Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William BERMAN Obituary
Predeceased by his loving wife, Deborah M. Berman, he will be deeply missed by daughter, Dr. Rachel Carson Berman of Toronto; son, Daniel King Berman and daughter-in-law, Jenny Vodarek of Milton; sister, Carol Suid and brother-in-law, Ronald Suid of Virginia, USA; grandchildren, Benjamin, Joshua, Eli, Noah, and Judah; and all of his extended family in Ohio. He will also be missed by his dear cat, Woody Guthrie.
Dr. William C. Berman, 'Bill', Professor Emeritus of American History at the University of Toronto was born in 1932 in Cleveland, Ohio. A proud Eagle Scout and a graduate of Rayen High School in Youngstown, Ohio he served honorably in the American Armed Forces, stationed in Germany from 1952-1954. He put himself through college by working at a steel mill and received his Bachelor's degree and then his Ph.D in American History from The Ohio State University, in 1963, having married Deborah the year prior. He taught at the California University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Louisville before joining the University of Toronto in 1968 where he taught until his retirement in 1997.
Dr. Berman's academic career focused on post-1945 American history with a particular interest in the civil rights era. He published multiple books of scholarship and his expertise on American politics frequently landed him as a guest on CTV's 'Canada A.M' in the 1980s and 1990s.
A landed immigrant residing in Toronto since 1968, he remained an American patriot who treasured the opportunities afforded him and his family in his adopted country of Canada. He lived long enough to cast his final ballot for President-Elect Joe Biden.
Bill was a great lover of classical music and jazz, and an avid birder. Without question, his spirit continues to cheer (vociferously) for his beloved teams; the Cleveland Browns, the Toronto Raptors, and The Ohio State Buckeyes.
William's family would like to thank the staff at Eldercare Homehealth and Delmanor Wynford for their excellent care.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association of Canada. https://www.diabetes.ca.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William BERMAN
7 Entries
Daniel Berman
January 21, 2025
I miss my Dad. Hey Dad, here´s an update: the Buckeyes are still marvelous at football, the Cleveland Browns are still awful, and you don´t even want to know who´s in the White House again.
Herman Abromowitz
May 26, 2021
Super person who always was his own person. He will be missed by all his friends. Herman
Lawrence Surtees
February 4, 2021
I was a student in Bill's 20th Century American History course in my final year at U of T in 79-80.
I still hear his wonderful, booming voice intoning: "This is 20th century 'MERICAN HISTORY! The 'A' is silent and there are no Marxist incantations in this course!"
And his proviso that the class was every Monday, Wednesday and Friday - "except when my beloved Cleveland Browns are playing a home game!" Always wearing his Browns wind breaker - and never, ever, possessing a note or scrap of paper for his brilliant lectures that just naturally spilled from his powering intellect.
Bill became a mentor after graduation and remains a lifelong inspiration. I still recite "Berman's rules" every chance I get:
"Context and perspective matter! And remember, thems who got, get. And thems who get don't always agree!" What other prof so seamlessly - and lovingly - weaved Billy Holiday into every lecture?!
('Yet it still is news.')
I will always love his deep and unrivaled passion and be in awe of his powerful intellect.
Having lived in America in the second half of the Sixties (and carrying an ACLU card), and traveled to Germany with my U of T German roommate, Bill and I had much to share and develop our friendship.
My heart breaks to learn of his passing, but pales to your loss, Deborah, and family.
I hope that you, too, take solace that so many of us are truly privileged to have been taught by Bill. And to have had him inculcate and nurture our mutual shared bond of the importance of history's lessons and unwavering belief in the potential and hope of 'Merica's potential.
John Judge
December 25, 2020
Prof Berman taught me Modern American history in 1970 at U of T. I fondly remember his energy, enthusiasm and objectivity during a turbulent time. The lessons he taught have stayed with me throughout my career as I have worked with American companies as clients over the years. While I was saddened to read of his passing, it was comforting to read that he shared with Canadians many joys, including the Raptors championship and the election of Joe Biden. My condolences to his family. I hope they are comforted by the fact that after 50 years the lessons taught by him are still held dear. John Judge
James Deeks
December 19, 2020
I guess I was among Bill Berman's first students at U. of T., in 1968. I well remember the popularity of his lectures... he would shout his speeches, while pacing back and forth on the floor of the lecture hall. Hysterically funny, intense, interesting, informative, sometimes cynical, he was EXACTLY what a history professor should be. And his hero worship for Vince Lombardi was endearing. He had a very positive effect on all of us who were privileged to have watched him in action! I'm very sorry to read of his passing, but at nearly 89, I'd say he had very good innings.
Martin Klein
December 17, 2020
In our later years, we drifted apart, but when I first arrived in Toronto in 1970, he welcomed me. We shared a commitment to progressive politics and an involvement in what was then happening in the United States. He had a passion, which students liked. He was an important and very American presence in the department.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results