Condolences

• January 27, 2026

  Jeff

  I am deeply saddened by Dwight's passing. I was one of his remote students, and even though I never had the chance to meet him in person, I considered him a friend. I spoke with him every week to improve my English, and every time we had truly wonderful conversations. When I first started taking English lessons with Dwight, I would always end the sessions exhausted, because there was never any small talk with him. Dwight knew how to talk about real things, and he knew how to make us think. It was easy to feel comfortable with him, and he was a unique teacher. I spoke to him for the last time 20 days before he left us... I still can't believe he only had 20 days left among us at that moment. The world has lost an extraordinary human being. Thank you, Dwight, for your teachings, for the time you gave me, and for the trust you had in me and helped me build. I sincerely hope you are at peace wherever you are.

• January 26, 2026

  Ken Maetche

  Dwight and I met in our first choir class in Mr. Isenor's choral group in grade 10 at Lindsay Thurber High School. He was walking home following class and I pulled over and offered him a ride , but because my passenger door didn't open I told him he'd have to climb through the window. He didn't blink an eye, just jumped through the window head first and yelled "let's go" ! We've had tons of amazing memories..., far too many to share . I'll miss my best buddy , til the other side of Jordan 🙏🙏

• January 26, 2026

  Jess

  Dwight once said to me, "True grief doesn't arrive immediately — it slowly settles in some time after someone is gone." After hearing the news, I honestly felt lost and overwhelmed. I was the last group of students he taught before his retirement, and I was also one of the few who had the chance to connect with him outside of class. Although our time together lasted only two months, that short journey meant so much to me. He taught me more than I can put into words. In the classroom, his teaching style was truly one of a kind. He always believed in his students and had a special way of bringing out the potential in each of us. Beyond lessons and assignments, he shared stories about Canada, about everyday life, and about his weekends. Whenever he spoke about playing hockey with his son, his joy was unmistakable. At that time, I had been in Canada for only three months. His warmth, encouragement, and openness made this unfamiliar place feel welcoming and human. Those moments meant more to me than he may have ever known. The last time I saw him was when he came back to campus after retiring. He continued to encourage me, just as he always had. Before we said goodbye, he gave me a hug — one I now wish I had held onto just a little longer. Even now, I still have emails from our conversations saved in my inbox, and photos I took of him on my phone. These past few days, when I look back at them and see his smile, I know he would want all of us to live in the present and find happiness. That's why I don't feel like he has truly left us. This is also what I would like to say to his family: although he has left this world, he is still with us — somewhere beyond, in another space, quietly accompanying us. And I will always remember you, Dwight.

• January 22, 2026

  Jason Tuchelt

  I had the privilege of working with Dwight at SAIT and the opportunity to send him to teach ELF internationally in Angola. Dwight was someone I could always rely on. While he had a laid-back nature, he was unfailingly professional and consistently went above and beyond what was expected of him. Dwight had a deep understanding of the international teaching context. He recognized that understanding the challenges students faced outside the classroom—and adapting his teaching approach accordingly—was just as important as delivering course content. His compassion and insight shaped the way he connected with his students and approached his work. He also fully understood the realities of working in a developing country, where challenges related to classroom conditions, food, accommodations, and daily living are common. Throughout these entire experiences, I never once heard Dwight complain. Instead, he remained flexible, adaptable, and positive, viewing international teaching not just as an opportunity to give, but as a chance to learn and grow as an individual. Because of this, I developed a deep respect for Dwight and stayed in touch with him after his retirement. We would meet for lunch when he was in Calgary, and he shared stories about his retirement adventures, including his cross-Canada golf exploration. I last saw him before Christmas, when he mentioned he would be back in the city in March and that we should meet again. I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Rest in peace, my friend.

• January 22, 2026

  Heba Younes

  I am deeply saddened by Dwight's passing. We taught together at SAIT, and I knew him as someone genuinely dedicated to teaching and committed to his students. He was the kind of person who made an immediate and lasting impact; someone whose presence instantly felt like family! We shared many meaningful conversations around religion, and I always valued his wisdom and deep, thoughtful analysis. His sense of humour was also very special - sometimes it took me moments to catch it, but it always stayed with me. You will be deeply missed, Dwight. While my heart is heavy, I'm sure you're now in a better place. My deepest condolences to your family and to all who were fortunate enough to know you ❤️. May you rest in peace 🙏.

• January 21, 2026

  Scott Cowan

  Dwight was an integral part of my life when I was a teenager. Back in the mid 90's, Dwight quit his job and came out to Camp Harmattan to work/volunteer. I was working there at the same time. I remember this "adult" driving up in his Toyota Celica (the coolest car I'd seen in person at that point), and strolling in with his guitar, wearing a beret. He was the coolest guy, because he didn't think he was cool. He was just himself. As a 15 year old kid, Dwight treated me like an equal and used his kind influence to teach and mentor me. He taught me about faith, music, fun, and how to show kindness and care for others. He had a way to make people feel seen and important, I always felt like the most important person in the room, and I think others probably did as well. Dwight eventually moved on to work/volunteer at the Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen in Red Deer and I'm thankful that I ran into him a few times there (once at a Hokus Pick concert that he organized in the building). I went on to work at the Camp for many years afterwards, and then in other youth programs, and I've always tried to emulate how Dwight was that summer at the camp. I've thought of him many times over the years and appreciated his heart of service to others, his humour, his musical talent, his mentorship, and his friendship. "People won't remember what you said, or what you did, but they will remember how you made them feel." (Maya Angelou). My condolences to all his family and many friends.

• January 20, 2026

  Joe White

  I was saddened to hear of Dwight's passing. We worked together in the ELF department at SAIT, and I will always remember his quick wit and love of puns. Some of which I was a little slow to catch, but he was always patient and good-humoured about it. Each semester, Dwight and I shared a quiet laugh over an inside joke connected to one of the lessons we taught. Those moments meant a great deal to me. For that, I say, "Thank you," Dwight. My deepest condolences to his family.

• January 20, 2026

  Aidan Wyatt

  So sad to hear the news of Dwight's passing. I taught in the ELF program at SAIT with Dwight many years ago, and he was a wonderful colleague and mentor. He was always a friendly face to students and instructors alike, and he will be missed. My deepest condolences to Dwight's family and close friends at this time.

• January 19, 2026

  Christine (Chris) Horgan

  Such sad news. Dwight was a lovely man who cared deeply about the success of his ELFF students.

• January 19, 2026

  Blair Howes

  so sorry to hear this news Dwight was champion for both his students as well as his faculty colleagues at SAIT he would often come into the faculty association office to offer and seek guidance for issues and to brag to me about his upcoming retirement Plans (he and I are approximately the same age and come from similar backgrounds of family farming) he will truly be missed in his family circles and more broadly in the Sait community. Sait Academic Faculty Association (SAFA) President Blair Howes

• January 19, 2026

  Chamail

  I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dwight Maki. As his student, I will always remember his dedication, encouragement, and the genuine care. He made a difference in my life, and his memory will remain with me. My sincere condolences to his family and all who knew him.

• January 15, 2026

  Donna Winget

  Rest in peace dear cousin Our sincere condolences to all of our family It was so great to see you in July, you are missed every day! 💔 Until we meet again 😇 With love, Donna, Angela, Andrew and Jody xo

• January 10, 2026

  Brenda McIntosh

  Sending much love & prayers to Shirley & Gary. We know how much Dwight did with & for you. We are very glad to have met him. It was so good to know you had him out on the farm. Sending peace & memories to his family & friends. Russ & Brenda McIntosh

• January 08, 2026

  Margaret Rieger

  Sorry to hear the sad news. Thinking of you Pam and your family. Margaret Rieger

• January 07, 2026

  Susan Quapp

  Greg and I are so very sorry to hear this and for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

• January 06, 2026

  Edi Giesbrecht

  Dear Pam and your boys, so much heartfelt love and sympathy to you all.