DON ASKHOLM

Condolences & Memories (20 entries)

• My condolences. Sorry about your loss. - Posted by: Leslie Anne Hignell (Former Gordon Bell High School Student) on: Feb 08, 2019

• My condolences. Sorry about learning the passing of Don Askholm. - Posted by: Leslie Anne Hignell (Former Gordon Bell High School Student) on: Feb 08, 2019

• C'est très surpris et rempli de tristesse que je viens d'apprendre aujourd’hui le décès de Mr Don Askholm. Et bien que je n’aie jamais connu Don ASkholm mais je connais et apprécie sa fille kristine durant mes études à l’université de Winnipeg en Août 2007. J'ai eu la chance de la connaître comme étudiante et professeure animatrice dans le programme (jexplore 2007), elle a travaillé sans relâche pour donner plusieurs et avantages aux activités culturelles et a toujours été amicale et accueillante envers tous les étudiants et sans exception......... J’ai dit toujours que cette fille remarquable et unique est d’une source pure et la source pure, c’était ses parents, sa Maman Kathy et son Père Don. Je suis de tous mon cœur avec Kristine et sa famille et mes plus sincères condoléances aussi à tous les proches et les amis de Dion. Boubakeur - Posted by: Boubakeur (étudiant et ami de sa fille Kristine de l'université de Winnipeg) on: Oct 01, 2018

• Although I never knew Don, I know and appreciate Kathy through the Blés au vent choir. Condoléances to Kathy and family. - Posted by: Nicole Forest Lavergne (Friend) on: Jul 16, 2018

• I sang under Don's tutelage in the choir at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church. I always admired Don's musicality and enthusiasm for music, as well as his congenial manner. Sincere condolences to the family. -Marlene Beaty - Posted by: Marlene Beaty (Former choir member, Crescent Fort Rouge United Church) on: Apr 21, 2018

• I was the next choir teacher at Gordon Bell after Don retired. In his final few weeks as Gordon Bell's choir teacher, he took time with me to talk about the school, the choral program, and the community. He helped a rookie teacher get some bearings in this new profession. Though I no longer teach at the school, I developed a love for Gordon Bell High School that still lives today. Don left a legacy at that school. - Posted by: Philip Lapatha (Choral Teacher) on: Apr 19, 2018

• I was a student of Don's at Elmwood until 1982, and had the opportunity to work with him and Bryan Grenkow on several musicals over the years. For a large group of us Don's music room was our home away from home - our lunch hour sanctuary, our impromptu song and dance studio and the place we could talk to Don about what he knew best - music. He was so welcoming and supportive, with a great sense of humor and he shared his time and knowledge with us so generously. I think of Don often, and was thrilled when he came to one of my band's performances a few years ago. I look forward to joining the choir at the memorial to remember Don through music, exactly as he should be remembered. Deepest condolences to Kathy and all of Don's family and friends. - Posted by: Glen Hagen (Former student - Elmwood High) on: Apr 19, 2018

• Class of 2001: I loved that Mr Askholm would let anyone join choir. It didn't matter if you were the best singer or not because with one of the largest school choirs in the city, WE SOUNDED EPIC. I was one of 2 people in my class to opt out of choir in grade 10 (the other girl eventually re-joined but fine art was my priority) I will always remember when I quit because instead of badgering me to re-join or calling me a quitter, EVERY time he saw me in the hall, he'd simply say "Lauren, you missed choir today" (and then smile)... for 3 years! I still can't sing, but that doesn't stop me from belting out EVERY SINGLE WORD to Bohemian Rhapsody whenever/wherever I hear it and thinking of him. - Posted by: Lauren Heinrichs (Student) on: Apr 18, 2018

• A man of many talents. While growing up. Our family knew Don as a teacher, etc. What myself and younger brother learned fast was Don was a great hockey player. The way we learned this about Don was myself and brother both were on hockey teams. We challenged Don to a game of 2 on 1. Trust me we learned fast not only was he fast but had a slap shot that could take your head off lol. After the game my brother and I argued and looked at each other. Said this can't be he's a school teacher. Don almost fell over laughing. This one of many great times we had. - Posted by: Mike (Brother in law ) on: Apr 18, 2018

• I'm pretty sure I have Don to thank for introducing me to my love of singing and developing a musical ear. I remember my first choir concert being too shy to sing barely above a whisper. I remember watching my brothers in vocal jazz in awe, being enthusiastically led by Mr. Askholm (they always sounded really good, those tenors...). Slowly I found my way onto that stage as well. Choir quickly became my favorite thing in high school. A wonderful teacher. - Posted by: Raia (Former Student) on: Apr 18, 2018

• Sending my deepest condolences to all his family! - Posted by: Gillian Surminski (Coworker of Kathy) on: Apr 17, 2018

• I was a student of Mr. Askholm's at Gordon Bell during his final years there. I was fortunate to get to know him as a teacher and friend. Mr. Askholm worked tirelessly to teach multiple choirs in the school, and was always friendly and accepting of students. His sense of humour and passion for music rubbed off on everyone he taught, and I will always remember our numerous choir rehearsals, concerts, and trips. The last time I saw Mr. Askholm was in 2014. I had just graduated from the University of Winnipeg and was working at Rainbow Stage during the summer. He was attending one of the shows, and although I hadn't seen him in 6 years he recognized me right away. We caught up and I wished him all the best. Thank you, Mr. Askholm, for bestowing a great pride in music and opening me up to choral arrangements. You will be deeply missed. - Posted by: Gordon (Former Student) on: Apr 16, 2018

• Mr. Askholm was a wonderfully supportive colleague. He would often pop into my room with a huge smile on his face. He would share his many musical adventures with students former and current. I would listen to the students speak about him and his kindness and patience. Many would recall, with laughter and giggles, the fun times they had on trips with Mr. Askholm. Students know when a teacher genuinely cares about them. His kindness was a gift to his students, just as much as his love for all things musical was. I won’t ever forget his smile or the energy that reverberated from him. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family that he loved so much. - Posted by: Shelley (Former colleague from GB) on: Apr 16, 2018

• My fondest memories of high school are thanks to Mr. Askholm. I graduated from Gordon Bell High School in 2002. Senior choir & Vocal Jazz helped secure my love of music that will last a lifetime. I now plan to pass this love on to my children. He was a kind, wonderful man who helped myself and my fellow classmates appreciate music. Our choir practices were always early in the morning or at lunch time, and he must have been doing something right as both choirs were always full of students who genuinely enjoyed being there! Our choir trips each year we’re a highlight, we must have loved the music as we would sing together on the bus. Our production of Grease was so much fun, I know my fellow cast mates and I will remember that always. Each year at Christmas time I think of the annual holiday concert and how wonderful it was to get the community together to celebrate the season. He helped make all this possible. I have thought of him often over the years and was very saddened to hear of his passing. I would like to extend my condolences to his family. You are all in my thoughts. - Posted by: Alana Bueckert (Former student) on: Apr 16, 2018

• It was an honor to be one of his students for music, choir and piano class. I enjoyed it all. He filled the room with happiness. It's been 18 years since graduating and now living in Vancouver, BC; I still remember him as a positive influence to myself and many others. He will always be remembered in our hearts for his dedication as our mentor/teacher. Deepest condolence to his family. - Posted by: Sarah (Student junior high to high school at Gordon Bell) on: Apr 15, 2018

• It was my very great privilege to have worked with Don at Gordon Bell during my time as VP. He was an exceptional teacher and developed a music program that was the best. Many students took part in the productions and I was able to sing? in the staff choir. I lost contact with Don until quite recently when I met him a number of times at the Organ Concerts at Westminster United Church. I missed him the last few times. I extend my sincere condolences to the family. I will not be able to attend the memorial service. I will be in hospital having had surgery on April 30. My thoughts are with the family and all my colleagues at GBHS Richard Graydon - Posted by: Richard Graydon (V/P Gordon Bell HS) on: Apr 15, 2018

• Sending my Condolences to Mr. Askolms family he was a wonderful teacher I was a student at Gordon Bell High School from 86-92 and was in Vocal Jazz and Choir with Mr. Askolm very saddened to hear of his passing May He Rest in Peace he was a wonderful teacher . Patricia Damianakos and Family. - Posted by: Patricia (Student ) on: Apr 15, 2018

• I was a student of Don’s at Gordon Bell until graduation in 2001. In 9th grade I was sitting in math class and Mr Askholm approached a friend (Norman) and reminded him that choir was at lunch. Mr Askholm looked at me and said “you’re coming too”. From that point on I was a reluctant tenor, and later the drummer in vocal jazz. Mr. Askholm owned my early mornings and lunches for the next three years. He took us to Edmonton, as well as to Chicago (with Mr Gaston- who called me his “kid”). He also led the musical production of Grease, of which I was the drummer. I have no doubt that Mr Askholm helped make sure I stayed mostly out of trouble. I admit I was not the best student, and there were often times when I’m sure he looked up and noticed me missing. He’d scold us for skipping choir, but it wasn’t because he felt insulted or wanted to ensure attendance- it was because he was genuinely concerned for us. Mr Askholm created a safe space for those of us who may have been going through a tough spot, and he cared deeply about our wellbeing. There are so many stories we all have of Mr Askholm and the friendships we made under his tutelage. Looking back all those years ago, I think the strongest memory of Mr Askholm was his smile. The more I think of it, the stronger it becomes. The fact that his smile is what I think about today, despite all the other memories, is testament to the absolute love he had for his work, his music, and his students. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. But rest assured the impact Don has had on the lives of hundreds of former students goes deeper than just the love of music. He made sure that we were all recognized for who we were, he let us all know our potential - whether in music or just in life. And that is a lesson... no, it is a gift... from Don that I will never forget and will continue to teach to my own son. Thank you Don, and thank you to his family for giving us all such a wonderful man. - Posted by: David Jacks (Student) on: Apr 14, 2018

• I was a student at Elmwood High School from 1975 until 1981, was a member of the choir, and took part in several of the musical productions Don and his fellow teacher and good friend Bryan Grenkow produced. Both became friends of many of the students and kept in touch in later years. Wonderful memories. Several of us were able to spend time with Don about 5 years back when we attended a concert together. Wonderful, kind man, he will be missed, and I am sure, held very fondly in our memories. Deepest condolences to Kathy and family. - Posted by: Carol Vermeer (Former student) on: Apr 14, 2018

• It was an honour to work with Don as a fellow music educator in neighbouring schools. Don was instrumental in establishing a strong family of schools' music experience for the feeder schools of Gordon Bell. I fondly remember the Winter Concerts where each neighbouring elementary school choir joined together with the Gordon Bell choirs to create an inspiring sound. This served both the elementary school students and high school program. Don was admired by students and staff and will be remembered for many years to come. My condolences to Kathy and family. - Posted by: Joan Fransen (Former Colleague) on: Apr 14, 2018