Fond memories of Mr. Malhotra

To the Editor:
RE: “Former high school teacher, Sam Malhotra, dies at the age of 78”

What sad news! I have many fond memories of Sam.

Mr. Malhotra was my science teacher at the Ripley District High School. I remember soon after I got my driver’s licence, there was a huge snowstorm, and I had to drive home through it. He told me to “drive like a little old lady,” and I’ve never forgotten that. In fact, I used that quote with somebody today.

He told me once that in university, if he had to get an assignment done, he’d shave his head, so he would be too embarrassed to go out and he’d finish it.

Mr. Malhotra would teach physics or science to the class. At the end of the chapter, there would be eight or nine problems to solve. And he would assign us maybe three or four.

Well, I took it upon myself to try to solve ALL eight or nine. And if I couldn’t, I’d stay after class and ask him to explain these really difficult ones. So, of course, I could see how very bright he was, and how much he knew, far more than what you’d see in the actual class room teaching.

He was an impressive guy. But laid back. Never in a hurry. I can still in my mind’s eye see him shuffling around the halls. I can still hear his voice.

When he first arrived to teach, nobody could understand his accent. But we all got used to it in time. He definitely was part of Ripley District High School.

Beverley Smith
Mississauga