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William HUMPHRIES Obituary
Educated at Upper Canada College where he made many lasting friendships and was the Captain of the First Team Cricket which went on to a championship and Trinity College at the University of Toronto 6T6 where he added additional lasting friendships. Supporter of the Gardiner Museum, Shaw Festival, the Canadian Opera Company, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum, Craft Ontario and many other cultural, educational and charitable organizations including the Norman and Marian Robertson Charitable Foundation which he chaired. A fine gentle man who, following a career at Canada Packers (now Maple Leaf Foods) which was untimely abbreviated by an accident, devoted the last decades of his life to a second more important career as a most significant and instrumental supporter of multiple indigenous causes and charities and was the founder of Ignite the Spirit of Education (Ottawa) and a great supporter of Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health/Indigenous Centre for Excellence in Health (Ottawa) and the Jackman Institute of Child Study (Toronto). His dynamic energy may have made him an exhausting man to be around but he was inexhaustible in his endeavours on behalf of Education, Justice, Reconciliation and a proper recognition of indigenous history and the need to own up to our society's continuing injustice. Owing to Covid-19 there is no funeral, but a Celebration of this fine life is being planned for the Spring when we pray that Covid will permit, tentatively separately in Toronto and Ottawa which was so important to his work. Despite (or because of) his having been an intensely private man, we will be inviting recollections, anecdotes and insights and, at least in Ottawa if not also in Toronto, we anticipate that there will be drumming and smudging to show appreciation and assist in ushering his spirit to the world beyond. Any of these above fine charitable organizations which were so dear to Bill would be excellent recipients of your charitable donations in his honour. We do not see many the like of him, but we need more like him, and this particular one will be sorely missed by many.
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Memories and Condolences
for William HUMPHRIES
23 Entries
James Harris
June 28, 2021
Will there be a memorial service for Bill once the pandemic restrictions ease up? If so, please contact me at [email protected]
Matt, Josh & Jen
February 24, 2021
Like many of you, Bill had touched our life like no other. His generosity and sense of humour are the two greatest quialities he had carried forever , his thoughtfulness makes you feel being cared for, his wittiness always put a smile on your face...What a life journey he had, he had touched so many lives with his very special way. We miss you Bill. Rest in peace ( with a good book as you always do).
Janna Hiemstra
December 17, 2020
On behalf of the Craft Ontario, we will deeply miss Bill as a remarkable man with incredible passion and drive. We were privileged to be able to be a part of his life, share in his love and support of Indigenous art, and enjoy his visits and challenging conversations. What a great loss to so many communities – we are endlessly grateful for his support and encouragement. Rest in peace.
Bob Blacker
December 17, 2020
Bill is one of those people that you meet and felt that you have known him for a lifetime. I met Bill over 5 years ago when he contacted me about the Write to Read Project in BC (writetoreadbc.com). He was very interested in the work we were doing installing libraries and now learning centres in remote FIRST NATIONS communities in BC. He became so interested he came out to BC to come along with our W2R Library Installation teams. He did this on many occasions and loved every minute of it, not only taking part in the installations but travelling to remote areas of BC and meeting with those FN who lived in those communities. He particularly enjoyed travel with the Canadian Coast Guard especially the RESCUE BOAT out of Tofino. Bill and his most trusted Office Manager Joanna became members of the W2R team and were designated Write to Read East.
As a result Bill introduced myself and W2R Architect Scott Kemp to the Wikwemkoong Community where we were able to meet with Ogimaa (Chief) Duke Peltier and the community design team. This trip was very successful with 3 concept designs created for the community.
I along with the team will really miss Bill, I have had many great conversations with him and more so fond memories of our trips to the interior of BC and coastal communities. I know the creator will take care of Bill and no doubt when we eventually go back to our communities he will be watching us.... Bill was a 'tru blue' mate - rest in peace my friend.
Jill Spellman
December 15, 2020
We had the great privilege to work with Bill in recent years as a member of the Upper Canada College Council for Reconciliation. Bill was passionate about reconciliation, and to each meeting brought positivity and energy, clearly keen to make a difference and contribute towards systemic social change. Faculty, staff and students involved with the Council offer our sincere condolences. We will miss him. - Scott Cowie, Peter Gray, David Holt, Jill Spellman (Upper Canada College)
Haley Higdon, Brenda Simon, Rosa Na, and Danielle Marcoux-Hunter of the Natural C
December 14, 2020
With sadness and gratitude, the Natural Curiosity team at the JICS Lab School, OISE, U of T, wishes to commemorate the dedication and generosity of Bill Humphries. As trustee of the Norman and Marian Charitable Robertson Foundation, Bill brought his concern for Truth and Reconciliation, his many relationships within the Indigenous community, and his enthusiasm for environmental education together with his business acumen to support our work for education transformation. His generosity and care will not be forgotten. Rest in peace.
Edgar Bracht
December 13, 2020
William Brian Geoffrey Humphries
By Edgar Bracht 416 489 6323 [email protected]
It is much sadness that I am letting you know that Bill Humphries a cricketer and long-term member of the club passed away on Dec 9.
Bill joined the Club immediately after graduating from UCC and has remained a member since.
Many of you would perhaps not know him but even some of the old cricketers may only have faint recollections as Bill was and extremely private individual. He frequented the club for lunch on a regular basis and I would chat to him. He always enquired about our cricketers from the ‘60s and 70’s.
Since he lived closed to the club, I often met him at Bruno’s. He had moved to Niagara on the Lake but kept a place in Toronto as well. Even at my last encounter with him about Sept of this year he looked fine but a little thinner.
Bill married late in life when he was 50
Bill had some great qualities-He was always the epitome of a gentleman, his generosity and his privacy.
He contributed greatly to many charities and causes but closer to home he was always donating the stakes for the after-cricket b-b-q s that were common in those days.
An anecdotal recollection that has remained with me was the visit by Yorkshire Cricket Club to Toronto in ’64. It was a very good team with many internationals including the incorrigible Freddy Trueman. In those days we billeted visiting players and the committee’s dilemma was who would host Freddie who had a reputation of being of being crude and had difficulty behaving.
Bill was then living at home and his mother was a very prim and proper lady. Bill volunteered his home and the committee considered this an accident in the making but never the less proceeded with the arrangement. To everyone’s surprise the two got along very well and she became a good friend to Freddy. Miracles do happen and we realized that Freddy had a second persona.
During the official banquet at the Club Toronto’s Mayor was the guest of honour and Freddy’s other persona was present. During the speeches Freddy took the mike and proceeded to take the micky of the jewish mayor with inappropriate stories. His Grace was very charitable and praised Freddy for his sense of humour and honesty.
Below is the Obit for Bill
May he RIP
ed
Edgar Bracht
December 13, 2020
William Brian Geoffrey Humphries
By Edgar Bracht 416 489 6323 [email protected]
It is much sadness that I am letting you know that Bill Humphries a cricketer and long-term member of the club passed away on Dec 9.
Bill joined the Club immediately after graduating from UCC and has remained a member since.
Many of you would perhaps not know him but even some of the old cricketers may only have faint recollections as Bill was and extremely private individual. He frequented the club for lunch on a regular basis and I would chat to him. He always enquired about our cricketers from the ‘60s and 70’s.
Since he lived closed to the club, I often met him at Bruno’s. He had moved to Niagara on the Lake but kept a place in Toronto as well. Even at my last encounter with him about Sept of this year he looked fine but a little thinner.
Bill married late in life when he was 50
Bill had some great qualities-He was always the epitome of a gentleman, his generosity and his privacy.
He contributed greatly to many charities and causes but closer to home he was always donating the stakes for the after-cricket b-b-q s that were common in those days.
An anecdotal recollection that has remained with me was the visit by Yorkshire Cricket Club to Toronto in ’64. It was a very good team with many internationals including the incorrigible Freddy Trueman. In those days we billeted visiting players and the committee’s dilemma was who would host Freddie who had a reputation of being of being crude and had difficulty behaving.
Bill was then living at home and his mother was a very prim and proper lady. Bill volunteered his home and the committee considered this an accident in the making but never the less proceeded with the arrangement. To everyone’s surprise the two got along very well and she became a good friend to Freddy. Miracles do happen and we realized that Freddy had a second persona.
During the official banquet at the Club Toronto’s Mayor was the guest of honour and Freddy’s other persona was present. During the speeches Freddy took the mike and proceeded to take the micky of the jewish mayor with inappropriate stories. His Grace was very charitable and praised Freddy for his sense of humour and honesty.
Below is the Obit for Bill
May he RIP
ed
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theglobeandmail/obituary.aspx?pid=197263700
Gillian O'Reilly
December 13, 2020
The Friends of the Osborne Collection were saddened to learn of Bill's death. His interest in and kindness to the Collection was much appreciated and his energy and acuity will be missed.
David Windeyer
December 13, 2020
Bill was our dear friend and respected philanthropic colleague. Over the last many years, we have enjoyed his insights, philosophies, extensive knowledge, but most of all his kindness, generosity and friendship. We already miss him terribly, Elizabeth and David
Harris Armstrong
December 12, 2020
We have very fond memories of Bill. He was a true gentleman. Bill and I met many times over the years for lunch in Toronto. Those occasions included great discussions. Dawn and I also enjoyed the times we entertained him at our our cottage. We are truly saddened by his loss.
James Harris
December 12, 2020
I first met Bill in 2005. I had began researching and compiling a detailed family history, beginning around 1998. From 1890-1998 there were at least 7 past family members that had done what I was doing. Compiling it all, making sense of it, and understanding it all required personal contact and discussion. Bill's Mother, Leone (Harris) Humphries, had been a past researcher. The image I posted (below) is of Bill and my wife Frances. It was taken on the day we first met, and I noticed this was the image used in his obituary. Such a great day and picture of him as well. Bill and myself began our relationship on that day...and it was always one of a near hyperactive obsession with history and the people who were the architects of our presence on this earth. Bill was always a deep well of information...on so very many levels. His experiences in life and his deep understanding of the human condition ensured my intrigue into his deep character and sophisticated sense of humour.
I cannot communicate how excited I would get if I knew I would be in his presence...I also cannot communicate the sense of loss I currently feel about his passing. We last spoke in July...far too long ago. At last discussion he was defining some terminologies re meat packing....our family business for over a century. He knew basically every abbreviation I asked for clarity on. Yet he had not worked within the trade for decades. I was always, and I remain, deeply impressed by his achievements on earth, by his ability to connect with everyone, and by his great desire to ease the injustice and suffering of humanity. His time was so far from being wasted.
On a more personal note; I always found Bill to be perplexing. Complicated. Conflicting on many levels. Yet it all just made him more complex and endearing. Because our general topics of discussion surrounded the lives of those we may have loved dearly, admired greatly, or were differently indifferent regarding; I feel safe to say that such communications were a rarely shared thing on the behalf of us both. I saw our relationship as quite unique to us both.
Both my wife (who is Metis and works in Native services) and myself absolutely adored having deep topical discussions with Bill. His insights being logical, humanistic and utterly intimate. His passion and belief in what he pursued was food for a soul that listened.
I am so very proud to have been his friend...so honoured to share his blood, and so shaken to know I shall never again hear him say, "talk later old friend" and that I will never again say "can you repeat that Bill...you said it too fast. My hearing aids aren't set for speed".
Goodbye old friend.
JFH
James Harris
December 12, 2020
Murray Stewart
December 12, 2020
Marnie and I are sorry --Bill was a memorable Gentleman ,Friend and Colleague who shared his sincerity ,energy and humour . Thanks for the memories
Margaret Lake
December 11, 2020
I am truly saddened to hear of Bill’s death. My husband and I used to meet him regularly when we went to the Toronto symphony , and we also had some relaxed and happy times when he visited our family at the cottage. He had the wonderful gift of making me feel valued. I hope he is now at peace.
Shirley Cheechoo
December 11, 2020
WILLIAM (BILL) HUMPHRIES
I sit here in front of my computer to write the perfect words to describe what William (Bill) Humphries meant not only in my life but also in the lives of so many. I thought about all of the artists he supported and believed in, the people from our communities whose lives he touched personally and the students at Weengushk Film Institute and Weengushk International Film Festival, he made a big impact.
He was active in affecting change. He was one of the smartest men I knew and he used that intelligence to affect positive change in the way people should think and respect each other. He could move in our circle from the elders, artists, filmmakers to laughing with the youth. He was like looking at a full moon on the brightest night as he shined like a star among us.
He believed in me like he believed in so many with an unwavering conviction. He never turned away, he was always there when I needed him, full of integrity and demanded no less from those around him.
I can say without a doubt that I wouldn't have had such success with my work with the youth if Bill had not touched my life. He supported my vision like he supported so many making us better people and he led by example. How could we not give back to our communities, with Bill as our leader? He always stood by me shoulder to shoulder as equals, giving me the courage to try and continue my work making a better place and future for our youth, so that their dreams would flourish. He had such great love and hope for all people. He introduced our students to the film world by bringing them to Toronto where they visited studios, met very important people, workshops were set up and he made sure they were in good hands.
Bill opened his heart so that the youth received the services and positive change, so we can honor them and reflect on their stories so that these young peoples’ voices can be heard.
Bill made sure our Indigenous youth were not forgotten and believed that they are our future change-makers and that we must listen to this generation for a better and brighter future.
I will forever miss him but I know that he will always be a part of me. That was one of his greatest gifts, his belief that we all have a path to follow and that we alone can not only change our lives but the lives of others.
I know everyone will agree with me, that one of the greatest gifts in all of our lives was knowing Bill.
I can't imagine the world without him and I can't imagine what my life would have been if he had not been such a meaningful part of it.
I don't think anyone knows how he supported Weengushk Film Institute on Manitoulin Island, to make sure that we help and protect endangered youth. He supported Weengushk International Film Festival so we had a place to screen our films and made sure that there was cultural exchange with elders, artists, musicians and filmmakers.
My favourite memory of Bill is when you sat down with him and he handed you an envelope and said “Do not open it here.” I will truly miss him and I say rest in peace and fly, our Weengushk dear friend.
May the Great Spirit open its wings as you enter the spirit world. Chi-Miigwetch Bill
Mah-gee.
Sending love and prayers to Bill's family and friends.
Shirley Cheechoo
Steve Styers
December 11, 2020
My prayers and thoughts are with Bill and his family. A good man who cared for and served others.
Julia O'Sullivan
December 11, 2020
My dear R.R.,
I will miss you forever.
Lady J.
Galen & Kaeti
December 11, 2020
Bill was an incredible friend and eternally generous. Though we only knew him for the last few years, his humour and warmth made you feel like you had known him forever. We are deeply saddened by his being taken too soon.
Right Honourable Paul Martin
December 11, 2020
Message on the passing of Mr. Bill Humphries:
Bill Humphries' concern for Indigenous youth was deep and never ending. He will be greatly missed. Right Honourable Paul Martin
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