NTCI Notables

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  • Jack (March) Dow (1912–1984)

    Jack (March) Dow (1912–1984)
    Musician • Educator • Conductor
    Head of Music at North Toronto C.I. (1946–1958)

    Born in Dutton, Ontario, Jack Dow became one of the most influential music educators in Toronto despite having little formal training in his early years. A natural musician, he played piano, violin, and trumpet, performing in school bands and orchestras before earning his BA from Western University in 1936. Encouraged by his university conductor, Don Wright, he attended teachers college and began his career in elementary schools before moving to secondary teaching in Ottawa and then to Northern Secondary School in Toronto.

    Dow’s defining chapter began in 1946, when he was invited to North Toronto C.I. to launch Ontario’s first secondary school music program offering instrumental music for academic credit. With the support of Principal Bill Houston, he built the program from scratch, gathering instruments, stands, and community support to form the school’s first band and later a string ensemble. He produced the inaugural Maytime Melodies in 1947, a tradition that continues today, and even wrote the first verse of the school song. His ensembles went on to win numerous Kiwanis Festival awards, establishing NT’s reputation for musical excellence.

    Beyond NT, Dow spent 25 summers teaching at the Department of Education’s Summer School, and in 1958 became Assistant Head of Music for the Toronto Board of Education. There he created instrumental programs in elementary schools and founded the Toronto Music Camp at Lake Couchiching, attended by generations of NT students. Promoted to Director in 1972, he retired in 1976 and was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 1978.

  • Christie Mary Blatchford (1951–2020)

    Christie Mary Blatchford (1951–2020)

    Journalist • Author • Broadcaster

    Class of 1970

    Born in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Christie Blatchford was truly a force to be reckoned with. Her family moved to Toronto when her father became manager of the North Toronto Memorial Arena, making North Toronto C.I. her school of choice. Remembered by classmates as a determined “spitfire,” she graduated in 1970 and went on to study journalism at Ryerson, where she was named the program’s leading graduate.

    During an exemplary career, Blatchford achieved the rare feat of working for all four major Toronto newspapers. She broke barriers at The Globe and Mail in 1973 as Canada’s first female sports reporter, later bringing her sharp wit and tenacity to the Toronto Star, The Sun, and the National Post. A fearless writer, she also authored several non-fiction books, including Fifteen Days: Stories of Bravery, Friendship, Life and Death from Inside the New Canadian Army. Based on her time embedded in Kandahar, Afghanistan, the book won the 2008 Governor General’s Literary Award.

    Blatchford’s voice was also a staple on CFRB 1010 radio. Her accolades included a National Newspaper Award and the George Jonas Freedom Award. Her final career achievement was her induction into the Canadian Journalism Hall of Fame in December 2019. Too ill to attend the ceremony, she received the award at her bedside from Mayor John Tory. An avid runner and climber who had scaled Ben Nevis shortly before her diagnosis, Christie passed away in February 2020, leaving a legacy of courage and unvarnished truth.

  • Ian Macdonald

    Ian Macdonald
    Economist • Academic Leader • Rhodes Scholar

    Class of 1948

    Ian Macdonald’s career spans academia, government, and community leadership, earning him recognition as one of Canada’s most accomplished economists and higher education figures. A proud graduate of North Toronto C.I., he excelled in academics and sports, particularly ice hockey and track and field. After completing undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, he earned a Rhodes Scholarship and studied at University of Oxford, continuing to compete in varsity sports. 

    Macdonald began his academic career as a professor of economics at U of T and served as Dean of Men at University College. He then entered public service in Ontario, holding roles including Chief Economist, Deputy Treasurer, and Minister of Economics and Intergovernmental Affairs. In 1974, he became president of York University, leading the institution for over a decade with distinction. He now holds the title of President Emeritus, continuing as a professor of public policy and economics and directing the Master of Public Administration program.

    Beyond academia, Macdonald has contributed to numerous organizations, including the Canadian Rhodes Scholars Foundation, the International Association of Universities, Hockey Canada (as Chair, 1987–1994), and the Canadian Olympic Association. His lifelong commitment to sports includes playing on the U of T and Oxford hockey teams and participating in York’s faculty team for over 45 years.

    Macdonald’s many honours include the Governor General’s Medal, the Queen’s Silver and Golden Jubilee Medals, the Officer of the Order of Canada, the Vanier Medal, and recognition from the Dominican Republic. In 2005, the Government of Ontario created the H. Ian Macdonald Visiting Economist position in the Ministry of Finance, and York University awarded him the George Tatham Award for lifetime teaching excellence which is a testament to a career of leadership, scholarship, and enduring service.

  • Elvino Sauro (1932–2017)

    Elvino Sauro (1932–2017)
    Musician • Educator • Lifelong Learner

    Class of 1951

    Elvino Sauro’s journey at North Toronto C.I. began in 1947, when music teacher Jack Dow and Principal W. J. Houston arranged a loan for him to buy his first trumpet. Working at a Dominion store to repay it, Sauro quickly became a standout trumpeter, performing in school bands and eventually touring with jazz ensembles.

    After his performing career, he turned to education, teaching film studies at Toronto Metropolitan University (then Ryerson), where a film studies award now honors his contributions. Even in retirement, Sauro never stopped learning, taking over fifty continuing education courses and returning to trumpet after a five-decade hiatus to perform in NT’s 100th reunion concert, Memories Forever. In 2011, he donated funds to support the concert medley and program design, and in 2013 he established the Elvino Sauro Music Award, an endowment supporting students in grades 9–11 for lessons, music camps, and retreats. Today, the fund exceeds $100,000 and continues to enhance NT’s music program indefinitely.

    Following his passing in 2017, NTCI was bequeathed his three trumpets, including the one he purchased with the school’s help over 70 years earlier, its case covered in travel stickers. Known for his boundless curiosity, generosity, and love of music, Elvino Sauro’s legacy ensures that NT students will continue to be inspired and supported for generations.

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