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Joan Evelyn BURT

Joan Evelyn BURT obituary, Toronto, ON

Joan BURT Obituary

JOAN EVELYN BURT Architect, B.Arch., OAA, CAHP Joan Burt (Joan Burt Architect) of Toronto, Ontario, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. In her 91st year, Joan was the only child of the late Les William and Evelyn Margaret Burt (nee Woodward). At the time of her passing, Joan was the oldest licensed woman architect in Ontario and was documented in the book For The Record: The First Women in Canadian Architecture (Dundurn Press). Joan served as the Chairman of the Department of Design at the Ontario College of Art spanning two decades, developing programs in environmental design, ceramics, textiles, printmaking and glass. The focus of her life's work was the design and creation of buildings and interiors within the framework of private practice. Intuitive and contemporary, Joan's work included restoration, renovations and additions, new construction, architectural interiors as well as planning and development. Joan's clients appreciated her creative and thorough approach. Every detail however small would be anticipated and resolved. Joan will be missed by friends, students and colleagues who shared her passion and enthusiasm for architecture and the built environment. With the help of her very special friends Mel Quirt and Richard Zaplitney, Joan was able to practice until her passing. She will be remembered for her intelligence, kindness, generous spirit and sharp wit. Joan was truly a gift to all who knew her. A private service has been held and a celebration of Joan's life will take place at a later date.
Published by The Globe and Mail from Mar. 25 to Mar. 29, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan BURT

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8 Entries

Greg Gillies

October 26, 2023

Condolences to Joan's friends and family. I was a student of hers in the late 1970's. Joan's words and wisdom, the subtle passion she brought to each class, and critique, has informed traveled with me through all my projects in ways I could not have imagined. On trips back to Toronto I often go out of my way to swing by Belmont Street to feel a smile cross my face.

Sid Daniels

February 10, 2022

Dear Mel and Richard. This is Sid Daniels who now lives in Miami Beach. My condolences to the passing of Joan Burt. I hope you remember me from the Ontario College of Art. Would love to keep in touch. My email is [email protected] Please reach out. xSid

Gloria Franchi

September 1, 2021

Jone, I just learned about your passing. My heart breaks and I will miss you. I know that you are doing a duty far greater than the wonderful legacy and great works you left behind. You were loved, were inspiring, and so incredibly intelligent and kind. I will never ever forget you. xoxo Gloria Franchi

Jason Irving

May 19, 2021

I remember well working with Joan to build a project in Toronto for her clients and sharing a pastry or two at a nearby café throughout the project. She certainly was a pioneer in architecture in Canada. My condolences to her family and friend. I have to smile at the memories and stories I have from the times I encountered her.

ROBERT CLAYSON

March 28, 2021

Rick and Mel
Just a note to let you know that I have seen the obit. You two were Joans' foundation and anchor. You have done yourselves well supporting her through the years. I hope that she lived well into her later years and quality of life was maintained until the end. Again I express my admiration for you two.

Sharad Katakkar

March 27, 2021

My memories of Joan
It is with great respect and affection but mixed with sadness, that I will always remember Joan Burt, Architect.
I had the honor to work with Joan as her structural engineer from 1984 until her dying day! Joan always greeted me with a “Hello Sharad”, a big smile on her face, kind eyes and a warm handshake.
I remember Joan being a very meticulous person, and this was reflected in every detail of her design work. She always treated my professional opinions with great respect. Over lunch breaks Joan talked with me about such things as her travel adventures, backpacking through the hills of Afghanistan during her youth years and as a result, her fondness for Indian vegetarian food.
Despite her soft speech and kind heart, when something annoyed her, Joan would not spare her choice of vocabulary in voicing her disapproval. This greatly amused me as it was such a contrast to her normal persona!
I feel honored to have known Joan and to have worked with such a quick witted, astute professional and the oldest licensed female architect in Ontario.
Sharad Katakkar

Helena Grossman

March 26, 2021

A wonderful energetic person
She taught my late husband. Irving grossman
How to sail!! and race!! Also recommended to purchase houses on Belmont street
And Alpha Ave Almost 60 years ago

Donald Mitchell

March 25, 2021

Wishing all of Joan Burt’s Friends and Family the comfort, support, Peace, that might come with the blessing of many special memories. It was always a pleasure to bump into Joan or Mel on Delaware Ave. and, of course, many of us considered it a great honour to meet such a respected, influential, and productive Architect and Leader! What a great, full Life! Additionally and importantly, her smile and Kindness will forever be remembered by her Thankful neighbours, clients, Friends and Family.

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