Mr. Maloney was one of the school’s founding teachers, having started at the school more than 25 years ago, where he taught history, phys-ed and more recently acted as one of the school’s guidance counsellors.

And with that long tenure came a sense of responsibility to the students and the school.

“He was a pillar of the school,” said York Catholic District School Board superintendent Michael Nasello, also a former St. Brother André vice-principal.

“(Mr. Maloney) had a deep sense of ownership for the school. What was right, was right. And he fought for it, especially if it was right for the students.”

For him, teaching and coaching was more than a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job.

“He was the kind of man who woke up in the morning and couldn’t wait to get to school,” Mr. Nasello said. “This wasn’t just a job for him. This was his vocation.”

Students and teachers poured into the quite hallways today to write messages posted on the Mr. Maloney tribute wall in the school.

“There is a theme here,” Mr. Nasello said. “He really cared for these kids. He gave himself for them. And it shows.”

On the basketball court, he was a teacher first then coach, instilling life lessons through sport.

“Sport was his vehicle to teach character,” said York Region Athletic Association co-ordinator Steve Shantz, who has known Mr. Maloney for more than two decades as a basketball coach and convener.

“He was always striving to help build future citizens. We should all strive to help make better citizens.”

Mr. Maloney coached senior boy’s basketball at the school and earlier this year, the Cardinals took home the regional championship title – the first time since 1990.

He also hosted an elementary school tournament at St. Brother André.

“Even when all this political stuff was going on, (Mr. Maloney)’s big concern was making sure things still went on,” Mr. Shantz said of teachers’ work to rule.

“He was there, not only for his team but for everyone. I remember seeing him trekking to school in the early morning to make sure the gate was open so other teams can come in.”

Mr. Maloney stood for leadership.

And for every situation, he had some idiom to keep the students motivated.

“He was a man of principle,” St. Brother André teacher and basketball coach Kevin Moore said. “He understood what leadership was all about. He often said, ‘Practices change, but principles never change.’ He may not be there, but his presence will be.”

And he was never short of sayings or stories.

“He was never at a loss for a motivating story,” St. Brother André teacher Kathryn Dunlop said. “He was a big guy. He might be remembered because he was tall. But his character spoke volumes more than his height.”