Obituary for Albert Tatem
G. Albert Tatem (May 3, 1939 - April 17, 2018) was born in Bermuda, where he spent his childhood surrounded by loving parents Neville and Dorothy Tatem, and sisters Lucille and Dorothy Mae.
In1959, he came to Canada where he earned bachelors' and masters' degrees in science. He taught briefly in Peterborough before moving on to begin a 35-year career with the North York Board of Education as a teacher, administrator, and ultimately as a school superintendent. Even in retirement, he continued to serve educators and students. He worked as an occasional consultant and arbitrator both locally and abroad, and also sat on the board of Canadian Bible College. He even drove a school bus.
A man of deep and vibrant faith, Albert ("Al" to his friends) was very active in the churches he attended - First Baptist Church (1964-1980) and Unionville Alliance Church (1980 onwards) - in a variety of leadership capacities. Church was also where his musical giftings found their primary expression, serving at various times as organist, song leader, and choir director among other things. Even after stepping down from those roles, he volunteered to play piano at a local nursing home.
As loved and respected as he was by his colleagues and many friends, Albert's first love was always his family. In 1965, he met the love of his life, Bonnie Robinson, and they were married on March 25, 1967. Their marriage would be blessed along the way with three sons - Neville, Lincoln, and Paul - who, following in the grand tradition of Tatem men, would grow up to meet and marry wonderful women - Jasmine, Joellel, and Jennifer respectively. While he was known to be a man of strength, principle, and resolve, Albert did have a few weaknesses - nine to be precise - and they all called him "Grampy". He dearly loved his grandchildren: Joshua, Julia, Ezekiel, Miles, Ayo, Mya, Evangeline, Victoria, and Nathaniel.
Albert Tatem was a man of deep faith, powerful intellect, strength, love, and absolute integrity. He fought a good fight, ran a good race, and at the end of his days died peacefully, surrounded by family, upheld by prayer, and welcomed into the open arms of Jesus.
In1959, he came to Canada where he earned bachelors' and masters' degrees in science. He taught briefly in Peterborough before moving on to begin a 35-year career with the North York Board of Education as a teacher, administrator, and ultimately as a school superintendent. Even in retirement, he continued to serve educators and students. He worked as an occasional consultant and arbitrator both locally and abroad, and also sat on the board of Canadian Bible College. He even drove a school bus.
A man of deep and vibrant faith, Albert ("Al" to his friends) was very active in the churches he attended - First Baptist Church (1964-1980) and Unionville Alliance Church (1980 onwards) - in a variety of leadership capacities. Church was also where his musical giftings found their primary expression, serving at various times as organist, song leader, and choir director among other things. Even after stepping down from those roles, he volunteered to play piano at a local nursing home.
As loved and respected as he was by his colleagues and many friends, Albert's first love was always his family. In 1965, he met the love of his life, Bonnie Robinson, and they were married on March 25, 1967. Their marriage would be blessed along the way with three sons - Neville, Lincoln, and Paul - who, following in the grand tradition of Tatem men, would grow up to meet and marry wonderful women - Jasmine, Joellel, and Jennifer respectively. While he was known to be a man of strength, principle, and resolve, Albert did have a few weaknesses - nine to be precise - and they all called him "Grampy". He dearly loved his grandchildren: Joshua, Julia, Ezekiel, Miles, Ayo, Mya, Evangeline, Victoria, and Nathaniel.
Albert Tatem was a man of deep faith, powerful intellect, strength, love, and absolute integrity. He fought a good fight, ran a good race, and at the end of his days died peacefully, surrounded by family, upheld by prayer, and welcomed into the open arms of Jesus.
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