Anyone who had known Donald Tash or 'Don' had been touched by his ability to 'draw them out', a teacher par excellence Tash had the unique ability and presence, which brought people to open up to him.
Tash's secret to unlocking his students' potential was "You just have to talk to kids" and this is what Tash, a Biology teacher for many years believed.
"Don would have made a great doctor, that's what he wanted to be and even attended a pre-med school, but he opted for teaching," said his wife Penny Tash. "I think Don would have done well in any career he chose, he was always positive and full of life."
Tash passed away earlier this month after suffering a long bout of cancer, with which he was diagnosed in Oct. 2015.
Originally American citizens and Montana residents, Tash moved with his wife and kids to Stettler in 1967, after being interviewed by the then superintendent Bert Strain, who was attending summer school in Eugene, Oregon.
"When Don was offered the job the next morning, we thought it would be an adventure for two years, so why not got to Canada and see how it all works out," said Penny Tash. "And we never left, because he had a wonderful teaching profession here and taught with the greatest group of people."
Since then they have renounced their American citizenship and are Canadian citizens now.
According to Tash's students, Tash had a special gift of connecting with people, especially with kids.
Long-time friend and colleague Garry Fix recalled that as he grew older, he began to resemble Don Tash.
"In fact, back in 2004 in Sobeys I met a fellow Hay Grad of 70 after not seeing each other in over 20 years and she thought I was Don," said Fix. "Many people would say, 'Hi Mr. Tash' to me when I was in town, I just smiled and said 'Hi' back."
Fix said that Tash joked that whenever Fix sang at an event in Stettler, he got complimented in the days to follow as he walked around town, and he just smiled and said 'thanks'.
"I ended my teaching career teaching in the room next to where Don Tash ended his career," said Fix. "I'd like to think I had a small positive impact on my students, but know that Don far surpassed me."
Penny added that for their children Tash was their go-to person, and he had a wonderful relationship with everyone, always encouraging, but in the same breath firm and fair.
"He had a grand rapport with our children, and the kids relied on his advice, whether it was their house or vehicles or anything to do with the yard, Don could always figure it out," said Penny. "He was a strong leader even in his family, but he was also firm and fair because it didn't matter to him if it was a student or one of his kids."
Having served in the military and in other organizations in leadership roles, Tash tried not to join many of the organizations in his later years.
"I believe he was burnt out by all the leadership positions he had had earlier in his life," added Penny. "But, in or out of classrooms he was always willing, willing to listen to his students, speak with them and even go out of his way to say a nice word."
Penny recalled a time when a student came up to Tash in his later years and narrated how one day when she was having a difficult time in school, Tash had greeted her and had even complimented her on her shoe, and that had made all the difference in the world.
Another long-time friend and colleague, Larry Wilson said, "He loved kids of all ages."
"He belonged to a different era, when you could touch kids, pat them on the back, give them a hug and he could be seen bending down talking to any child in a store, on the street, anywhere, even though he didn't know them or their parents, something which is a no-no in today's society," added Wilson.
Since his passing away, Penny has received messages by telephone and in the form of letters, cards and emails from their friends near and far, but one card, she said which was sent by Tash's high-school friend in Montana encapsulated his personality quite well.
"The card read 'Some people make a difference just by being who they are' and his friend had added 'It was the way that he greeted and interacted with people that made him special. Even back in high school, he was so very popular because he greeted everyone and when they talked to him, he listened'," said Penny.
Exceptional teachers are a rare breed these days, but when communities and generations of students are touched by one man, and have nothing but amazing stories to share about him, it is quite possible that Don Tash had gone beyond his call of duty and did what needed to be done.