Richard Bilkszto Scholarship Fund

Our dear friend, Richard Bilkszto, was a Canadian educator and humanitarian and a member of SOS TDSB.

Richard dedicated 24 years of his life to the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), where he passionately pursued his commitment to education. Although he didn't have children of his own, he profoundly impacted the lives of thousands who passed through the schools where he served as an educator and later as a beloved principal. Richard dedicated himself to assisting marginalized and struggling students from diverse backgrounds and age groups, exemplified by his leadership in the Toronto chapter of the non-profit Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR).

Every weekend, Richard visited his elderly mother, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to family. His reputation extended far beyond his professional life, as he was well-known and respected by his peers. Richard's enthusiasm for his work was evident in his tireless efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of students and his active involvement in initiatives combating intolerance and racism.

Regrettably, Richard is no longer with us. On July 13, 2023 he was driven to choose to end his life, a decision seemingly influenced by events that eroded his mental health and overall well-being, their lasting impact echoing through his existence. According to his family's statement, the sequence of events leading to Richard's passing started in 2021. During an equity seminar organized by the TDSB, he experienced feelings of being bullied and humiliated by the presenter. Richard filed a claim against the WSIB, and the investigator concluded that, "Based on the information on file, I am satisfied that the conduct of the speaker... was abusive, egregious, and vexatious, and rises to the level of workplace harassment and bullying." The investigator further noted that the facilitator intended to "cause reputational damage and to 'make an example [of Richard].'"

Richard's untimely passing is a tragedy that should never have occurred and is a profound loss for all who had the privilege of knowing him and for those whose lives would have undoubtedly improved through his dedicated efforts. Richard held a steadfast belief in the intrinsic value of our shared humanity. He was a person of profound depth who saw beyond our immutable differences, recognizing the detrimental impact of the narrow-minded focus that has evidently been tearing us apart and, at times, pushing us over the edge—quite literally.

As his friends, we regarded Richard as a pillar – someone unwavering, someone you could lean on without hesitation. He was the person who lifted you up when you were down, who helped you see the light at the end of the tunnel when you were on the verge of giving up. Richard was the one who encouraged you to perceive obstacles as opportunities, to view problems as possibilities, to harness fear as a driving force, and to comprehend how struggles could strengthen you. He imparted the wisdom to embrace rejection as redirection. Even in retirement, he truly embodied the essence of an educator.

Note: this scholarship fund is administered by Friends of Richard Bilkszto, a registered Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporation (OCN #1000759540) independent of Richard’s family. All of our Board directors knew Richard personally and are committed to honouring his legacy and memory.