The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario is celebrating the life of a longtime trustee.
On Saturday, the Catholic Board announced that Robin Reil had passed away at the age of 72.
Reil served on the board for nearly 18 years, serving as vice-chair for 2016-17.
He held his first teaching position at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Lanark, and from 1969 to 2001, he held positions in Lanark, Perth, Westport, Brockville and Prescott as a teacher, vice principal and principal.
“I believe in the dignity and self-worth of each individual child,” he once wrote in a letter to the Board. “The more positive the child’s self-image, the more receptive that child is to learning. The same holds true for each staff member.”
Trustee Reil was also well known as a pioneer in energy conservation and environmental awareness, and his active role in these initiatives led to many exemplary school programs and activities.
In a statement, Board Chair Todd Lalonde said that Reil has been a champion for Catholic schools and our board for over 50 years.
“Robin truly enjoyed being in our schools and was very proud of the work and accomplishments of our students and staff,” Lalonde said. “He has, on many occasions, shared fond stories of his time as an educator, and I can say that we have truly lost not only a dear friend, but a strong advocate for Catholic education.”
