The St. George’s community is mourning the loss of Edward (Eddie) Nurse, a cherished teacher, mentor, and community advocate who passed away on August 23rd. Eddie was highly regarded for his significant contributions to his community and his dedication to education in Montreal. Born in Montreal and raised in Little Burgundy, Eddie found his calling at a very young age; by connecting with others, caring for those around him, and supporting fellow citizens, he became a pillar of the community.
Eddie taught at Northmount High School, Northmount Alternative School, Shadd Academy, and Argyle Academy, before finishing his teaching career at St. George’s School of Montreal. While at Shadd Academy, Eddie and his fellow teacher, Mr. Edwin Forde, began an innovative anti-drinking and driving program. As a result of their efforts, award-winning public service announcements have appeared on television and on radio in support of this venture, which has now spread to communities throughout Canada and abroad. In 1996, they were awarded the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal, which recognizes remarkable contributions and exceptional deeds or activities that brings honour to Canada.
Among his many contributions during his teaching career at St. George’s, Eddie established our Holiday Hamper Program and our Community Service Volunteer Program with the Shriners Hospital of Montreal. Both of these important outreach connections remain to this day because Eddie continued to drive them, even in his retirement. People trusted and respected Eddie. He was never too busy to help out, nor too shy to ask for a favor on someone else’s behalf. And he placed importance in always thanking those who stepped forward to help. And therein lays the magic. Yes, Eddie was always giving back. However, his truly special talent was to inspire generations of students to follow his example.
Paul Mcdougall, St. George’s High School Supervisor and Edward Nurse.
“I first met Eddie in the late 1980s while I was a substitute teacher; it was the start of a wonderful friendship that lasted for over 40 years. He was the epitome of what it means to give back to one’s community, always going out of his way to make life better for those in need. We worked together on Yuletide Holiday Hampers for the less fortunate, a tradition I continued in his name as his health declined. He was a truly great man who touched the lives of so many, and I am a better person for having known him.”
— Paul Mcdougall, St. George’s High School Student Supervisor
Annabella Alperstein 2025-2026 recipient of the Edward Nurse Award for Social Impact
Eddie’s positive influence on our students will be forever recognized with the annual presentation of the Edward Nurse Community Service/Community Outreach Award, established in 2009. Paying tribute to a man who spent a lifetime supporting and inspiring others, it recognizes the outstanding commitment of a St. George’s student or students in serving the needs of others through initiatives and actions that they themselves have inspired, and which are beyond the requirements of the St. George’s Social Impact program.
On February 20, 2013, Eddie was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal by then Member of Parliament Tyrone Benskin, celebrating his lifelong dedication to education and community work in Montreal.
Among his many contributions during his teaching career at St. George’s, Eddie established our Holiday Hamper Program and our Community Service Volunteer Program with the Shriners Hospital of Montreal. Both of these important outreach connections remain to this day because Eddie continued to drive them, even in his retirement. People trusted and respected Eddie. He was never too busy to help out, nor too shy to ask for a favor on someone else’s behalf. And he placed importance in always thanking those who stepped forward to help. And therein lays the magic. Yes, Eddie was always giving back. However, his truly special talent was to inspire generations of students to follow his example.
Nominated by the Honourable Marc Miller, Eddie was also awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025, in recognition of his exceptional and sustained contributions to his community and fellow citizens, and to the mission and goals of the Royal Society of Canada.
Eddie was the very deserving recipient of several prestigious honors and awards, yet deep down, he was a humble man who found joy and purpose in good works. To the benefit of countless students, colleagues, and community members alike, his penchant for service to others was at the very core of his being and will be his lasting legacy at St. George’s and beyond.
