HAROLD ALEXANDER GRUNDY

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

• Saddened to hear that one of the most dedicated and realistic educators I have known is no longer with us. My condolences to the family at this most difficult time. - Posted by: Larry Kristalovich (Colleague and friend) on: Jan 05, 2015

• Deepest sympathy to Betty and family. Our memories of Harold are with the Curtis's and Grundy's at Makaroff. Rest in Peace. Murray and Marie Kolesar - Posted by: Murray and Marie Kolesar (friend) on: Jan 02, 2015

• Harold Grundy's contribution as Superintendent of Kelsey School Division (1967-76)was significant. Under his leadership not only did five school building projects get completed, but he also chaired the development of northern Manitoba's first indoor pool. He was legendary in his support of principals and teachers in the Kelsey Division, allowing them to develop innovative ways to address local educational issues...but was always wise enough to have you present your ideas and logic to him in advance of that approval. His leadership also included friendship, and his camaraderie outside of the work setting ensured a strong level of solidarity in a time when a turnover of 50% of teachers per year did occur. He was a strong supporter of the provision of psychological, speech therapy and curriculum development services directly in northern school divisions - which became a reality in 1972. He made his mark. He will be missed, but he will be remembered. - Posted by: Vaughn Wadelius (Friend and former colleague) on: Jan 01, 2015

• We offer our sincere condolences to Betty and family with the recent passing of Harold. He was a gentleman who treated everyone the same and was a respected educator. Any visits with Harold would make a person feel good about themselves. He will be missed. - Posted by: Bill and Linda Moody (friend and colleague) on: Jan 01, 2015

• I was the Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Kelsey School Division for five years and worked very closely with Harold. We spent many a day burning the midnight oil and, for every one hundred ideas, one would materialize. I can best describe Harold using the acronym VCR ... vision, commitment, risk. Harold indeed was a man of vision when it came to educational matters and issues for Kelsey SD. One such vision was somehow tying in community recreation/facilities with the school. Out of that vision - along with working with local community groups - an indoor swimming pool was developed and attached to the local high school. He believed that living in the north country, people of all ages should have swimming skills no matter what. A number of educational theories and practices were floating around in the late sixties/early seventies and we spent countless hours studying them and deciding if some of them might apply to the students in The Pas. Open-area schools and team teaching were two such concepts that we looked at very closely and implemented. Harold gave me plenty of space to develop some programmes. Two such programmes included the training of and implementing teacher-aides into the classroom. We spent time deciding what the role of a teacher aide might be in the classroom. The other program was the implementation of a Family Life Studies program in the elementary classooom. Once Harold was convinced that something new might be tried out, he was very much committed to the project and ensured that it would be given full support. Above all, Harold was prepared to take risks especially in areas that were untried or relatively new. Harold and I found ourselves again working together in the Brandon School Division. As mentioned earlier, Harold was principal of Crocus Plains High School and I was principal of Neelin High School. Again, we used to get together quite often after school hours comparing notes and bouncing ideas off each other. He loved to do this and so did I. Unlike many other school superintendents or high school principals, Harold played low-key...he was in many ways a very humble person; yet, he was on top of every new development that came along in the field of education. He was a thinker and never acted quickly. He was methodical in his approach. One final thing....each spring, Harold and I would go into Winnipeg and into Brandon for a few days and interview teachers, especially those who were graduating from the Faculties of Education, Harold was very thorough in the interview process. He was not one to offer a teaching position immediately or "on the spot"....we spent hours reviewing each candidate and comparing notes before we came to a final decision to hire or not hire that person. I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to work with Harold and to also call him a close friend. I shall miss him. - Posted by: Dr. George M. Takashima (former colleague in The Pas, Brandon, and friend) on: Dec 30, 2014

• Betty, Marla, & family. So sorry to hear about the loss of your husband & Dad. Please accept my condolences. Thinking of you and your families. - Posted by: Tammie Dueck Cutting Loose Hair Design () on: Dec 30, 2014

• I remember Mr. Grundy as being a fabulous teacher. Condolences to all who are missing him. The world has truly been blessed by his presence. - Posted by: Caroline (Lefteruk) Stevenson (former student) on: Dec 30, 2014

• Goodbye to one more of the Men's Residence "Blood Alley" group! Harold was always entertaining to be with. Many good memories. Will miss our annual lunch at Moxie's . - Posted by: Dewitt Mullin (Classmate) on: Dec 30, 2014

• I am very thankful to have worked with a man that quickly found a common sense solution to every situation. Our thoughts are with the family. Most sincerely Allan and Valerie Matheson - Posted by: Allan Matheson (colleague) on: Dec 30, 2014