Beloved Dawson Math teacher and volunteer Lionel Geller has passed away

The phrase, a jack of all trades, is usually finished with the words: and master of none. This was not the case with Lionel Geller, who passed away at age 87. According to the lovely obituary published by his family, he was a master of everything he took on: “An accomplished civil engineer who helped build the San Francisco subway and Expo 67, a racehorse enthusiast.”

Dawson was equally blessed to have Lionel in its midst, the grateful beneficiary of his many skills and commitment to students inside and outside the classroom. He taught Math from 1972 to his retirement in 1999, substituted teaching Math in Continuing Education from 1995 to 2009, and was hired as an Academic Support Resource to student athletes from 2020 to 2024.

Lionel was also an honourary member of the PARC staff. Throughout his many years of service, once his teaching duties were fulfilled, Lionel could be found in a small makeshift office of sorts in the PARC area, helping athletes manage their academic studies and their athletic pursuits.

He was a quiet, reassuring figure amid the raucous young athletes preparing for play. Win or lose, he was always there to provide support to the players, and for a long period of time to the head of Athletics, John Davidson, who retired in 2006.

“Lionel gave more freely of his time than anyone I have ever met,” said John. “He approached me to help with the men’s hockey team. He helped with games, fundraising and various other tasks. His involvement really escalated when we began the women’s team. He organized game staff, helped to identify and hire coaches, helped with fundraising and most of all, helped with the academic success of the players.

“He tutored the players in math himself and sought out teachers in other subjects to tutor. There is no doubt in my mind that without Lionel’s help, many of the players would not have achieved the academic success that they did.”

His dedication to sports in the west end borough of NDG, especially baseball, brought him accolades from now-grown children, parents, grandparents and organizers alike. In 2017, the baseball diamond at Loyola Park was named in his honour forever to bear the name Lionel Geller.

Lionel Geller left his mark everywhere he went. He never sought glory for himself or the spotlight, for him, it was always about the “kids” at Dawson and on fields and ice rinks around the city. Thank you, Lionel. You will be missed.