Contributions to the tribute of Cyrus Norwood Carter

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Thursday, January 11, 2024

I am very sorry to hear this news which I received from our fellow high school classmates Peter Kwok and Peter Dalglish. I had been in touch with Cyrus talking about Peter. We had re-connected and we were talking about us coming to visit sometime. The wonderful picture collection gave me a sense of the wonderful life Cyrus lived. I recognize a few of the earliest ones with the funny haircuts. I have memories of Cyrus and a kind fellow and always with a little mischievous smile on his face.I will pass on this sad message to the rest of class. He will be sadly missed. My condolences to the family. Andy MacCulloch, UCC Class of 1976

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Jennifer Sertel Schneller posted a condolence

Thursday, January 11, 2024

I have known Cyrus since he was a a young teacher at Uskudar. I was lucky to be his colleague at Robert College when he joined the school. Besides being a great teacher of students, Cyrus was an amazing teacher of teachers. We did a number of workshops together for public school teachers in different cities in Turkey. In these we taught the teachers by example. He was amazing the way he could connect with them, even tho their backgrounds were so different from his but somehow he could understand where in the teaching journey they were coming from and assess what they needed. He did it as he did everthing else he did, with kindness, grace and humor. The way Cyrus left this world was also a way of teaching by example. Full of dignity, respect warmth, kindess and humor till the end. He also introduced us to a new piece of music- The Lark Ascending. Even at the end, he taught us- this time how to ‘go home’ Condolences to the many many people who were touched by him. His memorial at Robert College was a testament to his legacy. Stay strong, Dilek as he would have wanted. much love. Jennifer Sertel (Schneller)

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R. Irem Eren-Szczesiak uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, January 11, 2024

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Dear Dilek Hanim and Cyrus’s extended family, Although we've never met in person, please accept my heartfelt condolences. I want to reiterate the sentiments expressed about Cyrus during the memorial service at RC. He was not only a remarkable person in general but holds a special place in my heart as my first mentor when I began teaching in 2007. His guidance during my initial year of teaching was akin to a parent patiently guiding a child's first steps. I've always held him in high regard, yearning to have been his student and striving to emulate his teaching methods. Sharing an office with him for several years, I had the privilege of enjoying his sense of humor, along with his delightful banana breads and other baked goods. Throughout this time, his ideas and knowledge, his extensive reading, and his unwavering dedication and character continually inspired me. We shared memorable experiences, from chaperoning students on school trips to Italy and Asia Minor to a professional development trip to Memphis. Cyrus was like a father figure to me, mentoring me at every step of my career and offering support. He was present on my special days, from my wedding to my last day at RC. Cyrus was undeniably one of the most special individuals I encountered at RC, and his untimely departure leaves me at a loss for words. May you find solace in his cherished memories, and may he rest in peace. Sincerely, R. Irem Eren-Szczesiak 1st Photo: Trip to Italy (June, 2014) 2nd Photo: Last time together on my final day at RC - Graduation (June, 2022) 3rd Photo: Seniors' tribute to Cyrus - Senior Day (April, 2020) 4th Photo: With Cyrus on my wedding day (August, 2015) 5th and 6th Photos: English Dept. yearbook photoshoots (August, 2015 and August, 2013 respectively)

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Elaine Vaccarello posted a condolence

Friday, January 5, 2024

I’m so sorry to hear the news of Cyrus’ passing. I will always remember him as an amazing mentor. May his legacy live on for generations. I also would like to extend deep condolences to his family and especially to Dilek Hanım. ❤️

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ŞİRİN GÖKER posted a condolence

Thursday, January 4, 2024

He was our Cyrus. Cyrus, who has accomplished a great deal amongst us. Appearing at our door with his calming smile and his daily TIES describing his daily mood. Enlight your new journey...be the HERO :) . Wishing his family comfort and peace.

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Gillian duCharme. posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

I am heartbroken that we have lost Cyrus, and offer you, Dilek, and all the family my heartfelt sympathies. I did not see them often, as I live in London and visit Istanbul only occasionally, but one of my main reasons for enjoying those visits was the chance to catch-up with Cyrus, such a pleasure!! It won’t be the same without him (: I shall never forget him….. Best wishes for the New Year to you all. Gillian (duCharme M 44 07758 355812 gillianducharme@hotmail.com)

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Sarah Hills uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

This is such heartbreaking news. When I started work in the prep department at UAA in 1993 Cyrus was my coordinator and also foreign liaison support . He guided his team and mentored all of us to be better teachers. We also had fun running the UAA cooking club together for a couple of years ( see photo from nearly 30 years ago)- Cooking was one of his passions and if you were ever lucky enough to be invited to a gathering at Dilek and Cyrus's home you got to taste his many delicious treats. After he left UAA, we kept in touch either at book clubs, social events with his wife, Dilek, or at the many excellent Istanbul, based teachers' conferences he helped organize. Over the years Cyrus was a positive influence on many educators in Turkey and taught thousands of students, including some children of our relatives and close friends. He will be sadly missed by many. Condolences to Dilek, his extended family in Canada and all who knew him.

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Alison Stendahl posted a condolence

Sunday, December 31, 2023

I first met Cyrus in 1991 when I returned to Üsküdar Amerikan after a two year leave. He was young, lively, well liked and a good educator. He also had great parties, bringing people together. I have always had the highest respect for Cyrus. He has left us way too soon. May he rest in peace.

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Fran Oliver posted a condolence

Saturday, December 30, 2023

Nicola, Jeff and family, My sincere condolences on your loss.

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John Brain posted a condolence

Friday, December 29, 2023

My heart goes out to you Dikek and family, It is more than two decades since I worked with Cyrus at MEF International School in Istanbul, yet, he was the kind of person you would never forget. I can genuinely state that it was a pleasure to work with Cyrus and to feel that I knew him as a friend. He was exceptionally giving, kind and had such a genuine personality, giving off positive vibes all the way. I was truely gutted when I got the news of his passing. Rest in peace dear Cyrus John Brain, UK

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Maria McGeough posted a condolence

Friday, December 29, 2023

I offer my sincere condolences to Dilek and to all of Cyrus’ family. Cyrus was such a kind, warm, cultured man with a personality which endeared him to all those he met. I remember Cyrus with such fond memories. Maria McGeough. Dublin, Ireland

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John Heard posted a condolence

Friday, December 29, 2023

Susan and I are saddened by this news. Cyrus welcomed us to Istanbul on August 1, 1993, when our flight arrived at midnight. He took us grocery shopping the next morning and it seemed as though we repeatedly said to one another, “Find Cyrus”, “Ask Cyrus”, and “Check with Cyrus”. He was always there to help. Cyrus served as my Foreign Faculty Liaison and Prep Department Coordinator and he steadily took on numerous administrative responsibilities. We spent long hours planning the “Autumn Teacher Conference” ensuring that it was the first and best professional development activity in Turkey that balanced training for both English-speaking and Turkish-speaking teachers. He was an early and enthusiastic adopter of technology. Most importantly, Cyrus was a wonderful role model for his students. The best teachers are inspirational and he was certainly that. Thank you, Cyrus, for being a friend and colleague. Our sincere condolences to Dilek and his family in St. John, NB. John & Susan Heard Naples, Florida

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Peter Kwok uploaded photo(s)

Friday, December 29, 2023

My sincere condolences to the Carter family and to Dilek. I am so glad that I visited Turkey just a bit over a year ago, in Nov. 2022, and Cyrus was able to come out to have dinner with me on my last day in Istanbul. Being separated by a long distance, it had been decades earlier when we previously saw each other. On that evening in Istanbul, we exchanged stories about our UCC friends and had a really good time. Back in the 1970s, shortly after we left UCC, Cyrus had recommended to me his favorite recording of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2, and, to this day, I still have that recording in my collection (though it is now in CD format instead of LP format). I will treasure it forever, as it will always remind me of this wonderful friend named Cyrus Carter.

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Erdal Kilic posted a condolence

Friday, December 29, 2023

He was a very good man and one of the folks who made it easier for me to take the decision to move to Canada. Cok iyi adamdin Mr.Carter. Rest in peace. Erdal UAA ‘00

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Darlene Bobrosky posted a condolence

Thursday, December 28, 2023

How blessed we were to know Cyrus, first as the principal of MEF and later as a friend. Cyrus and Dilek welcomed us to Turkey and shared their love of their beautiful country with us. Cyrus and Dilek were treasured friends! It was devastating to hear of Cyrus's death and our hearts are broken. Dilek, how blessed you were to be loved by such an amazing man. We are sending you a virtual hug and as much love as possible. I hope we will soon see each other and share memories of happier times. Sincerely, Darlene and Ken Bobrosky (Calgary, Alberta)

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Wayne Dunsford posted a condolence

Thursday, December 28, 2023

We send our love and thoughts to Dilek and Cyrus’s family in Canada. We were honoured to have Cyrus as part of the Turkish family. He brought wisdom and warmth to us all and he is sorely missed. Wayne & Nuyan Dunsford

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William and Nancy McKenna posted a condolence

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Nicola and Jeff, Sorry to hear that Cyrus passed. Please accept our sincere condolences. Nancy and William McKenna

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Bill Atkinson posted a condolence

Thursday, December 28, 2023

I'm grateful for Cyrus and our online dialogue. Although continents and oceans separated us the continuity of thought was treasured. I know my sister Marilyn who isn't on FB enjoys the memory of here time spent with Cyrus as he showed her his chosen home and that she would wish her sympathies to be included with mine as we join with family and friends in remembrance

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Michelle Paul-Elias posted a condolence

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Nicola, Jeff, David, Evelyne and family- our sincerest condolences to you all for the loss of Cyrus. May all your memories of your shared adventures bring you some comfort.

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Zeynep Torkak posted a condolence

Thursday, December 28, 2023

I will always remember him with that wonderful big smile and his favorite ties. That smile was a symbol that reflected his wise personality, humane approach and the warmth of his heart. May you always be safe in your new journey dear friend, you will never be forgotton. Zeynep Torkak RC Archives

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The family of Cyrus Norwood Carter uploaded a photo

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Cyrus Norwood Carter

1957 - 2023