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Fred WILSON Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Fred WILSON
5 Entries
Andrew Cunningham
March 8, 2023
Fred supervised my Ph.D. work at the Department of Philosophy in the 1990s. I particularly enjoyed the graduate seminars he taught, in which his formidably detailed knowledge of the whole sweep of the history of ideas was often in evidence, and also the Hume Society conferences we attended. I am sorry not to have remained in touch after I left the academic world but I am glad to know he enjoyed a long life and the support of his (by now much larger) family, of which I remember him speaking with great pride.
Katharine O'Reilly
March 8, 2023
I've just heard the sad news of Fred's passing, and am very sorry to have missed the opportunity to pay my respects in January. Prof. Wilson taught me Epistemology at University College, U of T in 2003. His lectures are the reason I went on to become a Philosophy Professor myself. His command of the material and the subject matter were and are an inspiration. Attending his lectures was like watching a fine musician play a long-loved piece. When I wanted to show my Dad why I loved Philosophy and planned to major in it, I brought him to that lecture, and he understood. There was something intangible in his way of teaching that I will spend the rest of my career trying, in some way, to emulate.
Fred went on to mentor me, formally and informally, for the rest of my time in Toronto. We shared many coffees near campus at that time while discussing progress on his book (Hume's Direct Realism). He was always interested in my work, and made it feel important, even as an undergraduate. We stayed in touch by email after I went to the UK for graduate school, but gradually lost touch over the years.
I had planned to get back in touch now that I'm teaching in Toronto, and I have missed my chance. Perhaps all I can do now is to convey, to his family and friends, what a profound impact Prof. Wilson had on my career and my life, and how dearly I will hold his memory.
Rick Salutin
January 25, 2023
Fred was a lovely, mindful, compassionate and also delightfully wry human being. And a fine neighbour to have for many years on the same street.
Peter & Virginia
January 18, 2023
We enjoyed being neighbours to Fred and Linda for several years and will remember fondly his dry sense of humour and booming laugh. We send our sympathies to Linda and her daughters and their families.
Robin Eisenberg
January 13, 2023
Fred has been a wonderful cousin to me. When I moved to Toronto after grad. school, I knew very few people here. Linda and Fred made me feel so welcome. He was not just an erudite speaker and prolific author. We had so many interesting conversations about literature, politics, issues of concern. He had a very dry sense of humour, that I really appreciated. Fred was an amazing cook, and I will always remember special meals he prepared for the holidays. He was kind enough to take the time to drive my nephew Drew around the U of T campus with me, andn explain in detail the fascinating history of each of the main buildings. Drew attended U of T, and was so excited to have this tour, prior to beginning his undergraduate studies there. Fred will be greatly missed- as a cousin, and a friend.
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Memorial Events
for Fred WILSON
Jan
15
Funeral services provided by:
Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel2401 Steeles Avenue West, Toronto, ON M3J 2P1