David Roberts ~ 1952 to 2024
Official Condolences from C21 Canada
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, David Athol Roberts, Co-Founder and President of C21 Canada. David’s departure on October 3, 2024, has left a profound void in the Canadian education community. His unwavering dedication to education and his extraordinary leadership helped shape the vision and impact of C21 Canada since its inception.
David was instrumental in co-founding C21 Canada, bringing with him a deep belief in the transformative power of education. His commitment to innovation and lifelong learning played a pivotal role in the creation of C21’s Shifting Minds initiative, which continues to influence educators, leaders, and policymakers across the nation. Under his leadership, C21 Canada evolved into a beacon of excellence, championing 21st-century skills and preparing learners for the future. David’s passion for education was rivaled only by his love for people, and his drive to make a difference inspired all of us.
In honour of David’s legacy and his remarkable contributions, we are proud to announce that the C21 Canada Shifting Minds Leadership Award will be renamed the David Roberts C21 Canada Shifting Minds Leadership Award. This renaming is a tribute to his relentless pursuit of excellence, his vision for the future of education, and his extraordinary ability to connect people and ideas.
David’s official obituary perfectly captures the essence of who he was — a man of grit, courage, and meticulous planning. As a lifelong sportsman, David’s faith in teamwork, both on the ice rink and in life, mirrored his leadership style. He lived by the principles of collaboration and loyalty, always choosing to assist and uplift others before claiming the spotlight himself.
His love for his family was his greatest treasure. With his beloved wife Susan, his children Sarah and Andrew, and his cherished grandchildren, David cultivated a life full of meaning, support, and endless creativity. His presence will forever be felt in the hearts of those who knew him, especially in the wisdom and strength he imparted to his children and grandchildren.
David’s influence on C21 Canada and his passion for community will continue to inspire us as we move forward in his memory. We invite you to join us in honoring his legacy by extending a hand to others, fostering friendships, and serving your community — just as David lived his life.
On behalf of C21 Canada, we offer our deepest condolences to David’s family and loved ones. We will miss him greatly, but his spirit will live on in the work we continue to do.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Robert Martellacci Karen Yamada
Co-Founder & CEO, C21 Canada Chief Learning Officer & CFO, C21 Canada
