Pat Powers, retired New School teacher, has passed away

We were saddened to hear of the passing earlier this month of Pat Powers, retired teacher and driving force of the New School since its inception. He was 77.

Pat’s remarkable life is told in the obituary lovingly composed by his spouse, which can be read here where you can post a message.

Jacinta Luis, Music and New School, who kept in touch with Pat’s family until the end, said: “Pat was a wonderful friend, colleague and mentor when I started teaching at New School, Dawson’s humanistic education program. Pat also served as President of the DTU. He was truly dedicated to teaching and will be dearly missed.”

Two of Pat’s long-time allies in the New School, retired Humanities and New School colleague Greta Nemeroff and retired AccessAbility Counsellor Susie Wileman, provided moving tributes to the man and his dedication to teaching and to Dawson.

“Pat Powers was part of the first teaching team at the New School,” Susan writes. “Gifted with an abiding and genuine curiosity about his fellow human beings, Pat was a very kind man, and he loved to teach. Many of his former students will remember him fondly for his warmth, his encouragement and the great gales of laughter that erupted from him.  Rest in peace, Pat, you were one of the good guys.”

Greta says: “Over many years, Patrick Powers, who died on March 13, contributed a great deal to Dawson College. He was a gifted educator who taught Humanities at the New School and later in ‘regular Dawson’ from 1973 until his retirement.

“He served as Chair of the Humanities Department and spent years as an active member of the DTU, serving as its president for a time. He was a staunch supporter of human rights, active in the struggle against racism, sexism, and heterosexism in Montreal.

“Somehow, all of the above facts do not truly summon Patrick’s presence at his best.  He was very good natured, humorous and empathic, appreciative of others, glad to lend a hand when needed, and always open to considering change. Among others, he leaves in mourning his son Jason and his partner, Vincent.”