William Grant GLASSCO Ph.D.

GLASSCO, William Grant , OC, PhD, LLD
Bill Glassco died at home with great dignity and humour, surrounded by family, on September 13th. He was 69. Beloved father of Benji, Daniel, Briony and Rufus, and dear father in law and suegrazo to Karen, Clive and Dinora. He will be sadly missed by all his grandchildren – Tyler, Max, Kyra, Zoë and Sebastian. A dear brother to June and Ted Moore, Gay and John Evans, and Richard and Peggy Glassco. He was the inspiration for countless actors, playwrights, directors and theatre professionals from all over this country and around the world. He was also a treasured friend to many. A proud graduate of Ridley College, Princeton University, Worcester College, Oxford, and New York University. Bill was cofounder, along with Jane Glassco, of the Tarragon Theatre. He also went on to cofound the Canadian Stage Company, now known as Canstage, and the Montreal Young Company. He was passionate about Quebec, the province of his birth and his home for the last 12 years, and its rich history and culture. He was instrumental in bringing the works of Michel Tremblay, Michel Marc Bouchard, and many other Quebeçois playwrights to English speaking audiences all over the world. He was an Officer of the Order of Canada, and a recipient of an honorary doctorate of letters from the University of Toronto, and the DORA Silver Ticket Award for lifetime contribution to the theatre. A family service will be held on Thursday, September 16, in Toronto. A memorial celebration will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Montreal Young Company. Bill passionately believed that our young actors, upon graduation from theatre school, needed practical experience in professional productions of both contemporary and classical plays in a company environment. He very much wanted this company, his dream, to live on after he was gone. Please send donations to The Montreal Young Company, 3558 Marlowe Ave. Montreal, QC, H4A 3L7. Tax receipts will be issued.