Frank McCamley, a longtime friend of Tiho, wrote a beautiful reflection and tribute to their friendship during Tiho's last days with us. Read what Frank had to say about his good friend.
Tiho was a neighbor and much more, a friend, for many years.. Our kids grew up together and our families grew close. during those years. We shared good times and bad,and some hard winters there in the Chardon "snow belt." We will miss him terribly.
May he RIP. God bless him and family,
Jim, Mike and Steve.
Katie O’Connor Holzheimer
12/19/2017 @ 11:11 AM
My heart goes out to the Teisl and Gale families on your shattering loss. I knew Tiho as a college student, we attended Cleveland State at the same time. Even back then he was a unique guy
. When I heard in 2001 he started a program to take Gilmour students to Honduras, I was impressed. I have been involved in the Gesu mission to Honduras since 2000. The Gesu team had the good fortune to have Tiho on our trip last February, I got to see firsthand how close he was to those young people at Nuevo. He brought them tremendous joy. He knew them all by name and could tell you how each one was doing in school and how they were doing socially and how they were developing as young people. This is not an easy in an impoverished country with very little opportunity. The children loved him. His excellent Spanish speaking skills caused an instant bond.
It is in giving that you shall receive. His legacy will live on in all of our hearts.
Massimo DiPierro
12/19/2017 @ 2:24 AM
One fond memory I have of Mr. Tiho Teisl is the speech he gave to my class on Kairos. He told us how much he truly cared about each and every one of his students that walked through the halls each day. While upon first meeting him when I started at Gilmour in 8th grade he seemed like the “scary Dean of Students”, I quickly came to learn that he had a big heart and only wanted the best for all of us. For this, I am truly grateful for having known this man. I am certain that the Gilmour community will never forget his presence, his generosity, and his willingness to help others. I know I won’t. Rest In Peace, Mr. Teisl.
Massimo DiPierro
12/19/2017 @ 2:22 AM
One fond memory I have of Mr. Tiho Teisl is the speech he gave to my class on Kairos. He told us how much he truly cared about each and every one of his students that walked through the halls each day. While upon first meeting him when I started at Gilmour in 8th grade he seemed like the “scary Dean of Students”, I quickly came to learn that he had a big heart and only wanted the best for all of us at Gilmour. For this, I am truly grateful for having known Tiho. I am certain that the Gilmour community will never forget his presence, his generosity, and his willingness to help others. I know I won’t. Rest In Peace, Mr. Teisl.
Nicole Porter '12
12/16/2017 @ 3:10 PM
I can remember shouting in the bleachers, "you wish you were a Lancer...oh-ah" throughout my four years of high school....that transformed into "you wish you were a Gale....oh-ah" at a cousin Christmas party a few years later...
Six months ago I got a phone call from my mom as I walked into a target. She shared the heartbreaking news of Tiho's diagnosis. I froze in the aisle with tears steaming down my face. A moment later a kind older woman gave me not just a tissue, but her entire pack and simply said "you need these more than I do, please take them."
I can't help but smile 6 months later as I reflect on the moment I heard the news and think that woman did exactly what Tiho would have done- give not just some, but all that he had.
Tiho was one of a kind. He was a leader, with a distinct whistle that got every little kid's attention in the field house before the camp day. He was a mentor, taught my dad the "dos" & "don'ts" of teaching, school administration, and most importantly- fatherhood. He was a coach, dedicated 30 years of his life to it, but more importantly he was a fan, attending almost every sporting event on campus to watch his students from the classroom excel on the field. He was a teacher, yes a difficult one, but had such a passion for learning and sharing knowledge. He was the Dean of Students, pushing each student to see the value they had while also gaining their respect. He was a missionary, a man who's eyes would light up with love when you spoke about Honduras, Nuevo Paraiso, and los ninos.
He was an uncle, he was my uncle. A man who stood tall for our family even in the passing of his youngest son, Christopher and his beautiful wife, Roe. He was a family man who loved his grandchildren, sons, and wife more than anything in this world.
If I were standing in the bleachers today I'd be shouting, "Tiho- we are lucky you're a Lancer" and at the Christmas party, "Tiho, we are lucky you're a Gale."
Rest easy up there. I would have paid big money to see you hug Chris & Roe for the first time in 23 years. ?
The world misses you down here, but your love and legacy will continue on. I love you! ??
Andrew Krall
12/16/2017 @ 2:26 AM
Mr. Teisl was a good guy. He was always fair and genuinely cared about the development of his students. It's a bummer he is gone. He will be missed.
MARVIN GRAY
12/15/2017 @ 10:57 PM
May God comfort the family of this good man.
Katie Love
12/15/2017 @ 7:06 PM
Mr Teisl was a truly amazing man. A strong firm yet loving leader. He will be missed.
Jeff Klein
12/15/2017 @ 5:40 PM
When the light that shines so bright seems to have vanished,
We stare to the heavens, a hollowness drains our soul.
Yet his reflected light still remains, beaming forth from all he touched.
Let us radiate his spirit and bring light into this world of shadows.
We Love You Tiho and will miss you.
Brenden Kelley '08
12/15/2017 @ 4:34 PM
While reading Mr. McCamley’s reflection, I could hear Mr. Teisl’s distinct voice once again. It brought me to tears to know that I will not get to hear it again in this life. It also made me laugh to remember the funny accents he would place on certain words or phrases. Thinking back on my time at Gilmour, I have so many great memories of Tiho. When I first met Tiho, I thought he could not stand me. I was always out of dress code or sneaking into convo late. Of course, he knew all my tricks and would always catch me. But I think he found my antics amusing. I can remember when I would argue with him about how my slippers were technically in the dress code, because they were tied leather shoes with a sole. He let me have that little victory until the next week when he asked where they were. Needless to say, slippers outside in the winter were a bad choice.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that Tiho had become one of my closest friends. He was almost always the first person to greet me in the mornings and check on my attire that day. But I think he was really checking in on me. He knew when I needed to be challenged and told to straighten up. He knew when I needed our little tête-à-têtes because I was feeling down or having a bad week. And he knew when I just needed a pat on the back or a hug.
I am so blessed that I had him in life during those formative years. After reading all the posts about him, I can see that he reached out and helped so many people. He loved his students and wanted to give us the competency and the courage to be the best versions of ourselves. I am still notoriously late, sorry Tiho, but your love and kindness over the years has helped me to be a better man. But that was just the kind of person he was. That is the kind of person I strive to be.
His life was well lived, and he will be profoundly missed. But he may rest easy knowing that he did indeed bring hope and joy into this world. Till next time my old friend.
Lisa Morek
12/15/2017 @ 3:52 PM
Our son, our family, is better for having known you. Your own military stories & memories touched & encouraged us before Joe entered the Marine Corp. Your concern & prayers for him when he was injured overseas & during his long recovery warmed & encouraged us. You are the epitome of the creed "honor, courage & commitment." Your faith & firmness helped shape our son into a better young man. We are forever grateful & blessed.
Jeff Eckles
12/15/2017 @ 3:45 PM
Tiho was an amazing person who was incredibly easy to talk to. He was one of the first persons to welcome me to Gilmour. He was incredibly supportive of me as a teacher and as a coach. His words were always positive and supportive. When I think of Gilmour, Tiho is the first person I think of. To me, he was Mr. Gilmour. Humble and kind he impacted tens of thousands of lives. He will be missed. God bless you Tiho, you will never be forgotten..
Vince Bonacci
12/15/2017 @ 3:39 PM
I had the opportunity to work very closely with Tiho from 2006-2011. During that time, I saw what it really means to do what is best for kids. In the summer of 2011, I left GA to work at another school. On my first day, first thing in the morning, Tiho surprised me and showed up to “give me a hard time” (check in on me). I think he had already begun to miss me, but that’s not something he ever admitted to! Thankful to have had the opportunity to come back and work with him again these last 3 years. A great man, mentor, and friend. A true GA legend! He will be missed.
Tim Fording
12/15/2017 @ 1:57 PM
I recall a role model of a man of great strength and character - disciplined with an encouraging spirit; tough, but with great compassion and warmth. From a student's perspective, it was always clear that he cared deeply about each student and helping them make the most of his or her Gilmour experience.
David Campbell
12/15/2017 @ 12:05 PM
Tiho recruited my son Nate to play varsity soccer his senior year even though he had never played before at any level. It was a great experience for him
Rebecca Wellman
12/15/2017 @ 9:59 AM
Caring teacher, great sense of humor. Led wonderful mission trips to Honduras that had great impact on the Honduran children as well as Gilmour's participants. He will be missed.
Paige Kepich
12/15/2017 @ 9:32 AM
I seem to be at a loss for words – so many incredible, yet indescribable memories with one of the most influential people in my life. What comes to mind is mostly Honduras, and the passion and love he had for Nuevo Paraíso. It was truly contagious. But also the way in which he managed to teach the most important life lessons in the most satirical way. Or the many times I felt the need to explain the torrential, midwestern, lake effect weather to him, knowing that I would just be ushered to class, sans detention.
What I would give–what we would all give–for one more conversation with you, Mr. Teisl.
Maria Cup
12/15/2017 @ 12:08 AM
Heaven gained the most incredible angel it ever will. Mr. Teisl kept me out of trouble, supported me in every volleyball game of my high school career, supported me when I signed my letter of intent to play at SFU, and was by far one of the most influential members of the Gilmour faculty both in my life and in the lives of every student that walked through the highschool doors. I’ll always be able to picture that unsurprised smirk on his face when he would arrive in the morning and there I would be, sitting in the office for morning detention yet again. Or his face when I would attempt to get into convo without my blazer, morning after morning, to the point where he just looked at me and I knew to just go right back to the office. With a loving hand, he guided us to become better individuals, members of the Gilmour community, and stewards of God’s Love. He exemplified what it means to be of service and full of love at ALL times. He was more than just a Dean to me; he became my friend. His absence will be felt forever. This still doesn’t seem real.
Rick Coyne
12/14/2017 @ 9:30 PM
Thank you Tiho for educating the hearts and minds of so many at Gilmour and at Nuevo Paraiso. Our communities are a better place because of you. The Coyne Family
John Brickel '96
12/14/2017 @ 8:28 PM
Tiho had his soccer team take a break from practice and have them cheer on the Cross Country team as they ran right around their field.
The best part for the runners is that this boost helped all of us as we were about 1/4 mile from the finish. It always helped us dig just a little deeper and beat one or two of those competitors ahead of us.
Tiho truly was a Lancer.... one of the best.
Frank Buehner
12/14/2017 @ 7:16 PM
Tiho and I were college soccer mates at CSU for four years during their best seasons in history. He was a tough superior player and mentor to new players. We liked him so much we convinced him to join our fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon at CSU. He was a great guy and has left us way too soon.
Karen Comella Jenson '91
12/14/2017 @ 5:24 PM
Coach Teisl (and Carm) were willing to give this 5' nothing GIRL a chance on the boys' soccer team back in the 80's. I'lll never forget that Tiho.
Alyssa Solano
12/14/2017 @ 4:20 PM
I had neither the pleasure of being in Mr. Tiesl's class nor the dubious honor of being called into his office, but I have one particular memory of Mr. Tiesl that I'll always cherish. My very first time donating blood was at a school blood drive held in the fieldhouse, and I was really nervous, although I thought I was doing a pretty good job of putting on a brave face. Unsurprising in hindsight, it did not fool Mr. Tiesl. He stayed with me and held my hand, and he said (in reference to the song that was playing in the fieldhouse at the time, Queen’s We Are the Champions) that I was a champion for going through with something that scared me so badly for the sake of someone else. It was well above and beyond the requirements of his job, but that was just the way Mr. Tiesl was, the sort of role model he chose to be. He was so much of what made Gilmour Gilmour, and the community will never be the same without him.
Beth Holzheimer Potratz '86
12/14/2017 @ 3:59 PM
Tiho had an impact on so many lives. I feel so blessed to have had him as a teacher and mentor. I am also grateful that he took both my girls under his wing since they arrived at Gilmour in 2011, Bridgette was a junior and Sarah was a freshman. Tiho knew I was concerned about the transition and he leaned over and gave me a big hug, looked back at Rich Gretek and said, "hey, don't worry, the veterans have got this. We'll take care of them!" I just melted. It felt so good to be home! Tiho will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on. We will continue to make him proud!
Chris Lamosek
12/14/2017 @ 3:03 PM
For Mr. Tiesel. When I came to gilmour in kindergarten, I never really knew of Mr. Tiesel and who he was. However, when I became a middle schooler, I got to know him very well for having to go to his office a few. I remember him asking me, “chris, do you thing everyone likes me?” And I said no out of intimidation. And he just laughed. Now since I am older I think of the greater question, who do did not like him! I was intimidated by him at first, but the more times I visited his office, the more comfortable I got with being around him. He was one of the best elders that I ever knew. He was so kind and gentle to everyone but acted professionally when he needed to enforce the law at gilmour. He would always say hello when I saw him in the hallways and I would always say hello back. The impact he had on everyone and the memory of him will never be forgotten. We all lost, someone that we loved and that we cherished. Rest In Peace, Mr. Tiesel, you are in a better place now and not suffering anymore.
Madison Olsen
12/14/2017 @ 2:48 PM
Mr. Teisl was a man that was so special! I play soccer at Gilmour Academy and he has showed me how to become a leader who can make a difference in people’s lives. He was always there at everyone of our soccer games and he was an amazing announcer. Truly never failed to put a smile on my face. He made me laugh everyday and I would always talk to him. Rest In Peace best friend and legend.
Halle Grant
12/14/2017 @ 1:13 PM
I know I’m not just speaking for myself when i say Mr. Teisl was a TRUE father figure while we all faced high school and all it threw at us in the halls and in the classrooms as well as outside the academic atmosphere. He was someone we all knew we had on our side (even when we didn’t have our blazer for convo or lunch!) he was there for his students, his athletes, his colleagues, etc...no matter what. This man is a legend not only to the Gilmour Community but within the Nuevo Paraiso community as well. I got the privilege seeing him first hand in the place that he loved helping so many by just being there and bringing his students with him. He tought us the definition of humility when serving others. Mr. Teisl you have impacted my life in such a positive way since day one at Gilmour. You tought me to always push myself and come to my full potential. You are going to be deeply missed by so many people but we know you’re in a better place with you wife and son...Rest in peace, you will forever be loved and considered a Gilmour legend. -Halle Grant
Linda Noelle
12/14/2017 @ 12:05 PM
This good, kind man will remain in our hearts forever. The entire Gilmour Academy community was blessed to call him teacher and friend. He enriched the lives of so many across the Americas through his mission trips to Nuevo Paraiso, and offered our students (and their families) the opportunity to make new friends in Honduras. God bless you, Tiho Teisl.
Patrick Kearney
12/14/2017 @ 12:00 PM
Mr. Teisl was a wonderful man. He was fair and kind and cared about all of the people he encountered. When I was in the Army and deployed overseas he reached out to me via email to check on me, make sure I was doing ok,and just to let me know he was thinking about me. It is impossible to think about Gilmour without thinking about him. He truly was a fantastic person and he will be missed. Steve and the rest of the family are in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Mr. T
Emily Kirk ('15)
12/14/2017 @ 11:49 AM
I am unable to attend the funeral and I wanted to talk a bit about my memories of Mr. Teisl. As any of the GA students could tell you, getting called to Mr. Teisl's office was not a good thing. Getting pulled out of class by him was enough to put the fear of God into you. Even though most considered him strict, he was fair and just. He was the epitome of 1 Corinthians 13:4-6: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth."
Mr. Teisl was a man of God who loved the kids at Gilmour as if they were his own. He had a heart for service, which was evident through his work with the Honduran missions trip as well as taking over the service opportunities for the High School. I am heartbroken to have learned about his passing, and Gilmour truly did lose a vital pillar to it's community. Although we are all mourning his loss, everyone should rejoice in knowing that he is with Christ and reunited with his wife and son. Rest in peace, Mr. Tiesl. You will be forever missed.
Fred Cheney
12/14/2017 @ 11:41 AM
I never had Mr. Teisl for class, but he always treated me with the courtesy and respect of one of his students and I always appreciated that. I will always remember him for his kind soul and gentle heart. My condolences to the Teisl family for your loss.
Abby Koerwitz
12/13/2017 @ 2:12 PM
Heaven gained an amazing angel this morning. Our hearts are broken.