Felix Merryl Salazar
elevated m5IYo December 10, 1937 – June 26, 2018
elevated m5IYo
elevated m5IYo Obituary:
elevated m5IYo Felix Merryl Salazar, 80
elevated m5IYo
elevated m5IYo It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing and going home of our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend Felix M. Salazar on June 26, 2018. Felix peacefully passed in hospital surrounded by family and close friends after a far too long battle with various cancers. Felix is survived by two elder sisters, Murielle Miller and Iris Gaskill, his his loving wife of more than fifty-five years Janet, his sons Vince and Floyd, daughter Kathy, and grandchildren Maxine, Philippe and Julien, in addition to many nephews and nieces in Canada, Trinidad, Tobago and Barbados.
elevated m5IYo Felix was born on December 10, 1937 in St. Joseph’s, Trinidad. As an educator, he began his career in Trinidad before being recruited to Canada and moving and growing his family in the Toronto area. As he moved into curriculum development, guidance counseling and related activities at an administrative and governance level he remained focused on being a committed colleague and friend before retiring after 40+ years of service and education in the Catholic board.
elevated m5IYo While he may have “retired’ he never slowed down. Felix was an active member of the TDSB as a full-time teacher; a lifetime member of the Toronto Elementary Catholic Teachers; served terms as the Vice-President and, subsequently, President of the Ontario School Counsellors Association; and joined the Toronto Occasional Teachers Bargaining Unit in 1998 where he held the position of President until 2005.
elevated m5IYo Felix had many major milestones in his life which made him proud and which he loved to talk about often. He most thoroughly enjoyed his years as a teacher, meeting and helping to positively influence students over the years, many of whom stayed in touch with him; and making lifelong friends in the TDSB, Toronto Elementary Catholic Teachers and Toronto Occasional Teachers Bargaining Unit. Felix cherished his private time with his immediate family — enjoying outings and get-togethers to see family, friends or shows out of town with Janet, to seeing his children mature, pursue educations and define fruitful career paths for themselves — while enjoying being an uncle to extended family and friends. Always available to offer advice, an ear, a different way of thinking or a laugh, which ever was needed most, or most appropriate, he will be missed by many near and far and remembered by everyone. The family is grateful for the many phone calls, e-mails and words of condolence expressed by all of those who have reached out by way of the OECTA, TECT, TSU, TCDSB and Council of Presidents, a heartfelt symbol of how many lives Felix touched across his lengthy career.
elevated m5IYo A private service will be held with immediate family. In the near future a celebration of Felix’s life will be held with family and the many friends near and far who loved him, miss him and wish to honour his memory – with details to be provided at a later date. Condolences and expressions of sympathy can be made on the Catholic Cemeteries site at: http://www.catholic-cemeteries.com/obituary/felix-merryl-salazar/. The family also invites friends and loved ones to make donations in lieu of cards and flowers to the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of Felix M. Salazar.
elevated m5IYo
elevated m5IYo
My deepest and sincere condolences to Janet and the Salazar Family. Felix was a wonderful man who I am so happy to have known. He always made me laugh and I will never forget his warm smile! May he Rest In Peace. Those who live in the hearts of others…never die.
My condolences to the family & relatives of the deceased.
RIP, Felix.
Truly a wonderful leader but more important a wonderful person. May he rest in peace.
To Janet and the family my deepest condolences on the death of a loving husband and father. I have known Felix for many years, but for the last 18 years more closely as a TOTL executive member. Felix worked tirelessly for all of our occasional teachers and will be greatly missed. I will miss his sense of humour and his calm manner in solving contentious issues.
May he rest in peace.
I was saddened to hear the recent news of Felix’s passing. We have spent numerous hours during the past four years in quarterly union/Board management meetings. Through all of these encounters Felix was committed to advancing the needs of his members and our occasional teacher employees, respectful and extremely personable as an individual. He will sincerely be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family.
Mark Moffett
Toronto Catholic District School Board
I am so very sorry for your loss, Felix was such a gentle man with a huge heart. I will miss his counsel and humour. I will keep you all in my prayers and I know the members of OECTA will do the same. May God bless you and comfort you in this time of sorrow.
“For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness.” (Psalms 18:28)
On behalf of the executive and all the members of the OECTA-York Occasional Teachers’ Bargaining Unit we are very saddened by the loss of our colleague Felix. We are honoured and blessed to have known him. We offer the family our heartfelt condolences and we pray that God will grant the strength and much needed peace during this sad time.
I had contact over the years with Felix with OECTA. He was always a dedicated and cheerful person and was an example of service to his members. He will be remembered fondly by all those of us who knew him.
Sorry to hear of Felix’s passing. My condolences to the Salazar family.
Although no words can take away the sorrow that you feel, may it be a comfort to know that others care.
May God’s love be your strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Our thoughts and prayers of deepest sympathy are with you.
A friend and colleague who will be forever in our hearts and on our minds.
Felix, your smile, your laugh and your wisdom will truly be missed. On behalf of the Algonquin-Lakeshore Unit, OECTA, my deepest condolences to Janet and your entire family. Felix, rest in peace.
Bob Giasson
President
Algonquin-Lakeshore Unit
OECTA
Dear Janet, Vince, Floyd and Kathy,
It is with great sadness that I have learned that Mr. Salazar had passed away. My husband Milan, my sons Thomas and Emile and I wish to express you our most sincere condolences during this very difficult perod, all our thoughts are with you.
Linda Plante
Janet and family,
Our condolences on the passing of Felix. Long before his involvement with TOTL, he and my late father crossed paths. He always shared fond memories of those times with me. Felix was a gentleman and a great teacher advocate. We will continue to include you and your family and friends in our prayers.
Patricia
To the family of Mr. Felix Salazar my condolences to the family. He is in no pain and no more suffering. I am sure he will be missed by everyone who knew him.
To his wife stay strong and I will put you in pray.
From St. Joseph
Marian Carter-Joseph
To Felix’s Family: wife, sons, daughters and the grands
I’d like to offer my sincere and deepest condolences to you all on Felix’s death. He is my cousin whom I remember with lots of love as a little boy; but I never saw him after he left Trinidad.
Still, all the achievements, commendations and adulations are exactly what I would have expected of his life.
God speed, Felix.
We miss you, love and adore you and will honour you in all that we do Dad.
~ Kathy
To the family of Felix Salazar: May I extend my deepest condolences to all of you. I have so many happy memories of wonderful times spent with Felix in my early days with OECTA. He made me feel so welcomed and he was always willing to share his wisdom and insights with me. Felix had an incredible sense of humour, and a way of making everyone feel important and valued. I will miss him greatly. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days ahead.
Our deepest condolences to Janet and her family. We have known Felix for 19 years. We always admired his great sense of humour and his pleasent
personality. We loved Felix and will miss his presence. Said will particularly miss their chats and his wisdom on many issues. Felix was our president for many years and we had a good relationship.
May his soul rest in peace – he is in a better place.
My sincere condolences to family and friends of Felix. I was so saddened to hear the news of Felix’s passing. I will always remember his happy and cheerful demeanor. He will be missed.
On behalf of the executive and all the members of the ETFO-DECE local.
To the family of Mr. Felix Salazar our condolences. Wishing the family strength and peace during this hard time.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Grand-Papa Salazar. I am honored and blessed to have known such a great man and be part of the Salazar Family. I will always remember your big smile, your kindness and generosity. May my condolences bring comfort and may my prayers ease the pain.
You will always be in our heart.
Louise
On behave of ETFO – DECE Local, we send our condolences bring you comfort and may our prayers ease the pain of this loss.
Our condolences to the Salazar family.
To Mr. Salazar’s family,
I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Salazar. I remember him since 1974, when he came to our home to advise me for high school choices for the upcoming school year. I recall his insightful and reassuring ways and his heartwarming laugh to this day. Having read his many accomplishments, he will always remain an inspiration to us all.
I knew Mr. Salazar only through the words and stories of his daughter, Kathy. To inspire that kind of love and have that deep of an impact, is an impressive legacy. Deepest condolences from my family to yours. We hope good memories of better days help you now.
My prayers and thoughts are with Felix, his family and friends. Felix was an incredible individual. His intellect, wisdom and compassion was second to none. His dedication to the teaching profession was unwavering. I will miss his laughter which always accompanied his innumerable anecdotes many of which were told over a meal. Felix was a joy to work with at OECTA’s AGMs. We attended these together usually sitting side-by-side. I even found his complaining insightful. Needless to say, I will miss Felix immensely.
Kathy, deepest sympathy to you and your family. Your father was an amazing teacher – a true role model. He left a lasting impression at Our Lady of Victory Catholic School. As students in the 70’s at the school my sisters and I remember him fondly. Warm hugs, Rose
Kathy, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Your father was an amazing teacher and role model. My sisters and I fondly remember him at Our Lady of Victory Catholic school in the 70’s. I know his legacy will live on in all his students, family and friends. Warm hugs, Rose
Dear Janet and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Felix’s passing. We were wondering why we hadn’t seen you at church. We will miss our little chats and Felix’s smile and wonderful sense of humour. The chair at the back will always be “Felix’s chair”.
I have such fond memories of Felix dating back to 1976 when I started teaching at Our Lady of Victory. He was a mentor, always offering encouragement, inspiration, friendship and laughs. Felix was one of a kind and will truly be missed.
Sending you our deepest sympathies and love,
Monica and Doug
It is with great sadness that I have been made aware of the passing of Felix Salazar.
He was a coach and adminstrator with the Mississauga Track and Field Club for a great many years. Many athletes benefitted from his expertise and dedication. His sense of humour benefitted all.
Felix was instrumental in establishing Bingo as the major source of revenue for the club.
He will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
It is with great sadness that I have been made aware of the passing of Felix Salazar. He served as coach and administrator for many years at the Mississauga Track and Field club. He was beloved by his athletes who sought him out for his expertise and his dedication. Felix established a highly successful Bingo which was the major pillar of fundraising for the club.
I remember his great sense of humour.
It has been a very long time since I last saw Felix in the schools. But oh he was such a special human being, it was easy to recall his joyful presence. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him.
On behalf of the OSCA/ACOSO Board of Directors, we send our condolences on the loss of Felix. He served Ontario School Counsellors’ Association as a Director and President. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
Jennifer Boston
OSCA/ACOSO President
Rest in Peace, Felix my friend.
We will see you on the other side.
To Felix’s family – my deepest sympathy goes out to you. I am saddened to hear of his passing. He was a supportive colleague in my early days of teaching at St. Dorothy, and has made a positive impact on my journey in Education. It’s been many, many years but I still remember the kind words he said to me, especially during those challenging times as a new teacher. I am blessed to have known him.
Felix will be greatly missed by all who knew him. But the joy he shared with his every breath remains in our hearts. Until we meet again Felix, keep smiling!
My sincere condolences to the family of Felix,
whom I got to know at Our Lady of Victory School many years ago. His presence brought joy and confidence to many children and adults.
Walk towards the Light, Felix!
To the Salazar Family,
On behalf of the Rogers family, our deepest condolences. Felix and Janet are like family. Over thirty years of friendship, Felix has played a pivotal role in our lives. He was the grandfather to my children, taking interest in many ways. Always there to lend a hand. He will be missed dearly. However, he is now at peace and free of pain. Rest in peace my dear friend.
My deepest condolences to Mr. Salazar’s beautiful family. My heart hurts, but he has been blessed with his wings. I loved him being a part of the coaching team with Mississauga Track & Field. He always dropped nuggets of great advice and always knew what to say. He named me Periwinkle because I would look so blue at practice fighting the gift that God blessed me with. Rest In Peace sweet Mr. Salazar.
I was very sad to hear of Felix’s Passing on from my Daughter Lesley Batson . I have known Felix when we were both members of the Mississauga Track and Field Club and worked many nights on Bingo . It was a pleasure to work beside him and solve our problems on Bingo Nights even though we went on for hours to solve our problems . I wish to offer our condolences to Felix and his entire immediate family .
Sorry for your loss auntie Janet. We loved uncle Felix so much.
My deepest condolences and prayers for the Salazar family. I will always remember Mr. Salazar as an instrumental part of my youth. He was a great track coach and inspired those around him to strive for greatness. May his soul forever rest In peace.Car.
Thank you Mr. Salazar, for everything that you had taught me in track and field. I will never forget wisdom, and your big smile that filled the room with joy. You will be missed terriblely, but not forgotten. Much love to your family.
I am deeply saddened by the news of Mr. Salazar’s passing. I wish his family and friends peace during this difficult time. Mr. Salazar was a positive role model for Catholic education, and his valuable contributions wil be remembered for generations to come.
Rest in peace.
I’m saddened to hear the news of Felix’ passing. He was a gentleman and a strong advocate for occasional teachers. He’ll be missed.
I never met you in person and yet I did! You were the smiling face of my TOTL quarterly brochure as I read the President’s message – always so warm and informative. God bless your family Felix to celebrate laughter as you did!
I never met you Felix and yet I did reading the warm TOTL President’s message each quarter. Your smile came from a genuine heart – may your family rejoice in the legacy of the laughter you left behind. God bless!
Please accept my heartfelt condolences regarding the loss of Felix Salazar. I wish his Family, Friends, Colleagues, Students, Parents and everyone whose lives he touched my sympathies and prayers. Mr. Salazar was an inspired, honest, lovely man who was passionate about education on various levels. It was my honour to meet him, speak with him and learn from him. Thank you Mr. Salazar for your words of wisdom. You will forever be remembered. God Bless you.
He was my teach at our lady of victory . He was a gentle soul who I felt always listen to me and helped me through my concerns. I have often thought about him and had hoped to see him again to thank him. You will be missed.
My deepest sympathies and condolences for your loss. May he rest in peace.
My deepest sympathies to the entire family ….. Mr Salazar was my favourite teacher at Our Lady of Victory school ….. he was fair, funny, cool and nice ….. I will never forget his booming laugh and big smile ….. Rest In Peace ….. our prayers are with you ..
I just saw this and thought wow a true blessing you were to me while I was in school olv you had the best way of teaching and shaping I never forgot you x wish I could tell u in person x my condolences to the family x
We just heard this sad news, as it was shared in the OLV Facebook page. Mr. Salazar was a profoundly positive influence in our family’s lives – especially after my father’s death when we were students at OLV. My heartfelt sympathies to his family. What a blessing he was.
Many students at Our Lady Of Victory School, (OLV) Mt Dennis, spoke glowingly of him and regarded him as one of their most valued teachers. He is remembered. RIP.
I’am saddened to just be hearing the news of Mr. Salazar’s passing. He was my teacher at Our lady of Victory and he was the best and had the most wonderful chuckle and laugh a wonderful person. My condolences to the Family. May he rest in Peace.
I remember Mr Salazar from Our Lady of Victory catholic School back in the 70’s. He was a wonderful teacher, well liked by all. Very sorry to hear the news of his passing. My condolences to his family.
Dear Salazar Family.
Janet in the years I have known you, I have always felt like I’ve known Felix just as long. The loving way you talked about him left an imprint in my mind and when I was finally able to meet him in person he welcomed me with open arms, like I belonged. I am sorry for the loss you, Kathy, Vince and Floyd, along with the extended family, are experiencing. Although this doesn’t replace having him here with you in person, remembering the essence of who Felix Salazar was will forever live on through the memories we all share; through the lives he has touched and the lessons he imparted on each and everyone person he came in contact with. I will never forget the smile he was always willing to share, regardless of how he was feeling. He was, and will forever be, an extraordinary man. Janet, may God continue to hold you up and infuse you His strength. Love Always. RIEP Felix.
Dear Family of Mr. Salazar,
My sincere condolences to you for your loss. I was one of Mr Salazar’s students when he was a guidance teacher at my elementary school. I reconnected with him briefly years later.
Sending you prayers.
Sandra
Kathy and Family:
So sorry to hear this sad news. I had the pleasure of being taught at OLV by Mr. Salazar in grade 7. Wonderful man.
Kathy, you may remember our family, as my mom used to baby sit you back in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
To this day, I remember his smile and infectious joy for life. Please accept my condolences.
Dear Mrs. Salazar, I would like you to know that your husband was my favorite male teacher. My grade 7 teacher, in Our Lady of Victory. when I think of him I see his smile and his laugh, brings warmth to my heart. He taught me that men should be respectful of women, and for woman to respect themselves. He was a positive influence in my live , I was Blessed to have him in my life. Sending you hugs & prayers to give you and your family the strength to get through is sad time.
My condolences to the Salazar family. Mr Salazar was a truly wonderful person and teacher. Not only did he teach us curriculum but so many important life lessons as well, such as self esteem, tolerance and very importantly respect for each other. He touched so many lives and is still fondly remembered by so many of us whom he taught over 45 years ago.
There will be a memorial mass for Mr. Salazar on Sept. 7 at 7:00 p.m. at Transfiguration of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, 45 Ludstone Dr, Etobicoke, ON. All are welcome.
I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family. I worked with Felix at St Stephens for many years. I will never forget his great laughter, smile and wisdom he brought to both students and teachers. He will be forever remembered.
The days were always brighter when Felix was present.
My sincerest condolences to the entire Salazar family.
As YOU Smile down upon Us…
Know that You Are and will be Missed!!!
Thank YOU, for all that you did for US..OTs!!
Kati D’Onofrio
To the Salazar family, I offer my sincerest condolences. Felix lit up the room and now he lights up the heavens!
In deep appreciation for his dedicated work-
‘What strikes the oyster shell, does not damage the pearl.’ – Rumi
Felix was always there to help me and give me advice that was in MY best interest as an occasional with the TCDSB – this was not always the same advice that I’d receive from other people/departments involved in my employment. He was always understanding.
As his health declined he didn’t always answer his phone but before his illness started effecting him daily he did always answer or would phone right back if I left a message. He was always reliable.
I am so grateful he was there to guide me at the beginning of my career when no one else was – and no one else would was as devoted and supportive. I learned many valuable lessons from Felix and will miss him.
I will forever be grateful for all the work he did for Occasional Teachers and although my message is not heavy with sentiment, it is heavy with gratitude.
May God hold you in the palm of his hand and blessings to all your family. Your life was one that well lived and I am sure without regret. Thank you
Mr. Felix Salazar, was my favorite teacher from OLV, Our Lady of Victory, Grade 7, Toronto. A tall and gregarious man, I still remember his booming deep voice and laugh as he walked around the classroom. He was sensitive and kind and always pushed me to be my best. He had confidence in me when I did not. I have memories of his young sons, Vince and Floyd coming into the classroom and conversing with their dad at his desk and it impressed me what a great dad he was. Thank you Mr. Salazar for being my teacher. I know he touched other students’ lives in the positive way he did mine.
Our sincere condolences to Janet and family.
Kathleen and I knew Felix and Janet in Trinidad.
We drifted apart as we came to Vancouver.
Felix was the best, always on the bright side.
May he rest in peace.
Love,Orvis & Kathleen Noel-deSouza
Just wanted to send my deepest condolences to Salazar family, mr. Salazar was my grade 7 teacher at OLV and had his son Vince in my class, he was one on those teachers that left an impact on your life, he was a teacher that cared about his students and believed in them that they could there best
Mr. Salazar had a huge impact on my life when I was attending St. Stephen’s back in the early 90’s. He was there when I was being bullied, he would see me in the office and cheer me up!… There was a time when my mom couldn’t afford to send me on a school trip and he helped! I will never ever forget Mr. Salazar. I’m sorry to hear about his passing. He was definitely an awesome person. My condolences to his family.