say “Barbie, I gave away a few free beers, don’t be mad at me” (it was a toonie bar to try to recoup some costs)... how could I be upset with him – he was trying to make everyone feel welcome and have a good time! I also remember his eye-rolls at me during Staff or Learning Leader meetings when perhaps I had asked one too many questions…but they were kind eye-rolls with a big smile and laugh as he loved to give me a hard time! We had many good discussions of new changes at school as we were kindred “old school” teachers! John retired the year that Kevin and I were away teaching in Bermuda, so it was definitely different coming back to Wise Wood without John in the building! Thoughts of John will always bring a smile to my face. My condolences go out to you, Michelle – please take good care of yourself.

I was a student of Mr Mott, he was by far the best teacher i had. Very charismatic and knew how to be fair to us. The type of guy students could look up to and a man i hope i could be one day, My condolences and sorry for your loss

We knew John from Wildwood Elementary through to Ernest Manning High School, and after. He was a fine fellow and a nice man overall. Very sorry to hear of his illnesses and of his passing. Hoping that his memory eases the pain of this difficult time for your families.

Sincerely,

Ed & Diana Reuther

I worked with John for a short while and can attest to his deep caring for students and colleagues. He was quite the character, always looking out for the underdog. I am sorry to hear of his loss, may he rest in peace knowing he made a difference for the children he taught.

John Mott was a great mentor and friend to me. He taught me that teaching was not necessarily about the content that you teach, rather the connections that you make with your students, their families, and your peers. In the time that I knew John I don’t think that there was anybody that he could not connect with. I have been inspired by John, and I hope that I can touch as many lives as he has. He was one of a kind and he will be missed.

John was my mentor in my first ever teaching job. He made me feel welcome and part of the Wise Wood family and our tiny crazy department. He was the vote of confidence on days when I had none, always had my back, and always had a joke or a reality check when I was stressed. Computers were not his thing so I was his tech girl when it was time for IPPs and report cards; others asked why I took so much time to do them with you when I had my own huge stack to do. He never really knew but I looked forward to these sessions, doing the data entry while he read off marks and comments. I was so happy to help and make his day a little easier, and do in one day what would take him more than a week. Doing report cards with John was hilarious, we spent more time talking about his students and laughing at their antics than anything. I think about you every report card season and hear your voice in my ear every time I doubt I can do my job. I’m a better teacher because of you. Sending my thoughts to your family and friends whose lives are a little less bright with your passing. Rest easy my friend.

I have lovely memories of Mr. Mott who taught my daughter many years ago. During her year with him she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and had to use insulin. He was a great support to help us all as we made this adjustment. The class sent her a card in hospital . He welcomed her back and gave her a chance to talk to the whole group about diabetes. He was a great teacher, good natured and had a special gift to make life fun for kids. I am sorry for you loss but he is still in the hearts of thousands.

The Jaremko family