In memoriam

In memoriam... Alex Hay

(1965 - 2022)

The SHCHC family have lost a former colleague, community activist and friend... Sadly, Alex Hay passed away in early June, 2022.

He had just retired from his teaching career in May, and, as an experienced paddler, Alex bought himself a kayak as a retirement gift and headed for a solo camping and paddling trip in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, on Lake Superior. Tragically, he suffered a heart attack and was found by a search team the following week.

Alex was born in South Africa, in 1965. After completing a Master’s degree in History and a B.Ed., Alex began his teaching career in Ottawa at age 22. As a teacher and international volunteer with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), he worked in Botswana, Swaziland, and Nepal. Alex taught with the OCDSB, worked with SHCHC, and spent the last 15 years of his career at the Adult High School in Ottawa. This past year, Alex taught in the Mishkeegogamang First Nation, near Pickle Lake, north of Thunder Bay.

Alex was deeply committed to environmental and social justice, manifested in his actions, his spirit and his unwavering pursuit of fairness and equity. Much of Alex’s interest in and out of the classroom was focused on supporting refugees, newcomers to Canada, and adults returning to the world of learning. He was not just a passionate and creative teacher; he was often an advocate, a cheerleader, a mentor and a friend to his students.

At SHCHC, Alex Hay held several roles including contracts as the Community Garden Network Coordinator and support staff at the former 88 Main Street satellite hub, in Old Ottawa East.

When Alex moved on from SHCHC to return to his teaching career, he stayed connected - in particular, as a regular volunteer with the Community Development and Engagement team’s Bike Rodeo skills training events at Viscount Alexander Public School. As an active transportation activist, Alex cycled all year long, choosing a bike over transit or owning a car. He enthusiastically encouraged others to learn to ride as well, and was involved in cycling advocacy in Ottawa for many years.

When Syrian refugees were seeking safety in Canada, Alex reached out to his various networks and friends and created Salaam Ottawa, a sponsorship group that supported the arrival and settlement of a Syrian family of four. After championing the process, despite the bureaucratic hurdles, Alex continued his support of refugee settlement through further involvement in the sponsorship of more families coming to Ottawa.

Many former and current SHCHC staff were fortunate to have worked alongside Alex, and we remember the sparkle in his mischievous eyes, his quick wit and generous humour, his deep connection to the outdoors, and his interest to work hard to make the world a better place.

I met Alex in the late 1990’s in Southern Africa, and formed a lasting friendship with him and with his wonderful family. It is difficult to accept that he has left this physical world, but his presence touched so many people in so many positive ways. This was exceedingly evident when, on July 2, friends and family from various threads of Alex’s paths gathered at Mādahòkì Farm for a celebration of his life, to share stories and photographs, and to witness the incredible impact of his generous spirit.

The Centre will mount a leaf in his memory on the Memorial Wall during a small ceremony, on November 17.

- by Chris Osler, friend of the family and former SHCHC staff member

Shelly Ann Patricia Terkuc

(1979 - 2022)

We were saddened to learn that on July 16, 2022, our former colleague, Shelly Terkuc, passed away suddenly at the age of 43.

“It was my privilege to work with Shelly at the SHCHC. Her positive energy and humour lightened may challenging days in the Oasis Program”, said Rob Boyd, the Director of the program. “Shelly will be greatly missed by colleagues, friends and all those who loved her.”

A leaf in her memory will be mounted on the Memorial Wall on November 17, 2022. 6