Duncan GREEN

GREEN, Duncan
Died May 13, 2012 after living so richly for 85 years. Duncan was predeceased by his beloved wife and childhood sweetheart Barbara (Hague). Always to be remembered for his love and laughter by his daughters, Laurie and Nora; sons-in-law Michael and Paul; and his six adoring grandchildren: Emily, Hannah, Ethan, Owen, Hayden and Livi. Born in the village of Swansea, the eldest of six (Jim, Doug, Ruth, Ann, Mary) of Duncan and Sarah. His lifelong passion for learning, literature and the arts was ignited at University College, U of T and Hart House with the University College Player's Guild. Throughout his life, he sought out stage performances: from high school auditoriums, the back seat of a car at the Fringe Festival, to the Globe Theatre in London and the BAM Theatre in Brooklyn. Nothing brought him more pleasure than to ignite other people's passion for the stage. His life's work in public education was his other passion. From his beginnings in the classroom as an English teacher at Humberside CI, through to his years as Director of the Toronto Board of Education and Assistant Deputy Minister of Education for Ontario, Duncan appreciated that public education is the breeding ground for cultural understanding and tolerance and the great leveller in a society that is increasingly economically polarized. 'Let us not waste our time in idle discourse! Let us do something, while we have the chance! It is not every day that we are needed. But at this place, at this moment of time, all mankind is us, whether we like it or not. Let us make the most of it, before it is too late!' - Samuel Beckett, Waiting for Godot Duncan lived with passion and joy which he shared with his many cherished friends and family and the community through, for example, his early work with Out of the Cold. Visitation will take place on May 23, Turner & Porter 'Butler' Chapel, 4933 Dundas St. W, Etobicoke (between Islington and Kipling Aves.) from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 9 pm. A Service of Remembrance will be held at St. Matthew's Anglican Church, 3962 Bloor St. W on May 24 from 12:30 - 1:30 pm with reception to follow. Poems and stories welcome. Friends who wish to remember Duncan are encouraged to support the Toronto District School Board through the Duncan Green Trust Fund. Cheque donations to Toronto District School Board, 5050 Yonge St. 3rd Floor, Toronto, Ontario M2N 5N8 Attn:Anita Pietropaolo or online through Canada helps www.canadahelps.org Online condolences may be made through www.turnerporter.ca.