BURT, John Williams - We are overcome with sadness with the loss of John. He was able to enjoy some final cottage time before passing away in his home with his wife by his side on September 24, 2021 in his 89th year.
So many heartwarming letters of condolence described John as "a good, gentle and handsome man, very much loved by all, a polite, kind and intelligent man with a generous nature, another good friend gone. We will miss his charm, humour and wit."
Growing up in Toronto's East End and spending summers in Cobourg as a child, his love of music (inspired by his father), had him playing in the Riverdale Collegiate Band and eventually summers were spent performing with various dance bands providing wonderful entertainment across Ontario. But his interests were broad. He was a photographer, an artist (though he would never admit it!); he played tennis, enjoyed a frustrating round of golf, jogged and cycled.
He became an accomplished chef and an excellent carpenter, at one point being overwhelmed with orders for his Adirondack chairs. He loved spending summers at the cottage with family and friends, fishing and windsurfing, but also history and the theatre - a true renaissance man. All this while being a well respected and much loved educator with the TDSB, first as a secondary school chemistry teacher, then a vice principal.
Retirement led to travel: France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and more. Eventually winters were spent in Mexico right up until the pandemic shook the world. Sudokus, crosswords and books were always by his side. He loved jazz and The Jays.
He is so greatly missed by his wife Pamela, his sons David (Karen) and Chris (Teresa) and his grandchildren Ellie, Carter and Taylor.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place at Trull Funeral Home, 1111 Danforth Avenue, Toronto.
Because of his love of music, donations to The Regent Park School of Music, which helps underprivileged children have access to music programs, would be something he would appreciate being both a musician and an educator.
Thanks everyone for your wonderful words of condolences and to Sinai Health Home Palliative Care, especially Dr. Trevor Morey.
Online condolences can be left at www.giffenmackdanforth.com
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