I am sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Mann. Like Ginger, I still use him as a security word for my passwords because he was one of my favorite teachers at BDHS. I will never forget how every year he hosted the Mock United Nations in Waterford. We had so much fun with our debates and MTV dances! He had the best sense of humor and I loved going to History class. He genuinely cared about his students and his passion for teaching was present in the classroom. I hope that as he looks down on us he will "Walk Softly but Carry a Big Stick " (Winston Churchill). RIP Mr. Mann, you will not be forgotten.

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Mr. Mann, who taught me history and sociology at Burford District High School in the late 1980s. There was nothing I looked forward to more than a deep philosophical discussion and/or argument with "Roscoe." He helped draw me out of my shell, encouraging me to play Catherine of Parr during the school's Henry the VIII night and Imelda Marcos for a history role playing competition against BCI. He also helped open my eyes to the rest of the world when he and Sandra served as teacher chaperones for a joint Burford/North Park trip to the UK. I've laughed and shed a few tears tonight remembering back over those few years he taught at BDHS. He might not have been there for a long time but he had a deep effect on me. I continued my interest in history in university and college, eventually becoming a journalist and writer. I credit Mr. Mann and my other favourite teachers with helping me find my way. As I read over the other stories shared here, I wasn't the least bit surprised to see my experience was the norm - not the exception. My deepest condolences to Mr. Mann's family and friends. Please know a small part of him lives on in his many students.

Dear Sandra and family, so sorry to hear of Ross's passing.

Mr. Mann taught me History at Burford and indulged my endless quest for discussion and argument. He inspired a passion in me to pursue History in my post-secondary studies, and I have been teaching History to high school students for the past decade. Mr. Mann is part of my first day introductions... I teach MAPIN, Diplomacy and questioning the experts as he taught me. His influence will live on.

He was my favourite teacher and I still use his name for security questions because his name I will never forget. He inspired me to become a History teacher. He cared about each of students and made us laugh with our mistakes. I loved his diagrams on the board and laugh at my attempt today to try and imitate his style. I tried to contact him once to thank him and to let him know the impact that he had, and want to express to you that all the hours he probably spent marking our horrible essays did make a difference. I know that all those years took away from your time with him, but it was time appreciated by the thousands of us that want to thank you for sharing him with us. I am really sorry for you loss. Ginger

My Facebook notifications are increasing today, this time not because of something funny I said or posted, but because my friends - most of them former students of Mister Mann's at Burford. We were lucky to have seen him almost every day while I attended there. The joy many of us remember comes from the positive influence so many of the teachers made in our lives. Mr Mann was one of the first to have that impact on me. He engaged with each of us through instruction, constructive criticism and dedicated time to lead us in MANY extracurricular activities. He coached us through a trivia game called 'Knowledge College', a war-time strategy game called 'Diplomacy' and Junior Boys Basketball. I'm sure there are events I missed, but he was there for so many of them!

He taught me to engage readers of my writing, persuasive discussion and how to improve my layups. His history class was a time of analysis of our world's leaders decisions and the ramifications of those decisions. The discussions were lively, and all opinions were welcome and so was the laughter on both sides of the classroom door. It was a joy for me to surprise him and make him laugh!

Since graduating, I got to see him at the Oaks of St George a few times, Swiss Chalet and once at the BGH when my grandfather was in palliative care - he always remembered me and gave me a smile and a warm handshake. To his family, I sincerely thank-you for allowing him to spend his time with me in so many activities - I am truly sorry for your loss

I will always have memories of Mr. Mann bringing History class alive. He was one of the few teachers that made me WANT to go to class. He instilled a love for history that I carry to this very day. Such a personable and friendly person who inspired students, at least in my case. Too many memories to list. My sincerest condolences to the entire family.

We live down the street on Palmerston and in good weather Mr. Mann would walk past our home. He would very often "hide" spare change under a rock for my boys to find - they always got a kick out of discovering the money. When he wasn't hiding things under rocks, he was simply asking them how they were and what they were up to. It was always a pleasure to see him out walking. My sincere condolences to the Mann Family on your loss.

Bettina Urban purchased flowers (Sweet Tranquility Basket)

David, May these flowers express our most sincere sympathy, especially for you and your family at this difficult time. Your Friends at Diamond Municipal Solutions

I was fortunate enough to have Rosco for history, grades 11 and 12 in 1982-84. His love of history combined with his inate ability to tell a great story is why I fell in love with the subject! Thank you Rosco..... There will never be another!!!

Laura James (James)

I am just shocked to read Mr. Mann has passed away. He was one of my best teachers at BCI. A real character. He will be missed by many. Blessings at their time Sandra.

To The Mann Family, I am a former student of Mr. Mann's home room and history classes. I have many wonderful memories of my high school days because of him. He was always willing to listen and offer words of encouragement to his 'kids'. We were privileged to have him as our teacher, who would allow our rather lively discussions in class, males vs. females. He was a wonderful man, and I am greater for having known him. Wishing you peace and my condolences, Tiffany

Dear Mrs. Mann, and Family Please accept my deepest condolences! It saddened my heart to read of Mr. Mann’s passing. You see, I was a very fortunate student: I was lucky enough to have him as a teacher from 1969 to 1972!! He is THE teacher I have talked about as being the one who inspired me; the one who encouraged me; the one who taught me to laugh, in spite of what life threw at me! He is a great man who will be missed! “When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” ~Kahlil Gibran Cathy (MacNeil) Czikk

Mr Mann taught me for a couple of classes out at Burford District High School. He was one of my favorites, classes were lively and very interesting. Ran into him years later at the racket club in Brantford, he was always a very kind man to talk too. May your family and friends find many happy memories to hold close to their hearts

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Mann. I enjoyed reading the stories from neighbours and former students. Now I can see where his son Peter gets his smarts...& his story telling ability. Our thoughts are with you.

Joan Hopkins purchased flowers (Sweet Sincerity)

My heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Your loving sister Joan Hopkins

Linda Bulford purchased flowers (Sweet Sincerity)

Sorry for Loss. I will miss that mischievous grin. Love Linda and Everett Bulford

Sandra, David, Peter and Cyndy, very sorry to hear of Ross's passing. He will be greatly missed by so many people including me. I can't tell you how enjoyable your Dad was. How many times he made me laugh out loud, rethink issues after hard faught debates, and how kind and thoughtful he could be. The memories are abundant! My thoughts are with you all. XO

Ted and Aryn made a donation to THE ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF BRANT

Remembering your Dad with laughter and loads of stories,

Raman and Janet made a donation to THE ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF BRANT

During this difficult time we would like to extend our most heartfelt sympathies. May wonderful memories replace your sorrow.

Paris Performers' Theatre made a donation to Participation House Brantford

Our hearts are with you in this time of grief!

TAMPA HALL LIMITED made a donation to THE ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF BRANT

During this difficult time we would like to extend our most heartfelt sympathies. If you need a friend to help you through this, you know who to call.

J. Paul Massicotte made a donation to THE ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF BRANT