George Laskowski

1976 - 1999
In his obituary in the Detroit Free Press, George Laskowki's wife, Kathleen, said if there was anything that matched her husband's passion for science fiction, it was teaching students at Cranbrook's Kingswood School.
Laskowski achieved science fiction's highest honor, the Hugo Award, in 1986 and 1991 for his fanzine, "Lan's Lantern," devoted to the comic book character the Green Lantern. He shared his interest with Cranbrook students, advising the science fiction writing club, 32.5.
Laskowski primarily taught mathematics -- and some Latin courses -- during his 23-year tenure at Cranbrook. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 1998, he continued to approach every math lesson with enthusiasm and vigor until losing his battle with the disease in July of 1999.
Laskowski joined the Kingswood staff in 1976 after spending a summer with the Horizons Upward Bound program. Throughout his career, he was a dedicated faculty member of HUB.
For those who had the privilege of being in his class, one might remember his basement room 5 and its walls plastered with calendars, science fiction and "Far Side" comic strips. Others may recall his traditional Thursday tests, birthday greetings and infectious sense of humor. Beyond any of his classroom antics, Laskowski demonstrated to students a lesson in life and in courage in his final years with Cranbrook.

Highlights:
Crane Clarion article, October 1998.
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  • Carol Nicholson
    1/6/2007 @ 10:06 PM
    Mr. Laskowski was the first teacher I met at Kingswood. After a difficult first week, I remember him telling me that "things will get better." He tutored me that first year once a week so I could keep up with my classmates. I try to bring the same level of caring to the students I teach today. I will never forget him.
  • Nancy Varbedian
    3/13/2006 @ 8:32 PM
    Fabulous Teacher... I think we all gave him a hard time and we were very young and I am sorry about that now, but he was the best and taught great and I think we all learned a lot from Mr. Laskowski. I am better for having had known him and having him as a teacher!!
  • Irosha Ratnasekera
    3/10/2006 @ 2:05 PM
    I was previledged to have Mr. Laskowski as one of my professor, during my tenure at Cranbrook. He was one of the most dedicated and patient not just teaches but people I have ever had the fortune to meet. He will always be a part of my fondest memories of Cranbook.
  • Elizabeth Burrows Chapin
    3/9/2006 @ 2:03 PM
    George Laskowski was one of the most patient, dedicated and thorough teachers I ever had. He was really interested in his subject and very committed to interest his students in it. He spent long hours after school helping students, including many late evenings tutoring in the Kingswood Dorm. I have not met before or since such a dedicated teacher, and I never realized all that he taught me until long after I graduated.

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