BARRHEAD - The hole Howard Gelderman leaves at Neerlandia Public Christian School (NPCS) will be difficult, if not impossible, to fill.
It was a sentiment people expressed repeatedly at a June 23 celebration in the school's gymnasium held for Gelderman, who is retiring as a teacher after 30 years of teaching.
Long-time NPCS staff member Debbie Fisher, who predates Gelderman at the school, noted she worked alongside him for his entire tenure in Neerlandia.
"Thirty years. It doesn't seem that long, but it makes sense when you think about all Mr. G has accomplished," she said.
Fisher referred to the numerous championship volleyball banners that adorn the gym walls.
"Mr. G had much to do with winning several of those banners," she said.
Fisher added that recently at the school's Grade 9 graduation, students thanked Gelderman for all of the help, guidance and coaching he gave them on the volleyball court.
She added NPCS' motto is "Learning to Serve, " which Gelderman embodies and tries to teach his students and players.
And from the positive comments the school receives from opposing schools how NPCS volleyball players conduct themselves on and off the court, he has been more than successful.
"He may have taught them how to serve a volleyball, but more importantly, he taught them, as he does for all his students and players, how to serve others," Fisher said. "And it goes beyond his students and players. Through his example, he has shown parents, staff, and alumni the true meaning of servitude."
Fisher also added that when she thinks of Gelderman, one of the words that comes to mind most frequently is respect.
"(The definition of respect) is a feeling of deep adoration for someone elicited by their abilities, qualities or achievements," she said. “That sums up how we all feel about Howie.”
Laura Braucht of the Neerlandia Public Christian Education Society said the school had been fortunate to have someone as dedicated and passionate about teaching for three decades.
"To give you how long 30 years is, Schindler's List had just been released, Kim Campbell was our prime minister, and gas was 54 cents," she said. "And although he started teaching so long ago, by all accounts, Mr. G is as enthusiastic as ever, whether it is planning hiking trips, sharing his passion and knowledge of the outdoors, or teaching (social studies) .... and his willingness to make connections with his students."
NPCS principal Brett Seatter said it would be difficult to replace such a well-rounded teacher.
Over the years, Gelderman has taught physical education, art, social studies, language arts, health, Bible, outdoor education, photography, winter pursuits, and hunter education certification.
"One time, he even taught people how to fix bicycles," Seatter said. "We all know what a gem Mr. G is. He has talents most of us wish we had, and he has given his all for this school and this community for 30 years, blessing everyone."
Gelderman said when he started teaching at NPCS in 1993, he thought it would be a temporary stop in his career, lasting perhaps, at longest, five years.
However, he said, it took him only a short time to discover that he found a home at NPCS.
He also noted that even though he is retiring, he will still be in the community and encouraged staff to reach out to him if they wanted advice or, especially, if they were planning some adventure.
Gelderman then thanked his family, along with present and past NPCS staff members, who helped him have such a long career.
He also noted how fortunate he was to have such a night.
"Everyone deserves to be honoured for being who they are, and I really appreciate everyone coming out and celebrating my career and just who I am," he said.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
