​I want to honour my friend Yuksel Gulmen, who died 5 years ago on this day. 

​We remember her struggle with cancer, and the beautiful paintings she created during those 15 years. But I remember her more as an ally, when our families advocated for inclusive education and individualized funding for our sons - Bilgi Gulmen and Matthew Dolmage - in Orillia, in the 1980s and 90s. 

I know what I am about to say will seem like heresy to some. Maybe even to most. But the Toronto District School Board’s initial draft of the Equity Task Force report, released in October 2017, got it right when they recommended phasing out specialty programs and optional attendance in one's neighbourhood school (that is, students can attend a school in the system other than their neighbourhood school).​
 
It was a shock to me that the Task Force recommended this. Not because I considered it to be wrong, but because it was so unexpected that they would make such a forward-thinking recommendation. But it should have been obvious to any observer – as it was to me – that this idea would fail in an instant. And it did. Only days after the release of the draft report, TDSB pulled back on the proposal.
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We mourn the loss of Becky (Rebecca) Till, who inspired all of us with her unbreakable spirit and heartwarming smile. She lived a full life after spending her first 11 years in a nursing home. Adopted by Linda and King Till, Becky was accepted, loved and valued as a person of worth. Becky shared her love with others.

For details on the visitation and funeral service, to send condolences or to post a memory or photo click this link: www.roadhouseandrose.com/book-of-memories/3393404/Till-Rebecca/service-details.php ​