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We remember...

In November, 2009, the world lost one of the most uniquely-talented and warm-hearted singer-songwriters,
Haydain Neale,
front-man of Jacksoul and one of the influential forces of the Songwriters Association of Canada
and the whole Canadian music scene. A dozen other SASS students, met Mr. Neale during a week in April, 2006, when he mentored them at the
Metalworks Institute. One of the young artists, a Henry St. H.S. SASS Club Alumnus, Laila Darwish, said "It is such a terrible tragedy as he was such
a beautiful and kind-hearted man. I have so many fond memories of him from the SASS Metalworks week."

Nancy Jones
was one of the first SASS teachers to join the program in Durham.
A dynamic senior swing band conductor, her intermediate band students and SASS writers benefited from her
musical expertise, warmth, loving encouragement of creativity, sense of wonder and inner joy.
The picture below was taken at one of her Lincoln Alexander P.S. late-afternoon writers' enrichment workshops.
I know that Dale, Oso, Tasha, and I remember this day well, as well as many cheerful conversations, upbeat e-mails,
and the marvelous creative accomplishments of her students which were such a credit to the investment of her time and energy.
Tasha Forster writes: "Nancy was an amazing woman. She was a great mentor and friend to me, she helped me survive as a beginning
music teacher in Durham. Her spirit, enthusiasm and caring nature were appreciated by all of those who worked with her. Our SASS group
did some great things... She always encouraged the students in their songwriting efforts and was eager to help out any way she could.
She will be greatly missed by the SASS community."

Please write us at the "Contact Us" page if you would like to add to this tribute page to friends of SASS
whose inspiration and kindness we do not wish to forget.

Murray Moynes

On February 14, 2012, the world lost a very great man in the passing of SASS Board Member, Murray Moynes. Murray was one of the most devoted
friends the SASS program has ever known. When his very talented daughter, Cara, was involved in the Ajax SASS Club in 2003-2004, he began
volunteering to organize SASS concerts, and many will remember seeing Murray faithfully running the projector program at every inter-school SASS
recital and gala for the next eight years, long after his own daughter had graduated. Murray set up on-line SASS newsletters, donated a lap top to the
program, and invested in SASS in many other ways behind the scenes. Murray was also President of the Whitby Curling Club for years, a respected
member of the IBM team, an avid golfer, and a loyal friend. Most importantly, we know that Murray was a loving father to Cara, Craig, and Scott,
of whom he was very proud.    If anyone in the SASS community wishes to share memories of our friend on this tribute page, please write
sass@sasscanada.net.   We send all our love to Murray's many friends and family. -Artemis Chartier

How does one friend sum up the life of another friend in a few words?
We both loved music, kids, golf and all the wonderful people that banded together to form SASS. We would talk of how to sustain SASS and help it
grow, the sweet young talented spirits that wrote the songs that touched us deeply and amazed us, or the risks kids took in performing original ideas at
such a tender age. Murray was always there to help, to excitedly offer ideas, and to support the dream of SASS which he made his own dream as well.
He never complained and if he ever entertained the idea, it was voiced with dry sarcastic humour, obvious and at the same time outside
the lines, and then we would laugh.   I loved that about Murray.    How can I impart the joy of knowing Murray, the pure pleasure of sharing time on the
golf course where we talked of so many things, SASS, family or how to play the next shot, always interrupting each other with "good shot man!" or
  "Hmm ... that'll play" or worse " Eww ... *&%$#%... Well ... better you than me...:) " and then we'd laugh.   We played in all kinds of weather conditions
on many different courses at all times of the year, sometimes with others, sometimes just the two of us but we always shared the
love of the game, nature and the unexpected good and bad luck that happens in golf and life.   What can I say, one day my friend was here, the next ,
he was gone...That hurts.    I will think of him around sundown coming in on the last few holes of golf, our favourite time on the course, and
I will remember the man that was Murray, my friend. - Dale Russell

R.I.P Murray Moynes. Thanks for all the inspiration through the years. Everytime I performed at a recital he was right there in the front smiling. He was
always excited to see me perform, and one of my biggest fans. He did so much around the community and helped so many people in so many ways.
You will be greatly missed Murray. -Matt Anness

Artemis, I know that this loss must be particularly hard on you and Dale. Please give my and Selena's condolences to Cara and her family and take
solace in the fact that Murray will be felt and heard in everything SASS before and ever after. So sad. -Tim Gittens

Yes it is very sad. Murray was such a great addition to the SASS family. He will certainly be missed. -Pat Reynolds

I am so sad and shocked to hear of Murray's passing. I knew him as a kind, generous and gentle soul. He was a big part of the heart of the SASS
program and I will miss his presence and the positive energy he brought to us all. It's a huge loss for us all. I have no photos, but many mental images
of him at the helm of the projector at so many events. I can't believe he's gone. -Dave Maclean

Sad news. He really will be sorely missed. Condolences to the family. -Catherine Feldman Axford

Murray will be very missed by myself and the Kardiak Kids. Such sad news. He was a great supporter of us, our music and one of the warmest member
of the SASS family. Our love and prayers are with his friends nd family in these tough times. -Jordan Ali

It's so incredibly hard to take in this tragic moment that has taken such a warm hearted man. He never had to be asked to lend a hand or speak
beautiful words. When the nights got long he wouldn't even notice. He would do anything in his power to keep others smiling and radiant in their
happiness. What a great man, who will be remembered for many lifetimes. Taken far too young, but never forgotten. Rest in paradise, our friend. -
Kirsten Marcovitch

It has been 9 years now that I have planned an interschool S.A.S.S. recital for O'Neill CVI. The job was made so much easier with the recital planning
package prepared by Murray Moynes. His organizational skills were second to none. Murray's powerpoint slideshow was always a welcome treat for
the event. Pictures of past events and names of the evening performers helped everyone fill out their recital response forms. I especially enjoyed
talking and visiting with Murray at the S.A.S.S. board meetings. I will miss you Murray. Thanks for all you did to help make my recitals awesome and
SASS a wonderful organization to work with. -Darlene Voogt

A huge loss to all that knew him... Murray always brought a smile to others through his humor and positive spirit. His infinite energy in the SASS
program inspired students and teachers to go the extra mile. My condolences to his family. You will be greatly missed.   - Josh Raycroft

An always smiling and welcoming man were my impressions ...Condolences to SASS for the loss of a great support and friend.
Personal condolences to Artemis and Dale on the loss of your good friend.- Leslie Haley