Cecil John Kingston MOODY
April 24th 1937-August 29th 2019 passed away peacefully in Toronto. Born in Ireland, he grew up in Dublin, where he attended Christchurch Cathedral School, played rugby for Old Wesley, and performed on the trumpet with the Boys’ Brigade. A scholarship to the University of Saskatchewan brought him to Canada. Moving on from the prairies, he eventually made his way to Toronto where he shaped the minds and bodies of students at Lawrence Park Collegiate, started a family, played rugby well into his sixties, and tirelessly put others ahead of himself. Never forgetting where he came from, you could find him cycling in Ireland every summer.
A much loved and admired husband, father, uncle, teacher, athlete, and coach, Cec leaves behind his wife Leslie; his son John; his son Adam (Lia); and their children Emerson and one soon to be delivered; all of his nieces and nephews; and over 50 years of students and athletes.
An Anglican family service is planned in the coming days. Generous, charismatic, intelligent, and optimistic to a fault, he has made an overwhelming impression on the people that have come across him over his life – one he would describe as ‘magic’. Whether it is family, friends, rugby players, or students, his impact will be long lasting. A celebration of the man will be planned for the autumn.
Cec’s ashes, per his wishes, will be spread across Ireland by his two sons John and Adam – on bicycles of course.
The Moody family would like to thank the dedicated and wonderful staff at Bridgepoint Active Healthcare. Donations to the Bridgepoint Foundation would be appreciated.
Offer Condolence for the family of Cecil John Kingston MOODY
Stephen Matthews
He will be greatly missed, he had a profound influence on the many lucky individuals he taught or coached over the years. Thanks for all the lessons and great memories! Thanks for being you!
The “other” Matthews
Arpi Yeremian Greco
Some teachers are remarkably unforgettable. No doubt, anyone who knew him has a story (or ten) to tell. I certainly do. He inspired me to be a teacher and to understand what teaching is really about. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Mr. Moody was really a force of nature. ????
Tony Hasek
Godspeed Mr. Moody. You were a kind man and a great educator.
Suzanne Dunford nee Hunt
My deeest sympathy to all his family and friends. Mr. Moody was an amazing teacher.
Elaine Currie
What a wonderful, influential teacher Mr Moody was! I’m so sorry to hear this news.
He was actually my favourite. I feel lucky to have had him shape my love for learning history at Lawrence Park CI.
Claire Mason
I have just heard the very sad news this morning announced on Newstalk 1010 radio at 7:35am about the passing of Mr. Moody. My heart felt sadness to Mrs. Moody and sons Adam and John and their families. Please know, your Husband, Dad and Grandfather was much loved and cherished as a teacher at Lawrence Park Collegiate. He was my teacher for 3 years back in 1980 to 1983 and to this day, I have never forgotten him, he left an indelible impression upon me and many many other students. He was one of LPCI’s finest and all I can say is THANK YOU MR. MOODY. You will be greatly missed! Ireland and Canada has lost a great son and the skies look very different today.
Beth McCubbin
Sad news, RIP Mr Moody. You were definitely a memorable caractère and a positive influence as a teacher!
Jerry Murray
I am so saddened to here this news. I know he has not been well recently but it is still a shock to everyone. My heart is with the family.
Cec was my teacher and coach from 71-76 and a colleague in the mid to late 80s.
I thought of him as immortal. His charisma, energy, intelligence and athleticism were and continue to be an inspiration to me and to all those he has ever connected with.
I feel a loss that cannot be replaced.
His famous quote of the first day of grade nine is a line I used many times as a teacher and principal.” I run a democratic dictatorship-its a democracy when I say so and it’s a dictatorship when I say so”
Cec Moody- a true classic and one of a kind!
Graeme Gunn
If you’re lucky, you have one teacher who makes a difference in your life. Cecil Moody was that person for me. His lessons have always stayed with me. He brought history to life for me and taught me to look for the interesting stories below the surface and to concentrate on the ideas that interested me.
He was the best teacher and coach I’ve ever had. He not only taught me the game of rugby, but also how to be a supportive teammate and leader, a gracious winner and loser, how to push myself past what I thought I was capable of, and about the importance of having a friendly pint with the competition after a match. Our 1988 rugby trip to England, Ireland, and Wales provided me with a lifetime of memories—both on the rugby pitch and off. His insistence of taking us to every historical and cultural space between matches showed how devoted he was to teaching and is much appreciated all these years later.
He also taught me how to be a decent human being and devoted partner and parent. There were so many times after classes when he would rush out to pick up Adam and John, and bring them to the school because Leslie was working. They would ride their tiny bikes around the track while he led us on the field during rugby practices—and by “led” I mean beat us in every sprint, cross-country run, and passing drill.
I was talking to my wife recently about what an influence he had on my life, and she told me that I should contact him and tell him that myself. I’m so sad that I didn’t do it before his passing. He was, and will continue to be, an inspiration. All my love to Leslie, Adam, and John.
Charles and Anne Gunn
Cec Moody shaped the minds and bodies of our three sons as their rugby coach. The happiest memories of their days at LPCI were rugby days. We entrusted our sons to him on rugby tours abroad and they came back stronger, happier and full of knowledge of the places visited. He instilled fairness, competitiveness, and team playing in all aspects of life. As a history teacher to our sons and daughter, he could not be surpassed. We have lost a very fine man who will live on in all the students he taught. Oh, if there were more teachers like Cec Moody to-day, our schools would be finer places. Thank you Cec.
Jennifer Macnab
A sad day. A wonderful man. One of my favourite teachers at Lawrence Park. He was a great support to me when my sister died. I’ll never forget his kindness.
Greg Purkis
He shaped my life in profound ways that I am still discovering to this day. I am so grateful to have had the fortune of having him as a coach and a teacher.
Cameron Gunn
I’m overwhelmed by memories of my 1 year under Mr. Moody’s tutelage on the rugby pitch. To this day I realize what a powerful impact he had on me both on and off the field. He treated all of his students and players with such respect and demanded that they show everyone around them the same. As a teacher for a number of years myself and as coach now I continue to try and emulate the character he displayed as an incredible man. Thank you Cec.
Tim Oben
One of my two favourite teachers at LP, Mr. Moody was kind, funny, inspiring and enthusiastic, day in, day out.
Sincere condolences to his family. Rest in Peace.
Claire McElhinney
Wonderful man and teacher. Such vitality and authenticity, and he was so quick-witted! Always made me laugh. So sorry for the family’s immense loss.
Andrew Aston
What a great coaching man.
Sorry for your loss.
Andrew Aston
Kevin Sheedy
Lawrence was an outstanding school in the ’80s with great teachers in math, english, science and history, including and especially Cec. Nevertheless, the lasting influence in my life at LPCI was my education on the Rugby field. My 2 brothers and I all played. On weekends Cec would dress for the Toronto Scottish 2nds or 3rds and we shared shoulder to shoulder his athletic gift. A generation later roles reversed and I was fortunate to play for our club with Adam and John. Cec Moody’s gift of rugby made a profound impact on my life and for that I will always be grateful. My condolences to Adam, John and Leslie. God bless you Mr. Moody.
Danielle Sweeney
Our sincerest thoughts to the Moody family. Mr. Moody was a true character and a teacher my sister and I will never forget. He taught with humour and integrity, inspiring us with his love of knowledge. “Cec” treated us as humans with ideas of our own, a fact for which generations of students loved him as an educator. Thank you, Mr. Moody, you will be missed.
Craig Meier
Sad news today, however, upon reflection an inevitable celebration of life to Cec Moody and his charismatic charm and positive influence.
This man was a staple for me on the field teaching me not only rules and regulations of a game I went on to love, but the importance of sportsmanship, leadership and commitment.
He will be dearly missed as a coach, mentor and friend. My deepest sympathies to the entire Moody family.
Paul Nathanielsz
I started at Lawrence Park in grade 1976. For the next 5 years Tom Lyons and Cec Moody were the inspiration for me and many other young men on the rugby pitch. Back then, no one really cared about rugby – LPCI was all about football. Then we won the City championship in ‘80 and ‘81 – we went undefeated for two years. It was Mr Moody who inspired us to love the game, be a team, and challenge ourselves as individuals. Since then Lawrence has enjoyed a rugby culture due to Cec. “Magic”.
Paul Nathanielsz
Simone, Danielle, Gerry & Ladka Sweeney
Cec Moody was one of those teachers who had a profound impact on his students. His charm and enthusiasm, and his spirited challenges to get his students thinking, influenced me deeply. He was a tour de force at LPCI, in the class room and on the rugby field. Fondly recall him supporting the fledgling girls’ team and encouraging so many to give it a try – and we did. The chance pint in The Rose and Crown as an adult only re-enforced his great sense of humour and commitment to the community he was so instrumental in building. Rest in peace, Mr Moody – you had a lasting impact on so many. Many condolences to his loved ones.
Gerald Sweeney
It’s said we must wait until the evening to see how good the day has been and by this measure Cec Moody’s day has been very good indeed… he taught our 2 daughters in LPC for many years and their fond memories of him shape them to this day. We talked about him often and and retold his stories more than a few times….we will remember
him fondly…..
R.I.P. Mr Moody
Simone, Danielle and the
rest of the Sweeney family
David Thomson
Lovely PE teacher with a great sense of humour. RIP to the one and only Mr Moody 🙂
Sam Griffiths
Magic indeed! Thank you Mr. Moody!
Ann Hemphill
I remember Mr. Moody as a History professor in grade 11, not too long after he first arrived at our school. I knew his first love was teaching outdoors. I have since learned of his tremendous accomplishments in the rugby world leading young players. I will look for his school in Dublin when I visit there in October. Mr. Moody will live on in the lives of all his students and their children. You were generous in sharing him with all those people.
Tom Nadasdi
So sad to hear the news of Mr. Moody’s passing. Great teacher; he was forever talking about his lads John and “Little” Adam. His style in the classroom influenced me to get into teaching. Deepest condolences to the family.
Fran Johnson
Kind and wonderful teacher. Rest in Peace ✨
Charles Schofield ‘97
I’ll never forget Mr Moody. To this day I can hear his voice so clearly in my mind and see that sparkle in his eyes. Magic indeed and truly one of a kind. Like so many others who have commented here, I keep his legacy alive in my teaching and coaching. My heart and sincerest condolences go to Leslie, John and Adam.
Ean Jackson
My sincerest condolences to family and friends.
You were my homeroom teacher in your first year and mine, Mr. Moody. I was a snot-nosed, under-aged boy when I entered grade 9. You were full of inspirational stories. I recall one about the time you were in Central America and the locals were shooting automatic weapons from donkeys. (I recalled it when I was in Cambodia, as well, shooting a Kalashnikov at bottles and other targets, trying to avoid hitting the cows, as you did! Truth be told, other Lawrence Parkers 15 years younger than me were there, too!)
I was a fat kid. You inspired me to get off my duff. I played rugby for 2 years. We’d run down the ravine and back to the LP track. I played rugby for 2 years, but I confess that I never really got the rules… I did pick up on running, though. ‘Completed 112 ultramarathons and a whack of Ironmans. ‘Moved to Vancouver. I’m sorry I never told you that.
Rest in peace, Mr. Moody. I guess I can say this now… you were my favorite teacher in the 5 years I was at LP. I will always be grateful for your inspiration!
Lyman Hurd
Mr. Moody was my teacher for Man & Society at LP as well as the chaperone for trips to Greece and Spain/Morocco. At our 40th reunion he was one of the names that came up most often as we all have fond memories. He will most definitely be missed.
Barry Quinn LPCI ‘98
Cec Moody was a true gentleman! He shaped so many of us from boys into young men. His commitment to each student and each athlete was unparalleled. Our trips to Europe were filled with stops that inspired learning & passion for history, while we all thought we were going to play rugby and party. He was an amazing influence in my life! I can still hear his voice and his laugh. To hear him say “it’s a beauty” after a great play was the ultimate prize for any of his players. Thank you Cec for all you did for others! Thank you to the Moody family for sharing him with us all! Prayers and love to you forever….
Lesley Ballantyne
Sincere condolences to Mr. Moody’s family, friends, and all the students he influenced and taught. He was one of the wonderful teachers at LPCI.
Kathy Kamaras
My sincerest condolences to Mr. Moody’s wife, sons and grandchildren. He was a wonderful teacher and a true gentleman. I was lucky enough to be in three of his classes and enjoyed each immensely. He brought history to life and his Man in Society class always brought about wonderful discussions and broadened our horizons greatly. It has been many years since I graduated high school but I have never forgotten Mr. Moody. He was a wonderful person who always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. He was encouraging and kind and in my years of teaching and parenting he was an influence in how I dealt with people.
Jennifer Pertsch
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Moody was my history teacher from ’87-91 and he was such a character… I’ll always picture him bursting into the room two minutes late in his rugby gear, throwing his brief case down on the desk and yelling “RIGHT!” ~ all fired up to teach, a twinkle in his eye. He was a perfect teacher – passionate, tough but fun, and on fire with a genuine love of life, coaching and teaching. RIP Mr. Moody.
Paige Johnston
Mr. Moody was the most handsome and hilarious teacher that I can remember. I had the biggest crush on him and I used to run down the park at Yonge and Lawrence to watch and wave as he and Mr. Arsenault would jog by I would call out “Hi Mr Moody”. And he would just smile that amazing smile and give a little wave. He was such a great teacher and a fun dad. I remember his children coming to the school one day and we all went out to have ice cream because the ice cream truck came by. I think my classes with him were Canadian History and History of Ancient Civilizations, because he rather enjoyed my essays “George of Sparta” and “Byron the Beaver”, the latter title he would laugh at years later when I would see him on Bayview with his sweet dog, Rugsy or he’d come into my store to buy some pens. In high school, my friend Jenny and I used to go by his house to put flowers on his Westfalia. Every person I run into from Lawrence has warm memories of this prolific, interesting, funny, encouraging and all around engaging man. I feel so lucky to have known him and his passing makes my heart break. I can’t think of anything more Mr Moody than to have his wonderful sons he was so proud of take him on a last bicycle ride through the Irish countryside.
Janet Langdon
Many condolences were posted on the LPCI Alumni group on Facebook. Here are those that aren’t already posted here:
Al Marcelline – Oh Wow! Mr Moody was iconic – Legendary even. One teacher and class that I always looked forward to. Thank you, Mr Moody. Rest in Peace. My concolences to his Family.
Anne Collins – Sorry to see this. He was such a great person. Thoughts go out to his family.
Barb Crawford – I remember seeing Mr Moody as recently as a few years ago at the Sunnybrook rugby field watching the Scottish play. A very special person. Condolences to his family.
Carol Pybus – Norris Thanks for posting this. I remember him well.
Carrie Cockburn – He was wonderful. I remember him bringing some Hari Krishna’s into the classroom to chant for us. I think he got into trouble for that one. I’m so sorry to hear the news.
Colin Booth – Brilliant educator and role model. Loved his sense of humour. RIP
Dave Hunt – Suzanne Dunford /My Big Sister, I agree. Mr. Moody seemed to put the “Cool” in teaching and coaching. I enjoyed bumping into him in Leaside over the years out on his bike doing errands. Sad loss of a good man.
Dianne Rutledge-Quinn – This great “man in society” will truly be missed. My favourite teacher at good ‘ol LPCI!
Dwight Phillips – So sorry.memories.
Emily Hutchinson – He fondly compared his students to the cows he rode by on his bike while in Ireland, staring back at him with beauty but with nothing in their brains. He was the best, and inspiration for me to continue toward a degree in history, and to become a teacher myself. RIP Mr. Moody xx
George Heos – Mr. Moody was beyond a teacher and coach. He was a great man that changed the lives of many, and probably most of his students. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know him.
Greg Wetmore – RIP Cec. You had an impact on so many! You should be proud.
Jane Mauchan – he also brought Mormons in! I remember those Man in Society (what a name) classes well
Jane Mitchell – Mr Moody was a wonderful teacher. Sincere condolences to his family. Jane (’74)
Jeff Cumine – It is amazing how he made everyone feel special. All of these great comments show what a great man he was. I had great respect for him. God Bless
Jeff Ince – I loved Man in Society classes. Sadly, they don’t make teachers like that anymore! R.I.P.
Jennifer Elizabeth Stephens – I had him for ancient History. Can still hear his voice.
Jennifer Johnston-Mcleod – One of the best teachers I ever had. RIP Mr Moody. You taught us more than you could know. Your dedication to teaching and sport was unprecedented.
Jennifer Neil-Stewart – Great man
Jeremy Shiffman – One of those teachers the entire school knew. Our kids need more like him. My condolences.
John O’Callaghan – A legend and an inspiration. RIP Mr Moody and love and condolences to his family
Julie Somers – So sad!! Loved his sarcastic quips!! RIP
Karina Mierins – He was the best!!!!
Katie Johnston – A wonderful man, friend and teacher! Lawrence Park was only as good as it was because of you. May you rest peacefully Mr Moody❤
Keith Singer – He moved my life in a direction that made me make positive changes. Such a beautiful and caring man and teacher. RIP Mr Moody. Thank you for everything
Laura Penney – I remember that!
Laura Torrance – Rest In Peace Mr. Moody.
Leanne Fullerton – So sad. He was such a great teacher, and he shaped so many lives. RIP Mr Moody.
Lisa Elder – Forever youthful, positive and supportive. The world will miss you. My sympathy to his family.
Margaret Wolf – Thanks for letting us know this sad news. Mr. Moody taught me in the early 80’s.
Maria Evans-Petriw – My favourite teacher at LPCI – always had a smile on his handsome Irish face -RIP Cecil Moody -you certainly left your mark with many grateful students
Mary Ouroumis – Thanks for sharing! So sad to hear about Mr Moody! My condolences to his family! He was such a terrific teacher. i have fond memories of him teaching the “Man In Society” course in the 80s at LPCI!!
MaryAnn Curtis – My fav teacher at Lawrence Park. Loved his Man in Society class and made European history super interesting.
Michelle Martin – Such a great teacher and overall good man
Mike Danischewsky – He was a fantastic teacher and great rugby coach. Always had time for his students and players.
Nancy Nadya Hamparian – I’m sure he’s smiling in heaven- he always did on earth.
Neil Spaulding – An amazing man. His classes were so stimulating and thought provoking. He had a huge impact on me. Thank you Mr. Moody for everything.
Nicholle Stanisz – He was the teacher that everyone knew and loved. My thoughts go out to the family.
Paula Kelly – Oh no!!! Mr Moody was an amazing history teacher! RIP Mr Moody
Paula McElhinney – True. He was one of the best teachers I ever had.
Sam Zakula – RIP to a great man, who will never be forgotten. Thank you for being a great leader and teacher.
remember how he drove us to Guelph for the Quebec Symposium?
Sandra Friesen – Oh dear Rest In Peace Mr Moody
Sarah Osborne – I am so sad to hear this. Mr. Moody’s love for teaching and sport was inspiring. He made you want to work hard and reach your full potential. I owe him so much as he influenced my life in many ways. RIP.
Stephen Wineberg – Great man…he will be missed!
Susan Gordon – Incredibly sad
Tom Goudie – “The ball won’t find the net on it’s own, Mr. Goudie. Give it a rip!” A lesson for life learned on the pitch courtesy of this wonderful man. His charm and smile could light up any room. He will be missed. He already is. G
Valerie Soper – A wonderful man who was so respected by so many! Thank you for all what you did at LPCI!
Vanessa Hamer – Sad to hear this. He was an awesome teacher.
Virginia Roy – He was a wonderful teacher. Memorable to all. I remember hari krishna too. It was for man in society. He also brought in a “moonie”.
Janet Scantlebury
Was so saddened to hear of the loss of Mr Moody. Not only was he one of my favourite teachers, he was a close friend of my father Doug Hemi who also taught at Lawrence Park in the seventies. It seemed fitting that I got the news just at Father’s Day here in New Zealand. Was just remembering my last Father’s Day with Dad in 2009. He shared Cec’s passion for rugby and teaching and I remember him being so excited when Cec brought a team to NZ to play in the 80’s. I remember seeing Cec then and again in 2011 at the reunion. He smiled when he saw me and said, ” ah, one of my favourite people!” Probably what he said that to others but it meant a lot to me. Sending much aroha (love) to his family, colleagues and former students. Such a legend.
Jan Morrissey
Mr. Moody taught with both enthusiasm and a sense of humour making the lessons interesting and memorable. A truly nice man and excellent educator! My condolences to his family and other loved ones.
Russ Johnston
Mr. Moody was one of the most memorable teachers at LPCI. When I reminisce with old friends, stories from his history class always float to the top. He was kind, funny and cared for his students.
My condolences to his family and loved ones.
Martha Hillhouse
I love how he allowed me to go on a field trip even though I wasn’t taking his class. His sense of fun created a trust with the students and he also trusted us with our impulses and passions.
Mohenjo Thompson
Im truly sorry to hear about this sad new, my condolence goes out the family. Gods protection and Blessings,
Najeeb Obaidi
I’m sorry for your loss Adam. Your dad was always first on the pitch and last to leave. He always use to call me Nabil and I never once corrected him because of such a wonderful character he was. My condolences to you and your family.
Brenda Luksis
As far as teachers go, Cec was second to none!
My condolences to his family.
Chris Li Cheong Man
I am so sorry for your loss Adam. I remember how happy your dad would be when he was watching you play for the irish. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Len Jean-Pierre Anthony
Please accept my condolences …..Great memories playing with the ICRC and seeing Mr Moody with the family dog and a smile before matches
Playing with A. Moody was beyond fun and reading the posts above I can see he got his sense of humor and skills from his Dad
Sorry for your loss
Lenny
ICRC
Kelly
Much respect to you, Mr Moody you passed me in history the year my mother passed away 1992. I attended about 10 classes the entire year but you took pity on me and passed me with a mid 70….what a fella. God Bless you on the other side
Peter Finlay
Cec was a true inspiration as a teacher! We later lived in the same neighborhood and became friends. Cec was a dynamo!
I will miss our talks together which covered everything from the state of the world through to rugby.
Condolences to the Moody family. He will be deeply missed.
Martin marczuk
I was his student in one of those years when i attended LPCI 1990-1995 . He loved being football at coach as well as history teacher. When i had him he was an aswome teacher.
Sorry for your loss.