Condolence From: Joe Nightingale
Condolence: The best welding teacher ever! RIP Mr. Lonc.
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Condolence From: Michael Huggett
Condolence: Hello,
This breaks my heart so much. He was my welding teacher at BCI back in the mid to late 80's. Words will not do justice to the impact he had on my life, in many ways the interest he took in me, his unending tolerance for my own acting out, his instruction kept me interest and stopped me from going down roads I would not have returned from.
He was, every day positive. He was always pushing me get it done. Even when so many of us made his space chaotic, he never got lost in the minutia of it. Always with humour, and acceptance did he try to direct us back to the task at hand.
Mr. Lonc gave me work, breaking down school desks and chairs when I couldn't settle enough to sit in other classes. He'd find me and task me. He understood me, and in so many ways became a father figure to me.
All I've ever wanted since my time at that school was emulate his qualities of work ethic, positive attitude, looking above and beyond the chaos of the moment, keeping ones eye fixed on the end goal and not side tracked.
He was one of a few teachers that stood up for me, even when I lacked the ability to appreciate what they did then. It lives with me ever since and I'm often pained my how, when we are young, we sometimes fail to see past our own hardships to those with outstretch arms, with those who judge us not.
I'm married now with one son who is now 18. I have applied the lessons learned to carry forward that level of care and attention. I'd like to think Mr. Lonc would be proud of me and take some solace in the fact this efforts change the what the story would be for another.
I miss him. To his family, if any of this rings true in your own personal relationships with him, then no words nor time removes the sting. A subtraction occurred which can not be replaced.
Suppose in the end that is the measure of us all.
Tuesday November 05, 2019
Condolence From: Kay Dvorak and Patricia Neally(Dvorak)
Condolence: Dear Rick, Kathy and Dianne
Our sincerest sympathy and condolences to you and your families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Unfortunately we just heard about your loss today.
Thursday March 01, 2018
Condolence From: David Bambury
Condolence: I was in Mr . Loncs welding classes about 30 years ago and without any doubt, he was the best teacher I ever had ! His welding classes were often filled with troublemakers but he always handled it well, never lost his sense of humour and always treated us with respect. I never heard anyone say a bad word about him. He was a great guy and really set a good example for his students.I still think about his stories and the positive influence he had on me. He definitely left a good impression on many students and he will be sadly missed.
Wednesday February 07, 2018
Condolence From: Lisa and Paul Young
Condolence: You are all in our thoughts and prayers. In love and friendship. Paul, Lisa, Sheldon & Riley
Monday February 05, 2018
Condolence From: Ann sim
Condolence: My husband Bob Sim taught with John at Burnhamthorpe Collegiate for at least 19 years. Bob always enjoyed his time with John and considered him his friend. John was very supportive when Bob struggled with a brain tumor. Thanks John for being his friend!!
Monday February 05, 2018
Condolence From: Jack McGurn
Condolence: To the family of John Lonc:
John and I were graduates in 1957 from Ryerson. The '57 Alumni Book lists the following:
JOHN A. LONC - For the post five summers, John has worked as a forest ranger with the Department of Lands and Forests in the Chapleau district. Before coming to Ryerson he spent a year at Saint Mary's University in Halifax. Previous to that, he attended the H. B. Beal Technical and Commercial High School in London, Ontario, his home town.
John was a few years senior to the rest of us at Ryerson. He had a ready smile and was always there with a comment no matter what the subject.
Sorry for your loss.
It seems to me that John will be well received where ever he is with all the earthly skills and talents put to good use.
Jack McGurn, Metallurgy '57
Monday February 05, 2018
Condolence From: Richard Vieira
Condolence: Dear Mr. Lonc
I hope it's a short drive in the truck (filled with Labatt 50 of course)to heaven for you, Mr. Lonc. I fondly recall your classes with my children - there will never be a class like yours. All the tech classes were awesome with Mr. Anthony, Mr. Melito and the plumbing teacher(his name slips my mind) but yours was indeed special. Miss you already. Rest in peace my friend.
Sunday February 04, 2018
