When a mentor dies all of a sudden, there is a unique kind of loss and heartbreak.

We lose the future lessons we will not get to learn from them. We lose the person who saw in us the potential for more than we could see in ourselves. We lose a trusted and honest voice. As my boss (Principal), he was ever patient and always willing to support. When I made mistakes, he gently pointed it out, and when I was spot-on, he told me so. His sharing of himself was a gift I was honored to receive for 5 years of my life and valued highly. He was smart and kind and very very generous. When he did occasionally get annoyed with someone’s behavior, he would laugh, almost in disbelief. He modeled his values through his love for SIA, his staff and each and every student at school every day.

What I know is that even though I’m sad and a totally shocked that he is gone, he has left me with a huge gift. His work, his ethics and much more and there are many times his words come out of my mouth. Touched by his many lessons – I am blessed. And I know I’m not the only person that remembers Mr Nigel’s wisdom, humor, and sweetness.

There is no substitute for a great mentor. May his soul rest in peace and his memory be eternal. ????