One of the Best Educators I Ever Knew
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life" - Henry David Thoreau
There are people that you meet that change your lives. They may not be trying to, but the wisdom they impart transforms you little by little and you become a better person. Many of these are educators. They may or may not be teachers in the traditional sense, but that is the life they live.
One of these was David Moutrie. I never had him for a class. He taught at Frasier High School and I was already well past college years when I met him. I knew him as a friend and neighbor. We moved into our house about 10 years ago and God blessed us with great neighbors in David and Kristina Moutrie. They were very welcoming and David and I began to have long talks, usually when one or both of us was supposed to be working. I would go to take out the trash or be mowing the lawn and half an hour later my wife or his would poke a head out and tell us to get back to work. But I think he was working. To him, being a friend and talking about life was more important than household chores. Helping others was his life's work.
From him, I learned about friendship. He was always willing to help out, even when he had his own to do list. He would often tell me, "You don't have time for this. You have three kids you are raising." and proceed to help me over my protests. He always would take the time to listen when things were rough and knew how to provide just the right encouragement. In talking with him, one never felt like they were imposing on him. He really wanted to know about you.
From him, I learned about being a Christian. We didn't agree on everything, but we were men of faith together. Faith wasn't something left at the church door, but an integral part of life. He didn't need a WWJD wristband. He studied the scriptures and met with other Christians, ingraining this knowledge into his soul. When he told you to trust in God during a rough patch, you knew he did the same.
From him, I learned about marriage and loving one's family. When we moved in, we were two years into marriage and kids were only a plan. He and Kristina had a long-established marriage with two mostly grown sons. Their marriage was solid, based on love, support, and trust in God. They were willing to do anything for each other, whether it was David taking allergy pills so Kristina could have a dog or Kristina moving with David to northern Michigan where his heart felt at home. I watched how they lived and how they guided their sons, Stuart and Timothy, through life. Sometimes I learned from our discussions, but most of the time through their example.
He always had time for my family too. He and Kristina "adopted" our daughters as grandkids. They loved going over and talking with them. He had a light teasing way about him that endeared him to them and they were always excited to see him and Kristina, or Mr. and Mrs. Moo as they were known to our girls.
From him, I learned about serving others. He was always giving of his time and talents, whether it was to his neighbors, keeping an eye on the Paint Creek Trail, or volunteering in Pontiac schools or at his church. He wanted to make a difference. He did. He saw a need and worked to meet it.
From him, I learned about living life to the fullest. He always had a list a mile long of things he wanted to do and just not enough time in the day. Retirement was not an end, but an opportunity for new beginnings. It was a time to help out others, start businesses, build a house, and spend time with his wife. It was time to explore and enjoy. He sucked the marrow out of life.
I could never have repaid him even if I had had the time to. But he would not have wanted to be repaid, but to pass it on to others. He would want me to use what he taught me to be a better husband and father, neighbor, community member, Christian, and person. He would want me to help others just as he did.
And so I learn my final lesson from him. It is not just a lesson about death and grief, but a lesson about leaving a legacy that others don't just want to pass on, but feel compelled to pass on. His work on earth was not finished, but will continue as those who knew him take part of his work - as a friend, a mentor, an educator, a person of noble character - and make it part of their lives' work.
David, I shall miss you. You were a true friend and a true educator. Your lessons will live on, passed on by those you touched.
David Moutrie passed on September 15, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Kristina, and sons Stuart (Eva) and Timothy.
Don Drysdale
9:50 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
Dave was one of the first people who went out of their way to make me feel comfortable at FHS. Whether it was bringing me a coffee on my first day of school, or just being there to mentor me when I had "stupid" questions, he was always willing to give his time to make me better. Dave Moutrie truly understood what is important in life and he showed that to everybody that had the chance to know him. The Fraser family lost a key member.
Andre Spotts
10:26 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
One of the best men I knew. We came out of similar backgrounds in terms of our love for God, but we were generations apart. However I ALWAYS felt a strong affection for Dave when he would talk about how he wanted to help other people so much. I miss the long talks I used to have with him. They made me a better person!
Andre' Spotts
Joshua Raymond
12:14 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
From the Paint Creek Trail, where David served as Trail Ambassador for many years:
In honor of David Moutrie, we've established the David R. Moutrie Memorial Fund through the Friends of the Paint Creek Trail for the development of an area with amenities in David's honor and memory along the Paint Creek Trail. David's sons have given us the blessings for it. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the memorial fund, visit http://www.paintcreektrail.org/moutrie.htm or our Friends page at paintcreektrailfriends.org
Kristen Myers, Trail Manager
Marti VanEenenaam-Iwanicki
1:10 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
David was a friend and colleague at Fraser High School. When I started as a new teacher, he was my unofficial mentor and taught me about much more than "teacher procedures". Dave reminded me of the importance of a strong work ethic, faith, "service leadership" and balance in one's life and work. I thank him for those lessons, as well as the support he always gave me. I will continue to share those lessons with others.
Daryl Patrishkoff
1:18 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
Joshua,
I just read your posting, what a great story about a man who made a difference in everyone’s life he touched. I just submitted my post, along the same lines about my father. Your story touched me and helped me deal with my father's situation and understanding the end of his life is near.
When people get to their final reflection point and evaluate their life they account for the important things in life. It is a great lesson to focus on those important things throughout life, not just at the end.
It is clear your friend David Moutrie lived his life that way, what a great legacy he has left.
Joshua Raymond
4:25 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
Thank, Daryl. Your Dad sounds like a really great guy too. It is great to meet people who live by a solid set of values. Many times they have a character forged through confronting hardship.
Good timber does not grow with ease; the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees – J. Willard Marriott
May the memories you have made and continue to make with your father be a celebration of his life.
David Nowinski
2:55 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
Dave was a mans' man, willing to do and say the right thing even though he may face criticism. He not only created a niche at Fraser High he carved a path for many to follow towards LIFE SUCCESS! His legacy was his INTEGRITY. His life was a gift of grace, love and sharing to all who knew him. God Bless
AnnMarie Besko
11:03 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
An extraordinary man! I am very sad to learn of his death. He was a Devine person during the passing of my son. It makes me smile to know that Randy was waitng for him. Thank you Joshua for sharing your beautiful insight of your friendship, the kind he had with many. Mr. Moutrie may you rest in peace but know that your legacy will be spoke of forever. Love to you and your family and friends. Hugs and comfort, you have returned home.
Dave Miller
10:42 am on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
I first met David while enrolled at an adminstrative program at the U of M. It didn't take long to see his passion and ability to help others. He displayed this in this program as well as in his other persuits. He taught for a few years and then left educaiton to take over his dad's wallpaper business. I saw his passion for this business and his ability to work with people. I was excited when he decided to get back into education when we had a job opening in his subject area at Fraser High School. He applied for the job and, once again, we could work together. I was able to witness his passion for education, ability to motivate students and to work with fellow staff members. I would always support his novel ideas he used to teach his students about the business world. His students and friends witnessed his endless energy. He has made a positive impact on many people and will be sadly missed. His friend, in loving memory. Dave Miller.
Carl Lundgren
10:53 am on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Dave & I became friends in the third grade in Detroit. We were close throughout grade and high school. When I was 19, my mother died and Dave came back from Western to be with me. He helped me get through a tough time. We went different ways during college and our careers, but we always remained in contact. At a minium, we always called each other on our birthdays. Whenever we were in the Detroit area we tried to get together for an afternoon or evening. Fortunately, we were vacationing in northern Michigan last month and went up to spend a day with Dave & Kristina. They were so excited about their now house and the area they had chosen for retirement. Dave was a friend's friend and I'll miss him deeply. My heart goes out to Kristina, Stewart anf Tim.
Carl Lundgren
Joshua Raymond
11:52 am on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
The memorial service for David will be this Friday, September 21 at 11AM at Kensington Church in Troy.
1825 E. Square Lake Road
Troy, MI 48085.
Bill Mlinac
1:52 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Mr. Moutrie was one of my all time favorite teachers at Fraser High. I learned so much with him from marketing to running the school store my senior year. On my graduation day May of 2003, he was there and shook my hand and padded me on the back congratulating me on my success then told me to keep in contact with him. I wrote him a few letters time to time throughout the years. Friday September 14th 2012 I could of thought I saw him riding his bike down Adams Rd. in Rochester Hills. It looked just like him wearing a yellow shirt. I thought to myself that was Mr. Moutrie!! Today I just found out about his passing from friends all over facebook. I strongly believe God gave me the chance to see him one last time. R.I.P Mr. Moutrie I will never forget you. Thank you so much for everything that you did for me.
Melissa Rumminger
9:06 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
I had Mr. Moutrie as a teacher and years later I was lucky enough to work with him at Fraser High School. He was the kindest man who would go out of his way to help anyone. He will missed very much! My heart goes out to his family but know that Mr. Moo was an amazing man!!!
Erin
12:50 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012
Joshua - I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this story. It helps to remind us all to give thanks to the many teachers - in whatever form/capacity - who touch our lives.
Joshua Raymond
2:35 pm on Saturday, September 22, 2012
Thank you, Erin.
Joshua Raymond
2:45 pm on Saturday, September 22, 2012
Thank you to all the people who came to David's memorial service. It was amazing to see Kensington's chapel absolutely jammed with people! There were people who had known him for decades and others, like the group that traveled down from Indian River, that had only known him a couple of months but already felt a strong connection.
There is a great video of David at http://my.hsj.org/Schools/Newspaper/tabid/100/view/frontpage/schoolid/452/articleid/537260/newspaperid/428/Remembering_Dave_Moutrie.aspx