Robert C. Black

"His candle lit the way for so many. It is out too briefly. He not only spoke grammatically but lived that way. He could walk with kings and commoners alike. I pray for your soul’s peace, dear Monsieur Noir. I pray this peace surrounds your loving family, especially, and all who grieve your passing. May your memory be eternal, kind, wise, noble, gentle, friend. I will miss you in this life."

"I was fortunate enough to have drawn Robert Black during my student teaching. I thought I was going to be assigned another teacher. I was an NC graduate and knew of Mr. Black’s reputation as my sister was once his student. I was worried that I would not be good enough. After just finishing my 8th year of teaching, I look back and realize all of my great teaching skills come from him and my experience with him. Your legacy in the classroom will be missed. My prayers to his family."

"Thank you for caring about my future, and for inspiring me to do the same. You will be missed."

"A Native American proverb says, "We will be known forever by the tracks we leave." Dearest Robert you have left many tracks for many to follow, the students you inspired, the colleagues you supported and shared your passion for learning with, the friends who will miss you so. I will miss your calm strength and that warm baritone chuckle. Dear Jill, Trevor, and Juliana my heart goes out to you. Robert, your dad, will live on in your hearts and in all of our memories. Linda Maley"

"Robert Black’s Theory of Knowledge class was something of a legend among IB students at North Canyon High School. Though we heard rumors of its contents throughout our first three years, none of us really knew what it was going to be before we experienced it firsthand during senior year. I think a lot of us, myself included, would still have difficulty defining it even now. Nevertheless, the lessons I learned from Mr. Black in this class are many and deep, and they have played a defining role in making me who I am today. Mr. Black taught us to consider issues and events from multiple viewpoints, helping us realize that there is never just one side to any story, no matter how straightforward it may seem on the surface. This understanding has proven incredibly powerful during my years of time abroad since graduating high school, encouraging me to be sensitive to other cultures and ways of living. Ultimately, it has pushed me to do work throughout my life that is cross-cultural and that helps connect people from different backgrounds. I would not have reached this place without Mr. Black. I remember Mr. Black telling us that he hoped we would fail at least one thing in his class. When we first heard this, we merely worried about the harm failing something would do to our academic records. But when I failed one of his quizzes a few months later, I began to see the value in this experience. Failure helped me realize that it’s not necessary to do everything perfectly, preparing me for later times in my life where I couldn’t succeed at everything I intended. Instead, I learned that since failure is not the end of the world, it’s important to keep persevering if unsuccessful the first time. Mr. Black gave me this perspective and resilience. Near the end of our time in Mr. Black’s class, a student expressed the fear many of us held that high school was meant to be the best years of our lives and that this time was quickly drawing to a close. I will never forget Mr. Black’s response to this concern, and it will continue to be part of my personal philosophy for the rest of my life. He said, ? I hope that every year will be the best year of your life so far.? This helped me realize that there is no need to live according to predetermined norms; rather, we should trace our own paths and make them as enjoyable and meaningful as possible. Every year (month, day!) is a chance to improve. Robert Black was one of the most inspirational teachers I have ever had. I will carry and spread his incredible influence as long as I am alive, and he will similarly live on in all of the students who were privileged enough to have learned from him. I offer my sincerest condolences to Jill, Juliana, and Trevor. Please know that the mark he has left on his students will never fade from this world."

"It was an honor to work with Robert over the years in the I.B. program. As a volunteer I spent 8 years getting to know his dry sense of humor! He not only taught both my children,he taught me a thing or two! I will miss him greatly. God bless him and his family. Christine Carungi"

"Robert had a kind and gentle spirit. Though it’s been a lot of years since we were colleagues, I will always remember his remarkable talents and good nature. His keen wit and outstanding teaching ability are the reasons his students loved him and why what he taught them stayed with them for many years. He was special to me and to my son who was his student in the ’90s. Our deepest and profound condolences go out to Jill, Trevor, and Juliana. May you have peace knowing what a remarkable man Robert was. Nadine (former colleague) and Eric (former student) Schwartz"

"I’m so very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed seeing Robert whenever he was with the kids. Please know that my thoughts are with you all."

"I cannot express how saddened I was to hear about Mr. Black. It is a significant loss to his family and to NCHS. As a former co-worker, it was a pleasure to know you, however I will most remember you for the positive impact you made on my sons. They loved the knowledge & challenge they received from you and, for years, both returned to NC only to "go see Mr. Black." To this day, they still talk about you. Your TOK class was what made NC’s IB program special. You will be missed by many."

"Mr. Black has been the face of the North Canyon IB program for a very long time. Even as fresmen, we knew who he was, and he was involved in our experience with high school and IB right at the start. he was the one teacher we knew we would have. I have seen very few teachers give as much to their programs and students as Mr. Black has. He always had time to help students out and always encouraged us to put forth 110% whenever CAS, Leadership projects, extended essays, or academic stuff came up. I feel honored to have known him, even though I will never have the opprotunity to have a class with him. My deepest condolences to the Black family. Thank you to you and to Mr. Black."

"I am very fortunate to have had Mr. Black as a teacher my Senior year for English. When I got an ’A’ on an assignment in Mr. Black’s class, it meant something. It meant a great deal. He inspired and encouraged me in ways no other teacher ever has. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones."

"Jill and family. Please accept our deepest sympathies. I really enjoyed Robert’s humor. You are in my prayers and thank God that he was a part of our lives."

"Dear Mr. Black, May your family find comfort and solace in the incredible legacy you have left to students (my son included), friends, colleagues and the IB Program at NCHS. My deepest sympathy to your family."

"It was with the most profound sadness that our family learned of Mr. Black’s passing. Robert has meant so much to our family and has touched all of our lives over the last several years. As a respected teacher, extraordinary mentor, and genuinely caring individual; his talent, enthusiasm and commitment to North Canyon, the IB Program, and most importantly, his students, will be impossible to fully replace. The legacy of his contributions to the school, the community, and the students he served will live on for many years to come in the lives of those students, parents, and colleagues he touched. The incredible number of students that have gone out into the world better educated and better prepared because of their experiences with him, is a testament to his far-reaching impact beyond just the North Canyon community. I, personally, find it a terrible loss, as I considered Robert a friend, beyond our professional associations with my daughters and the IB program. Over the past several years I have worked with Robert to develop some enrichment programs for juniors and seniors in the IB program. The opportunity to work with him was immensely rewarding along so many dimensions. He will be missed by so many, but our thoughts are now first and foremost with the family he loved. We hope that they find some comfort in the knowledge of the many lives he touched and how much he gave to all of us."

"I will miss your frequent visits to the Bookstore. It always brightened my day.....your smile and sense of humor. You were the one who always had your paperwork in order and ready to be processed. I could always count on you to answer any and all emails with a quick response and a bit of your dry sense of humor. You were very much appreciated and will be missed greatly. My prayers to Jill and your children. Carol Gillam"

"Dear Mr. Black - I will never forget the profound impact you had on my life. You were the most amazing teacher and one of my greatest influences. Since your class served as the basis for all others, you were never far from my thoughts or heart. It was a privilege to be your student and I will always remember your invaluable and inspiring lessons. You will be greatly missed. To your family, my prayers and thoughts are with you. Love, Monica Simpson"

"It is seldom that a teacher in a school of countless students can truly influence and positively change the lives of those students. Undoubtedly, that rare individual is Mr. Black. This year and last, I had the greatest pleasure of being taught by such an intensely learned and competent person. On the whole, I am a skeptic who is hard pressed to see things in different lights but I can honestly say Mr. Black allowed me to do just that. I always appreciated his sarcasm, humor, quirky pronunciations, and playfully stern gaze he gave every time I asked to go to the bathroom before class. Most notably, he was the teacher this year who truly took the time to ask me how my life was going when I was going through some difficult times. Not only did he stop to chat but he genuinely took the time to make sure I was all right. I appreciated the gesture at the time so much and in retrospect, I see that none of what he did was out of necessity. He consciously chose to make every comment that influenced me and my classmates daily. He will truly never be forgotten in my mind or in the minds of any who had the pleasure of being taught by him. Thank you Mr. Black...for everything."

"i taught with robert for all the years he was at north canyon. he always had a smile and a hello crystal for me when ever i saw him. he helped me many times when ever i had problems with the computer. we always had nice conversations when ever i saw him. I would ask about the family and he always proudly caught me up to date on how they were. he will be very much missed! his family is in my families thoughts and prayers with our love and thoughts..crystal heward"

"15 and a half years ago, I was embarking upon my student teaching and was assigned to Robert Black’s classroom at NCHS. I had no idea who he was or what I was getting into. 15 years later, I have been an English teacher in my own classroom, and I owe much of who I am as a teacher to Robert Black. He challenged me to be not just a good teacher, but to be a great teacher. I will never forget when he sat me down and asked me if I really wanted to be a teacher and why. It is a conversation that I often replay in my mind. It was so powerful and influential. Thank you Robert for your dedication to education and to students. My prayers are with your family during this time of grief and loss."

"Robert, I have enjoyed getting to know you outside of our school environment at our weekly happy hours all these years. Your passing will leave a void at North Canyon. My condolences to Jill and the children. I will miss you, Robert."

"I did not know Robert Black but I do work for PV District. He was much too young to leave. My sympathy and prayers to his family."

"Mr. Black is the standard by which I measure all teachers in my life (academic and professional). He came into many students lives at a time when convictions and ideas need to be tested. Sometimes you became more secure in your beliefs and other times (more often than not) you were left wondering. He would not allow you to turn in mediocre work if he knew you were capable of more. There are not enough teachers in this world like him. He was a great asset to this community and the school system. He truly will be missed."

"I was saddened to hear the news of Mr. Black. I have many memories of my years in HS. I remember Mr. Black first and foremost above all of my other teachers. He came across tough but genuinely cared for his students. He pushed me to try harder. He made me feel proud of myself when I didn’t think there was much reason to be proud of anything I had been doing at that time. He taught me how to love poetry. I remember one of my poems getting into the ’95 Lit Mag. I couldn’t stop writing after that. I even had a poem published a few years later. I wrote a letter, to Mr. Black, thanking him after that. My heart is sad, thinking of all the people who will miss out on meeting Mr. Black. I can still see him sitting on his stool, at the front of the class, reading so eloquently. "I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." Mr. Black was different from the others and he made a difference in my life. Thank you."

"Sincere condolences to Robert’s family. We worked together at PVHS and NCHS. May he rest in peace. Wishing the family the strength to move forward while carrying him in their hearts always."

"I had Mr. Black for my Sophomore English teacher. He always made us think and asked tough questions. He is remembered fondly and will be missed."

"No evil can happen to a good man, neither in life nor after death -Plato Our daughter was fortunate to have been in Mr. Black’s TOK class. She will always have fond memories of a man who has made a difference in her life, even when he said "it’s time for a quizzie poo for you know who". It is a shame that more students will not have the opportunity to get to know him and be under his tutelage. To his family and friends, we offer our sincere condolences. While death leaves a hole in our hearts that never heal, take comfort in the loving memories of those we have lost for that is something that no one can take from us. - Leslie, David and Alex Caplan"

"My husband and I got to know Mr. Black over the last two years, myself while working with him to send out his IB mailings. He always always always was a gentle nice person. We got to know him better when we ran into him for the first time at our favorite spot Gallaghers, from then on we would see him off and on come in and have a few tacos on Taco Tuesday and he would sit and chat. So today is Taco Tuesday everyone at Gallaghers reading this have a Taco for our great friend Mr. Black and remember that beaming smile he had...... Ken and Ellen Shipman"

"Jill, Words can not express the pain and emptiness one feels when a family member leaves us too early. Please take comfort in knowing that your loving husband is now in the safety of God’s arms. My family and I will keep you and your children in our thoughts and prayers."

"Mr. Black treated us like the adults we were about to become, structuring his Theory of Knowledge class similar to a college course. I’ve relied upon the things he taught more times than I can count. My deepest sympathies to his family."

"My thoughts and prayers are with the Black family. When my son was a student at NCHS he was fortunate to have Mr. Black as a teacher. His dedication and passion for his profession were evident to his students and me. As an educator in the Paradise Valley School district I know what a devastating loss this is to our district and to our students. I hope fond memories comfort his family."

"No words can adaquately express how sad I was upon hearing of Robert’s passing. My heart goes out to his bride, Jill, and their children. I hope that you can find strength in knowing that so many were touched by Robert. I for one will never forget our almost daily chats for several years when we worked together at North Canyon. Robert’s joy was the IB program and for this his footprint will always be there, I will miss you Robert and will keep you in my heart forever. I pray that you will rest in peace. The last time I saw you I gave you a big hug and here’s another to keep with you forever."

"It has been many years since my sons were in Mr. Black?s classroom, but, he has not been forgotten. He was a superb teacher as well as counselor and friend. Both of my sons lives were enriched by his presence. I remember his intelligence, strength and wit. He shared his heart. Our condolences to his family and friends, we share in your grief."

"Mr. Black was one of the most inspiring and supportive teachers I’ve had the luck and privilege to know and learn from. I owe a great debt to his dedication to his students, and his continual challenge to us to exceed our own and others’ expectations. I’m stunned and saddened to hear he is gone. My heart goes out to his family."

"Robert was one of the finest teachers I have come across. It was a pleasure to work with him and his wit and humor will be greatly missed. He will forever remain in NCHS teachers’ hearts and I hope that you find comfort in the sweetest memories of Robert. I will keep you in my prayers."

"Mr. Black was a fantastic teacher. He challenged us because he could see the potential in each of us even when we didn’t know it was there. He pushed me harder than any other teacher I had and wouldn’t accept an okay essay - he knew I could do better and forced me to dig deeper to find the motivation and belief within myself. Mr. Black has had a significant impact on my life because he taught me the most important less of all - he taught me how to think. Mr. Black - thank you. To his wife, children, mother, and sisters, I am so sorry for your loss. I also would like to thank you for sharing him with us."

"Dear Jill and Juliana, You are in my prayers nearly constantly for peace and comfort from our God who loves you so much. May He truly comfort you and hold you close to His heart - please know how much we love you. Sharon Stevens Atsalis"

"Black Family, My prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I worked with Robert for many years. I am the Culinary Arts Teacher at North Canyon High School. Nancy Hushek"

"Mr. Black was an amazing English teacher! I had him as an English teacher my senior year in 2003 and I was his student aide in 2002! He taught me how to write essays and papers like no other! I thought he was so strict but now to come to find out he was not strict at all! Until this day he was one of the best teachers I have ever had! My thoughts and prayers are with the family! He will be missed! ~ Angela"

"Jill and Family: While I cannot find the words to properly convey the sadness we all feel in our hearts for all of you, I hope that you find strength and comfort in knowing how much we all care so very much for all of you. May you gain strength by reading the immeasurable sentiments in this guest book and the tremendous wave of support you are receiving daily. Robert was truly loved and respected by so many...it was an honor to have him in our lives. Hugs to all of you...Love: Patty, Shawn, Heather and Kevin"

"Robert, I thank God for you and how you so positively and profoundly impacted the young people you taught, mentored, and inspired. As a fellow teacher, I witnessed this over many years, and then, you did the same for my son. Oh, Robert, please know how much you are greatly loved, admired, and will be greatly missed. May God grant you peace. Dear Jill, Trevor, and Juliana, my heart breaks for you. You will be in my prayers until I can pray no more. I will pray that God wrap His comforting arms around you and grant you peace. Linda Strauber"

"I’m sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my sympathy."

"What can I say that could possibly express how I feel about the loss of Robert Black? A dear friend and esteemed colleague of 20+ years, Robert was a constant in my life. I could go to him for help with department matters, personal issues, or grammar questions, and he would be there immediately to help in any way he could. In hard times, he would sympathetically tell me to "buck up’; in good times, he would say, "very cool". His colleagues and his former students were graced by his steady and demanding influence and entertained by his wonderful sense of humor. Robert, I always thought of you as my brilliant, sometimes annoying, little brother who was always there for me. I will miss you greatly, and my heart breaks for Jilly, Trevor and Juliana. I hope that you are now there, with our dearly departed friend Geri, doing the crossword, talking politics, and having a good cold one. Ironically, I want to make sure this sounds right, but the person I would normally call to find out, is you."

"Mr. Black came to read in my classroom for Read More on the Floor Day the years I had his children in my class. He was always one of my favorite readers. I can still hear the different voices and expression he used when he read to my second and third graders."

"I honestly can’t think of any other teacher (college, high school, grad school) who left a bigger impact. What an amazing person and enormous loss. I remember Mr Black coming to my confirmation, quietly standing in the back of St Joan of Arc church, and giving me a card of congratulations, completely unexpected. We never talked about it, but to see him there left such an impression on my cynical teenaged mind. He cared about his students so far beyond the classroom."

"When I look back at high school, I see Mr. Black. I was privileged to have a number of good teachers growing up, but Robert Black is the one who stands out from the rest. He treated me as an adult and challenged me to think critically, and he quite simply made a huge impact on me. I vividly remember Mr. Black, in front of my class, captivating me with the lines of "The Emperor of Ice Cream." I hope this memory never fades, and I assume there are hundreds of other former students who have a similar story. My deepest condolences to the Black family. "Let the lamp affix its beam...""

"Robert Black has done so much for so many coming through the IB program at North Canyon. He’s helped shape and change the lives of the young adults that went through his TOK class. His knowledge, time, humor, dedication, respect, and true concern for his students will never be forgotten, nor will he."

"Robert was a fellow teacher at North Canyon High School, but I also considered him a friend. He balanced a professional demeanor with a good sense of humor. It was an honor to work with him. He will be sorely missed."

"Robert’s life was a GIFT to all those who were fortunate to know him. His legacy as a son, husband, father, teacher, colleague, and friend will live forever. He was so special, so loved, and warmly remembered in our hearts. For today and all the days to come-- wishing you strength, comfort, and peace."

"Jill, your family is in my prayers. May God bless and take care of you during this trying time."

"I hope that Robert’s family can find comfort in knowing how much his colleagues, friends and students loved and respected him. He touched all of us in the very best way anyone can. He was an outstanding educator committed to his students and found joy in his work. We will miss him, but his spirit and legacy will always be with us at North Canyon. My heartfelt sympathy to his family."

"A man who lived his passion for learning. I’ll miss him. I am thankful for the lives he touched, for his commitment to excellence."

"It was an honor and a pleasure having Mr. Black as Bryce’s IB Coordinator the past four years at North Canyon. He was very dedicated and supportive of his students. Thanks to him, Bryce became one of the 51 IB Diploma Candidates at North Canyon in 2011. We send our condolences to the family. He will surely be missed!"

"Goodbye dear friend . I’ll miss golfing , Spring baseball , daily bs , you. See ya on the upside ."

"Mr. Black was an amazing teacher who made an impression that will last forever... he had high expectations and knew we were capable of so much more than we thought and for that I had the utmost respect for him. He has touched so many lives and will surely be missed! My deepest condolences to his family, may God bless and be with you all."

"To the Black family: I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Robert’s passing leaves a large void at North Canyon and in our lives. He was a wonderful and talented educator and he will be missed by all. May the love and kindness of others sustain you in this hard time. My thoughts are with all of you. Shannon Wold"

"Mr. Black is one of the finest teachers from whom I’ve had the pleasure to learn. TOK... Simply WAS my high school experience. His treating me like an adult and trusting that with some guidance... Even a brat like I was could figure things out on my own is a lesson I will take with me for the rest of my life. The impact of my time with Mr. Black will be a part of my life... Forever."

"Mr. Black was probably by far one of my favorite high school professors. I’m sad to hear of his passing and the friends and family let behind who have to carry on without getting to hear his dry, and sometimes amusingly sarcastic wit. I’m, again, deeply sadden to hear that he is no longer with us, he will definitely be missed. You were the best Mr. Black, high school would never have been the same without you!!"

"Odd to miss someone I knew personally rather slightly; but by reputation so well. The regard in which his students held him cannot be measured; the influence he exerted, the deep affection they held for him, have imprinted on me, and I feel somewhat bereft. Hourly, I’m offering prayers for his family, which seems a small thing but is all I can truly do. We don’t have to understand, to love. And we don’t stop when someone moves to a place farther away. Hearts are breaking; if yours is one, know you are not alone."

"Our prayers and thoughts are with your lovely family during this time of mourning. I regret having only had the privilege of knowing you for the past year, but working with you on the IB Parent Group has been a memorable experience. Your insight, expertise and dedication to the IB program & students is to be admired. Rest in Peace."

"Mr. Black was a teacher that left behind an infinite amount of knowledge for his students. He will be greatly missed by all and has made an huge impact on our lives."

"Unfortunately, I never had the chance to personally meet Mr. Black, but I "knew" him through my son, Chris. He was in the IB program at NC and spoke highly of you. We were so saddened to hear of your passing, and I know you are going to be missed, greatly. North Canyon was blessed to have you as a wonderful teacher as well as a mentor to many IB students. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this hard time. Mr. Black will be in our hearts forever. Rest in Peace Mr. Black. Kim Bobrowitz and Chris Bobrowitz"

"A dear friend and esteemed colleague who has inspired many throughout his career including me. You will be missed. Bub-bye!"