RIP Jan Howlett (David Ben's Wife)

[Dustin Stinett]

I am very sorry to pass on the news that David Ben's wife, Jan Howlett, has passed away.

Besides David, Ms. Howlett leaves behind two sons, many friends, and many grateful students.

“To learn and to do better, it has to hurt.” — Jan Howlett

Our condolences to David, his family, and their many friends.

Dustin

[Dustin Stinett]

Read about this remarkable woman here:

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/07 ... _dies.html

[AJM]

Very sad news indeed - my sincere condolences to Mr Ben and his family.

Andrew

[erdnasephile]

So sorry to hear of this.

She was clearly an extraordinary, committed teacher.

Her students were fortunate indeed!

[AnthonyBrahams]

So sorry and shocked at the news of Jan's passing. Jill and I send sincere sympathy to David and sons.

[Michael Kamen]

What a brilliant and dynamic person we all have tragically lost. Sincerest condolences to Mr. Ben

[Gordon Bean]

In neither of the advanced degrees I received in Education did I encounter Jan Howlett's determined, common-sense approach, which seems to me to be a very important alternative--and the one I prefer over the current vogue for "student-centered" instruction. As devastating as her early departure is, perhaps it can be a catalyst for the spread of her fierce innovation. David and his sons were clearly blessed to have such a woman in their lives.

Here's another article about her work:

http://m.theglobeandmail.com/commentary ... ice=mobile

[Tom Gilbert]

Very sad to hear, condolences to David and family.

[Matthew Field]

I am devastated to hear this. My condolences to my friend David and his family.

Matt Field

[Julie Eng]

David Ben penned an obituary for Jan which was published in The Globe & Mail today, July 17, 2013.

The online version has been going through some technical problems, so we have posted it here:

http://ljanhowlett.howlettacademy.com/o ... lobe-mail/

On behalf of David, thank you for your kind words during this very difficult time.

[erdnasephile]

In case not everyone is familiar with this, the tumor that took Ms. Howlett's life, Glioblastoma multiforme (AKA GBM), is a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer. It is often invasive by the time it is diagnosed and it tends to reoccur frequently, which makes treatment very difficult. It affects tens of thousands of people annually, with many thousands of deaths. My wife lost her Mom from GBM earlier this year.

However, there are some encouraging clinical trials going on that have produced some early promising results.

I mention this because at the end of the obituary linked above, Mr. Ben has included a link to donate to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation in lieu of flowers. I've made a donation in Ms. Howlett's memory, and I hope you might please consider doing so as well.

GBM is a devastating disease, but I have hope that one day, we'll beat this thing.

[Julie Eng]

The Globe & Mail has published an article on Jan Howlett in the "Lives Lived" section. We have republished the post here:

http://ljanhowlett.howlettacademy.com/a ... urriculum/

[Q. Kumber]

Perhaps what the world needs more than anything else is inspiring teachers.

How many successful men and women have looked back on their lives and when asked about the foundation of their success said, "There was this teacher..."

[mrgoat]

F*ck cancer.

Very sorry to hear about this Mr Ben.

Hugs.

[Doc Rogers]

David
My deepest sympathies to you and your sons in this time of your loss.
May the memories remain and the pain rapidly recede.
Doc Rogers

[Roger M.]

My depest condolences to David and his boys.

I know people loose family, friends, lovers, and associates all the time - it's almost considered commonplace.

And I know everybody does truly understand how painful it is for those close to the departed, but the blow resulting from the loss is deeply profound in the grief it causes.

Her life was obviously one, long, bright, light.

Anyway, thinking of you David.

[Pete McCabe]

As a teacher, I mourn the loss of such a dedicated educator, and I am inspired by her example to do a better job with my own students. I can tell you that the primary reason why there are not more teachers like Jan is that being that kind of special teacher takes more. More time, more effort, more study, more work. More caring for your students. More commitment to them, to putting them ahead of yourself.

As a husband—one whose wife is a teacher—I grieve for David’s loss.

As a writer I can not imagine writing my wife’s obituary.

My heart goes out to David, his children, and all the many, many people whose lives were immeasurably enriched by his lovely wife.

[Greg Edmonds]

Please accept my sincerest condolences.

Greg Edmonds