BERNARD (BERNIE) SEMOTOK

Condolences & Memories (18 entries)

• A couple things about Mr. Semotok. First, sorry to hear about his passing. I had Mr. Semotok for history at Shaftesbury high school. I did not do very well. He was a teacher who had always tried to get me to come in for extra help. He would always mention it at the end of class, or at beginning of class, when it was just me and him in the room, so as to maybe not embarrass me. I appreciated that. So he was the kind of teacher who cared a lot about how his students did, even willing to give up a lot of his free time. One funny thing is I have a bit of an addiction of buying old items. I have lots of 1890s Wpg and New York newspapers, early 1900 life magazines, and Saturday Evening Post magazines. I often look at them and think why do I like really old items, I did bad in history. And I would often think I wonder if Mr. Semotok would like looking at these items. That's what made me look him up on the internet and sad to see his obituary. I also remember him playing the song Rasputin by Boney M a few times in class ..everytime I listen to it on the internet or on the radio I think of him. Sorry to family of Mr. Semotok also. One thing that bumps me out a bit is to read he really liked hockey and fishing. I really liked hockey also fishing not as much but do like some. So too bad I did not discuss hockey and fishing with him. I think I will always think of Mr. Semotok whenever I buy an old item. - Posted by: Chad m. (Student) on: May 10, 2021

• I moved to Winnipeg in the summer of 1984. That fall I started my grade 12 year at Shaftesbury. I was lucky enough to be taking Geography with Mr. Semotok. His passion for Geography was evident. I learned many things from him and I pursued a career in Education with a major in Geography - Posted by: Sherrie Moir (Former student 1995) on: May 05, 2021

• It isn't a coincidence that today is election day. I was just discussing with someone who said they never learned anything about politics and history growing up. I espoused how my high school history teacher was such an amazing teacher and how he played devil's advocate to all points of view and taught respect for contravening views. So as is the way, I Googled his name and to my sadness discovered this place. But to my joy, I see many of people he influenced and who think of him even 34 years later. Thanks Bernie. - Posted by: Charles D'Aoust (Student 1985) on: Oct 21, 2019

• Mr. Semotok was my history teacher and Model Parliament Leader when I was in high school. His enthusiasm for history as well as his ability to connect the past not only to the present, but to the future is what inspired me to become a history teacher. I remember him coming to U of M to guest lecture in one of my classes. It was wonderful to see him and I was glad for him to see how he inspired me. I am sorry to hear of his death. I am proud to be a small piece of his legacy. - Posted by: Kim Akins (Student. 1986) on: May 13, 2019

• He lead our school trip to Eastern Europe to what was then communist Czechoslovakia and communist Hungary. Always patient and respectful of a group of obnoxious teenagers with raging hormones! His only motivation on that trip was ensuring that we had the best possible experience. Which we did. He had the most adorable sneeze ... ha-ba-cha-boo. God bless you. - Posted by: Lisa Tjaden (Student) on: May 05, 2019

• Although I had unfortunately not seen Bernie in many years, I have nothing but great memories of him, and his passing has greatly saddened me. I will always attribute him to introducing me to 'the bigger world' as a child, when he first mentioned the names of Stalin and Lenin. Not knowing who these historical figures were, I stated, 'I know who John Lennon is.' I went on in life to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in history, which I have always been passionate about, perhaps an early influence from my Godfather. Many other fond memories of Bernie include him helping my family move, which was quite a task, but there he was, bright eyed early in the morning, ready to lend a hand. Bernie has left a legacy, someone ahead of his time in teaching; his legacy shall live on in those who loved him, and the many students he taught over the years. - Posted by: Jonelle Donnelly Hupé (Goddaughter ) on: Apr 12, 2019

• Bernie Semotok was instrumental in me obtaining my highschool diploma. Bernie helped me prepare for my final history exam. His assistance and guidance prepared me well and my final mark in history allowed me to graduate. He never gave up on me and showed me that I already knew all the answers, I just needed to look for them the right way. Thank you Bernie for being my teacher, as well as teaching my sister JoAnne, brother Spenser, sister Judy and brother Peter. Our sincere sympathies to Bernies family and to his community. - Posted by: Chris Dougall (Former Student (Shaftesbury '89)) on: Apr 07, 2019

• I remember my older cousin Bernie. He loved teaching. He could bring history to life. He and Willa very supportive of my brother, sister and me after our father died in july 1978. For that I am extremely grateful. - Posted by: Margaret Smith (Cousin) on: Apr 07, 2019

• Mr. Semotok was a great teacher. He was my History teacher in 1986. I just started grade 9 at Shaftesbury High School. He was so enthusiastic about history. He was also very able to bring the importance of history into the context of today. He helped me understand, in order to understand the present, one needs to know the past. The grade 9 course was called American History. It annoyed me that I was taking American history when I am Canadian. However, Mr. Semotok taught me (and anyone else who was listening) that the seeds of Canada and the United States were planted centuries before either nation existed. I still have my project on Jamestown and John Smith that I did for his class (it's in horrific handwriting only matched by worse spelling). Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims, the French, the Dutch, the Spanish and Indigenous populations created the foundation for what did happened and through this analysis, why it happened and where we were in 1986. He also enriched my educational background through extracurricular activities. In particular, he was the supervising teacher for Model United Nations. This was a fantastic opportunity. In my 4 years of high school (starting in grade 9), he had me involved in United Nations. The first year, I was a page for the older students. And each year after that I was part of the Model United Nations Shaftesbury team. These experiences also enriched my education. I recall one day Mr. Semotok being so excited about a political event on Broadway. He had ''contacts'' at the Legislature, keeping him up to date on what's going on. His enthusiasm and need for instant information perplexed me, a young pre-24h news cycle student. The political event was the defeat of the provincial government of the day. It lead to a new government with lots to talk about in Manitoba politics for years to come. In grade 11 I had the opportunity, thanks to Mr. Semotok, to go to China with the grade 12 students. Unfortunately I was unable to seize the opportunity but I always appreciated that he asked. In 2004, after my election as a Member of Parliament, Mr. Semotok reached out to me and had a series of great conversations. The education that I received in the public school system at Shaftesbury High School with many teachers with the same time of enthusiasm for their students and course material, help lay the foundation for a successful academic and professional career (yes I know My. Semotok, the last sentence is a run-on sentence). Mr. Semotok, I will be at your service today. Each one of your students carries a little bit of you with us. Hopefully, we will all use what we have all learned from you to make our world a little better. Steven Fletcher Honourable Steven Fletcher P.C., P.Eng, MBA, C.Mgr, ICD.D and MLA for Assiniboia - Posted by: Steven Fletcher (Student) on: Apr 06, 2019

• I ran away from home when I was one year old and he caught me as my Mom chased after me. That was the start of my life with my friend Bernie! He became my babysitter until he left for the U of M to attend university! Always coming home at Christmas and taking my brother and I skating! That was my early life with my friend Bernie! He was my first hockey coach, strapping on the blades and teaching me the fine points of skating and shooting on my backyard rink! That was the my life with my friend Bernie! When I left school he continued to encourage me to return, which I did when Willa and he took me in and it was again back to my life with my friend Bernie! Always one to lend a hand, offer advice and crack that joke and with a laugh that made you giggle. That was my life with my friend Bernie! He could paint a picture of history that was so clear that even Google, if it were around in the day, would be amazed! Dedication and love of his family, his teaching profession and his friends were what Bernie was all about. This was my life with my friend Bernie! May you rest in peace my dear friend and may God Bless! My deepest condolences to Trevor, Stephanie, Grandchildren and John as well as all other family members and close friends that had the pleasure and honour of his friendship. - Posted by: Wayne Donnelly (Longtime Friend) on: Apr 05, 2019

• Bernie was my dear cousin although more like a big brother to me. He was so kind, caring and had an infectious laugh that would bring a smile to those around him. He was instrumental in many people's lives and I am so grateful for the impact he had on my life. Will love and miss you always. Terri - Posted by: Theresa Phillip (cousin) on: Apr 05, 2019

• On behalf of the Pembina Trails Teachers' Association, we would like to express our deepest sympathies. Our condolences go out to Bernie's family and friends and may the memories of him be a comfort to you at this difficult time. - Posted by: Pembina Trails Teachers' Association (Work) on: Apr 03, 2019

• Bernie and I met at the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba. We got married and began our teaching careers. We had many happy years together and two wonderful children. I was lucky to have gone on three of the trips that Shaftesbury High School undertook. I have many happy memories and for these I am thankful. He was, indeed, a great teacher !!! - Posted by: Willa Semotok (former wife and mother of our two wonderful children) on: Apr 02, 2019

• Mr.Semotok was an inspiration! His passion for history and connecting with people had an amazing impact on this shy highschool student! I went to China on one of Mr. Semotoks tours, and was inspired to explore most of Asia a few years later. So Thankful for having known this wonderful man. My thoughts are with his family. - Posted by: MaryAnne Hembroff (former student) on: Apr 02, 2019

• I’m really saddened to hear of his passing. Mr. Semotok was my teacher over 20 years ago but forever changed my life. I learned so much from this man that my words will never be able to do justice. At that point in my life I could have gone down several paths and he steered me in the right direction through his passion for history, travel and his unique ability to create such a positive and caring relationship with me. In fact I failed his history class and had to take it twice. I eventually graduated from university becoming a high school history teacher because of his passion for teaching history that he passed on to me. He also passed on his passion for travel. I was lucky enough to go to China with a group of students (including Trevor his son) and that was just the beginning of a lifetime of travel for me. I wish I would have crossed paths with him again at some point to let him know what a difference he made in my life and because of him the lives of many of my students. He may be gone but his legacy will live on. He was an amazing man who ALWAYS made me laugh. In fact I can hear his laugh now:) Condolences to his family and closest loved ones. ❤️ - Posted by: Candace Lopez (Student ) on: Mar 31, 2019

• Mr. Semotok (or Bernie as we called him behind his back) was one of my all time favourite teachers. His greatest teaching quality was that he really loved his job and his students, and because of that he was patient and kind and exciting to be around. Beyond his regular classroom duties, he spent many, many extra hours each week in clubs and events, and my apologies and thanks to his family who surely missed him at home when he was with us in Political Science club, Model Parliament, Model UN, organizing the school's trip to the USSR, and many other clubs and groups. He helped not only the students, but also helped out with other teachers and their clubs and activities often substituting when necessary. He was a wonderful teacher and a kind and caring man. His bad jokes and laugh were not among his best features, but I can still hear his giggle today. To you as a family, know that he was truly loved and admired as a teacher, and I know that many teachers hope to leave a lasting mark on their students and I can assure you that he truly did. He will always be fondly remembered by all his students and he influenced many, myself included, in so many ways. - Posted by: Eric Kristjanson (Past student) on: Mar 31, 2019

• Bernie brought levity to his fellow teachers and his students. Bernie always operated at full speed. Miss you Bern. - Posted by: Bill Fisher (Teacher friend) on: Mar 30, 2019

• Mr. Semotok - Bernie - was an AMAZING teacher. One of the the great influences in my political education. He organized taking us to The Soviet Union in 1983, when there was an iron curtain. Who does that!!?? An awesome teacher. He was a good, kind and funny man. Nothing but very fond memories and great appreciation for having known him. All my love and thoughts are with his family. - Posted by: Ellie Harvie (Student) on: Mar 30, 2019