Frederick Matthew Speed

Passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at the age of 86. Beloved husband of Emilie. Devoted father of Anne, Jane, Ruth, Claire, and Carol. Cherished grandfather of Leila, Aisha, Anissa, Katie, Sarah, Christian, and Olivia. Born in London, England to Frederick and Dorothy Speed. Brother to Muriel and Patricia. Well loved by his family in England and the U.S.. Retired Science Teacher of 33 years at U.T.S. and retired Program Director of 18 years with Prime Mentors of Canada.

Fred first joined the war effort as a volunteer when he was 17 and in 1941 worked as a Radar Officer eventually in the Royal Mechanical and Electrical Engineers. He fought in jungle warfare in Burma for 18 months and received the Distinguished Service Medal for establishing a school for soldiers to help prepare them for civilian life. This set his course for teaching.

Fred earned post-graduate degrees from OISE (M. Ed) and the Univeristy of Birmingham (M.Sc), and wrote or co-wrote 9 published works, most of which were science textbooks used in Ontario high schools. He was senior tutor at UTS with responsibilities for teaching Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Art until his retirement in 1987. He contributed to the establishment of the Ontario Science Centre, helped to found the Association for Bright Children and in the late sixties helped found the first school science fairs. After retirement, he developed the program for Prime Mentors of Canada where he remained as Program Coordinator until 2006. He has earned recognition for excellence in teaching by the Chemical Institute of Canada and by two Lietuenant Governors for volunteerism.

Injecting dry British humour into every family gathering, Fred never took himself too seriously. He was modest and kind and a role model for many. Fred was not a man of many words but had so many interests and talents and loved to sing in harmony. He was an artist whose talent ranged from illustrating his science books to lithographed drawings and watercolour paintings loved by many. An avid cyclist as a young man, he played tennis into his 80s.

We are truly grateful to the compassionate care team especially Dr. Kirshen, his nurse Bonnie, his chemo nurses, Dr. Ricciuti and Dr. Roitman.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 8 from 6-9 p.m. at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home (6150 Yonge Street, south of Steeles). A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel's Roman Catholic Church (670 Sheppard Ave. E. - entrance off Elkhorn Ave). Underground parking available. Memorial donations may be made to Prime Mentors of Canada towards the Fred Speed Scholarship (c/o OISE/UT 252 Bloor St. W. Toronto, ON M5S 1V6).