Kirk Lutes was a truly authentic person - kind, gentle and sensitive. He threw himself, unabashedly, at all his passions whether it be 80's music, his own compositions, friendships or musical theatre. "No veneers, no screens, no clothing, no schemes" was how he lived his life, regardless of whether it brought not only great highs but great lows. The uncompromising Kirk Lutes will be greatly missed.
March 5, 1998 - November 9, 2017
Cara Farquharson was a second-year nursing student at Western University when she died at age 19. A fellow student described her by saying, "She made everyone feel cared for and heard. Her effervescence would light up any room she walked into. She sang and danced, seemingly carefree – full of so much love and heart."
April 9, 1991 – December 25, 2016
Louis McKeen Robson From Louis' family's obituary, which said it best: "Louis was a talented artist. A gifted actor and musician, he touched many with his natural grace. He graduated Humber College Theatre program, and played bass in two bands, Soul Disciples and Critical. Louis was quick to laugh and celebrated for his easy nature and quirky sense of humor. A proud comic book nerd and funk enthusiast, he was equally at home tucked in between the covers of a comic or deconstructing Shakespeare as he was on stage in front of a captivated audience."
March 24 1991 - May 11 2015
Lauren Davis was a wonderful person, so full of joy! Confident, poised, engaging and kind to everyone equally, she was always full of enthusiasm for her pursuits whether in academics, sports or music. After high school and college, she had successful career in radio in Ottawa and a young, growing family. Lauren Davis' beautiful voice is still heard on one of our school’s recordings of the national anthem. A daily reminder of a beautiful soul.
May 23, 1996 - December 15, 2014
Erin Legett followed her sister, Catherine, to Rosedale to take part in the the arts programs. She enjoyed playing flute, having taken part in a national band competition with her middle school band. Erin also enjoyed dance and drama while attending Rosedale. According to her family, she enjoyed spending a lot of time with her pet mice in her spare time - she loved animals.
- October 5, 2014
Pablo Sosa Centeno Wright's twin, Ben, wrote a beautiful tribute to his brother from which this quote was taken: "Pablo was an intelligent, compassionate force of nature who moved peacefully through the world and never demanded any attention. Pablo created art free of ego, he filled countless sketchbooks with original creatures, and only showed them to those he felt close to. You felt special if he let you flip through the pages, nodding as he quietly described the inspiration behind each hero or monster." Read the full article linked below:
February 2, 1992 - June 24, 2013
"Emma Paul was a bright, imaginative and creative person, a true out-of-the-box thinker and empathetic soul. Emma was a talented writer and during her time at Rosedale participated in drama and creative writing pursuits. She also furthered her love of visual arts at the school, and created evocative and beautiful works of art, which prompted her to pursue her studies at OCAD after graduation. In addition to being a talented student and artist, Emma was a beloved friend to those who knew and loved her. She was caring and kind, funny and clever, and will always be remembered as a unique soul whose creative spark lit up Rosedale." - Ms. Kim Snider
- May 25 2012
Mariela Pollzhani was a kind and gentle person who was always surrounded by friends who loved and supported her. She was strong academically and was also a dancer. She volunteered in the library and was always a lovely person to be around. She had been accepted to university and had a bright, successful future ahead of her when her life ended suddenly.
Alex Gillespie attended Rosedale for drama, but according to his father, his true passions were rapping and producing music. Alex and his friends were also dedicated to graffiti art, one of which had been commissioned to decorate the boys' washroom from floor to ceiling with graffiti, so it was fitting that they campaigned to have a part of the Prince Edward Viaduct wall that faces the school used for a graffiti tribute to Alex. It remained undisturbed for many years, but eventually it was defaced and painted over. Luckily, there are photos and many of us who remember the wall as a perfect reminder of the young man we lost too soon.
- January 1, 2008
Stephanie Rengel was a grade 9 student at Rosedale, specializing in drama, but she also had a passion for writing music, poetry and short stories. "[Stephanie] is remembered by her family and friends as a happy, caring and creative person who saw the good in people and shared a love of life with everyone she knew. A talented young woman, who loved music and writing, Stefanie attended Rosedale Heights School of the Arts. Like her parents, who are members of the Toronto Police Service, Stefanie was involved in public service. She was active in her local church, teaching Sunday school and volunteering in the community." (City of Toronto Condolence Motion)
June 12, 1947 - June 9, 2012
Paul Schneider was a well-respected and beloved teacher of math and social science at Rosedale. He was known for being generous with his time and smiles for staff and students alike. Many students appreciated that he taught math with humour and patience. He was a passionate outdoorsman and lover of nature - if a staff member showed any interest at all, they would get an open and genuine invitation to his cottage. He made everyone feel that they belonged at Rosedale, and for that many former students and colleagues will never forget him.
Franciska "Frankie" Kouwenhoven
July 31, 2022
Frankie Kouwenhoven was a much-loved teacher at Rosedale. She taught photography but was also very passionate about all the arts throughout her life. Her heart was on the East coast where her family resided and where she had bought a house for when she retired. At Rosedale, she took many students on school trips throughout the years - sharing her passion for travel and novel experiences with her students. She was everyone's friend, a great listener who laughed easily and was not one to complain about any struggles she may be facing. She lived life to the fullest and with immeasurable grace and dignity. She has left a large hole in the Rosedale family.