Garry Quast, a longtime MCWP leader, passed away on February 6, 2015. According to Slippery Rock University:
Dr.Garry Quast served in the Elementary Education Department from 1968 until his retirement in 1999. He was at the forefront of developing the field experience programs for teachers as well as being a legislative delegate for the union, chair of the first Constitutional Committee, a longstanding member of the College Curriculum Committee and a Danforth Associate.
In the September 16, 2008 interview (http://www.sru.edu/academics/library/rockvoices/Pages/QuastGarry.aspx), Quast reminisces about Bob Macoskey and other colleagues. He tells the story of his campus interview, when he dined at the local hotdog shop with the president of the college and the chair of the Elementary Education Department.
Garry’s obituary can be found at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/butlereagle/obituary.aspx?pid=174109237.
A memorial service for Garry will be celebrated at 11 am on May 16, 2015 at the Russell Wright Alumni House and Conference Center, 1 Morrow Way, Slippery Rock.
Memorial contributions to support a scholarship in Garry’s name may be sent to the Slippery Rock University Foundation, Inc., 100 Old Main, 1 Morrow Way, Slippery Rock, PA 16057. MCWP will contribute $500.
Below, there are two tributes by the current MCWP members.
“A Tribute to Garry Quast”
By Charlie Fleming
Garry Quast has been a very important person in math education in Pennsylvania and particularly Western Pennsylvania since the early sixty's. I do not know when he first joined PCTM, but I do know that he has been a workhorse for the organization using his mental knowledge and time in many ways. Garry usually did not take the chairmanship of committees or head a conference, but he was the first one to step up to help whomever did. His knowledge of math education was a supreme talent of his that proved that he was concerned for all students at any level. He was a member of the PCTM Executive board many times over the years. He entered many discussions at the board meetings offering his advice and wisdom.
PCTM honored him twice with The Outstanding Service to PCTM award and the Outstanding Contribution to Mathematics award. He could have, and probably should have been awarded all of the awards that PCTM gives out. Garry's main contribution to co-mathematicians and to society in general was his unique way of making everyone feel comfortable in whatever they were doing. He treated new teachers the same as more experienced ones. PCTM and the mathematics world will miss his expertise and wonderful personality.
“With Loving Thoughts and Great Memories”
By Linda Wagner-Pine
Dr. Garry Quast an Outstanding Mathematics educator at Slippery Rock University, McKay Education Building, Room 225 to be precise! This was where Dr. Quast taught so many the exceptional techniques of teaching mathematics. This was also where he would begin “recruiting” people to join PCTM, MCWP and NCTM! After Dr. Quast went over the class syllabus, he promptly handed out membership cards to these organizations. He shared with everyone how important these organizations are to teachers and the benefits of participation. He stressed that once individuals leave the university, these organizations will help to keep educators involved and connected to others in the field outside of their building or district. The organizations give educators a place where they can share ideas, learn from others, and build friendships along the way…for many long lasting friendships!
A conference was in the beginning stages of being planned. Those who were helping as chairs or committee members met in the famous Room 225. Garry was there with the other permanent people that were seen planning conferences for decades. These individuals gave suggestions for the up-coming conference and worked extraordinarily well together…as obviously they have for many conferences. Garry was always encouraging and supporting ideas. He was a brilliant man who enjoyed watching others bloom…although never taking credit for being the soil, water, and sunshine that provided the nutrients for growth. Garry was involved with all the facets of the conference not only the committee he chaired, although not wanting to take credit for anything…after all that was Garry. He was always assisting the various groups and making sure everyone felt welcome and involved.
As time continued, it is evident that Garry was one of the few who were the backbone behind PCTM and MCWP those known as“The Good Ol’ Boys” included are also John Katshir, Charlie Fleming and Dave Marchand. Also important to PCTM and MCWP are Ann Massey and the late Joann Mullen. PCTM would certainly not be where they are without any of these people…the glue that kept PCTM going strong for decades! My apologies if I left someone out…but those are the individuals who lead the way!
If questions would arise or situations came up--Garry was always there to lead the organizations down the right path. For Dr. Garry Quast, PCTM, MCWP and NCTM were very important in continuing the education that might be left behind when a degree is achieved. A place where educators would gather and soon all be known as friends.
Garry, a leader in education, writer for textbooks, outstanding contributor to mathematics education, and simply put… All Around Sweetheart! He cared deeply about so many. The void that is felt in our hearts today, fails in comparison to the contributions he made. In your words Gar….“Cheers!”