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William Robert WATERS

1932 - 2021

William Robert WATERS obituary, 1932-2021, Toronto, ON

BORN

1932

DIED

2021

William WATERS Obituary

WILLIAM ROBERT WATERS William Robert Waters, C.M., Ph.D., LL.D., passed away peacefully in Toronto on July 28, 2021. A recipient of the Order of Canada and a University of Toronto honorary doctorate, he was an accomplished academic, committed and beloved teacher, a visionary entrepreneur, patron of arts and artists, devoted husband, loyal friend, and above all, an extraordinarily generous philanthropist. Bill Waters traveled a remarkable journey over the course of his life. Made a ward of the Dufferin County Children's Aid Society at his birth in 1932, he was adopted in Orangeville by Edith Waters, a single woman of 51. Bill's entrepreneurial character became apparent early in his life as he started a variety of small businesses in his hometown while still a teenager. After graduating from high school, he went to work in Toronto, first with A.V. Roe, then with Lucas-Rotax. After six years of full-time work he began part-time studies at the University of Toronto, went on to get his MBA, and in 1962 entered the Ph.D. program at the University of Chicago. His doctoral thesis was written under the supervision of Nobel-prize winning Merton H. Miller. Even before the completion of his thesis, he was invited in 1962 to join the University of Toronto to teach economics and finance, lecturing and holding various administrative positions there until 1998, when he was made Professor Emeritus of Economics and Finance. He was the first Academic Director in the Executive MBA (EMBA) program launched in the early 1980's. A caring, gifted and passionate teacher, he was revered by students for his erudition in economics and finance, his ability to make the material both fun and interesting, and his steadfast commitment to helping students leverage their learning to achieve more in their careers than they had previously thought possible. EMBA graduates became good friends of Bill, and many continued to meet him for lunches and dinners until the end of his life. Bill was a successful academic and researcher, but he was constantly seeking ways to make leading-edge thinking useful to practitioners and, in the process, created a number of highly successful businesses. Of his many entrepreneurial ventures, the two most impactful were Financial Models Inc. - a company specializing in computer systems and information services for large investment managers, sold in 2005 - and Portfolio Analytics, which provided similar services to advisors and investors in mutual funds, sold in 2003. He was much respected by staff. Outside the University, he also acted as an expert witness on financial and economic matters before regulatory tribunals, commissions and courts. The focus of the latter period of Bill's life was his devotion to philanthropy. Bill was always conscious of how he had started out in life; indeed, he was very aware of and grateful for the opportunities opened up to him through education. Bill and his wife, Phyllis, were extraordinarily generous benefactors of programs and initiatives at the University of Toronto, the University of Chicago, and Phyllis' alma mater, the Seattle Pacific University. Their giving was often driven by the desire to enable others, particularly adults without the formal education to qualify for university admission, to pursue a university education. Bill's philanthropy also encompassed commitments to the arts and medical care. His passion for the arts led him to support cultural institutions such as the Toronto Symphony and the Faculty of Music at U of T, but also led him to provide support to young artists of high potential who might otherwise have been unable to develop their gifts to their full potential. In the last 25 years of his life, the York Club became a bit of a second home. Bill loved the atmosphere, the staff, and the fellowship of the Club, and could often be found there at lunch. Bill met his wife Phyllis while in Chicago. Married for 53 years, she introduced him to the arts, travelled with him to Greece, France, Switzerland, the British Isles, Egypt and more. When she became ill with chronic pain and fatigue, he was always there for her and explored every avenue to help her. Bill leaves his beloved wife, Phyllis, along with Phyllis's sister, Lynda, and her husband, Denny McCarthy, who were treasured friends. He will be missed by all whose life he touched. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the University of Toronto - Woodsworth College, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Pacific University, or a charity of your choice. A celebration of life will be held when all can gather safely.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Aug. 4 to Aug. 8, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for William WATERS

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18 Entries

Kristi Malmberg

October 20, 2023

It has been a while since Bill passed. I have been living in Sweden since 2003 and it would not have been possible without Bill's help. When he came into my life as a young mom to 2 boys in a bad marriage, he offered me a job that would enable me to get out it. As a result my life and my children's life have been adventure full. I would not have been able to do that had it not been for his generosity and fatherly support. We had a lot of fun and enriching conversations that I never got the opportunity to have with my own father who passed away when I was 25. Bill filled that gap. He will always be remembered by my boys and family.

graham savage

March 7, 2023

Bill, it´s been a while since you left us, but I think of you often. You never taught me formally, but you taught me a great deal informally, by just being around you. I wish I had seen more of you in these last few years.

Alaa

July 28, 2022

Dear Bill,

It has been a year since you left us to a better place. May your soul rest in peace.

Alaa

Agnes

October 10, 2021

Sitting in his favorite spot in his Eastbourne home.

Brendan Calder

August 13, 2021

in the 1970s Bill helped me understand how markets worked. And I then made a career of it.
Thank you Bill.

Doug Blair

August 11, 2021

I was one of Prof. Waters' students in the 1967 MBA class at UofT Business School. He was the overseer for my thesis that year. I was always appreciative of the helpful advice and encouragement he gave me in that endeavour, always delivered with wit and humour. I have fond memories of him. R.I.P.

Larry Baldachin

August 11, 2021

I first met Bill Waters in 1992 when I attended the Rotman School of Management and did my Executive MBA. Bill was our first year Finance Professor and an absolute delight to be with and learn from. Subsequently, Bill and I kept in touch as I continued to grow my career in the technology and communications space and Bill began to become more active in the community and as a philanthropist.

Over a number of lunches, phone conversations and coffees I had a chance to spend a fair amount of time with Bill and get to know him quite well. There were many qualities about Bill that I grew to admire which I am sure anybody who reads this will concur with - he was wise, generous, attentive, caring and deeply committed to the arts, education and those who were close to him. He was always available to provide support and / or guidance when asked but never tried to make his sentiments or values your own.

The latter years weren't kind to Bill from a health perspective and I remember visits that he and I had during his frequent dialysis sessions at the Toronto General Hospital. He would like on his bed and listen to music quietly as the machines next to him worked away to clean his blood and give him another few days to move forward until he had to return to the TGH to repeat the treatments. He suffered these sessions with good humour and a positive demeanor and treated those around him as if they were good friends and colleagues - he never took himself more seriously than those around him did.

I was fortunate to have known Bill and to have had an opportunity to both learn from him and get to know him as a friend. And I'm saddened by his loss and will miss him.

Melanie Woodin

August 10, 2021

On behalf of the Faculty of Arts & Science, I wish to express our collective sadness at the passing of William Waters. Dr. Waters was a passionate supporter of education for all, and a respected U of T alumnus and faculty member. We will always be grateful for his generosity and kindness.

Bill Waters will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. His wife Phyllis and their loved ones are in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Respectfully yours,

Melanie Woodin, Dean, Faculty of Arts & Science, University of Toronto

David Andrews

August 9, 2021

I was fortunate enough to have two opportunities to know Bill. The first time was as an advisor in Toronto's fintech community. Much to my delight, our orbits crossed again when Bill taught our MBA class at Rotman School. In both situations he had a profound impact on all involved. Marked by intelligence, passion, nuance and wit, he had an outsized impact on our outlooks and our futures. His legacy lives on in both he algorithms he helped us to craft, and in the hearts and minds he shaped. We will miss you, Bill.

Margaret Hudson

August 7, 2021

Bill taught me economics when I joined the Rotman MBA program in 1997. We had a particularly warm relationship given that my family business is part of the supply managed egg industry and he was an advocate for free markets. That created the conditions for many interesting classroom debates. We enjoyed our time with Bill and the team at Rotman. We enjoyed our time at Rotman with Bill and the team there. They created a dynamic environment of camaraderie and learning that we all look upon fondly. Bill was a great man and an inspiration to us all. He will be sorely missed! Sending heartfelt condolences to his family.

Brenda Mallouk

August 4, 2021

Bill was a very kind and compassionate person. He accomplished a great deal in his life. It was a life well-lived. As a junior faculty member Bill reached out to me which made my life much easier.
Please keep me posted once the details are finalized for the celebration of
life.

Agnes

August 4, 2021

One of his proudest moments, when he received the Order of Canada.

Agnes

August 4, 2021

Paul Petras

August 4, 2021

I worked at Financial Models from 1987 to 2005. I have many fond memories of Bill. Such a dry wit! He accomplished a great deal in his life. May he Rest In Peace.

Please let me know of the eventual Celebration of Life arrangements.

Paul Petras

Thomas Gerginis

August 4, 2021

Thank you Bill for your scholarship and your warmth.
May your memory be eternal.
Thomas Gerginis

Dan Johnson

August 4, 2021

Dr. Bill Waters taught us economics in the executive MBA program in the mid 90’s. His total mastery of economics and interest in people resulted in engaged teaching and genuine interest in his students. He learned all of our names and was happy to chat outside class. He had a common touch, and is remembered very fondly.

Solbyung

August 4, 2021

Such a colossal loss to this world of a most kind openhanded and always thoughtful humanitarian. Our Professor Bill, Rest in Peace.
Solbyung Bill's Student (EMBA 15, 1997-1999, University of Toronto)

Alaa Serry

August 4, 2021

Dear Bill, you meant a lot to me and many other people.
I am happy for you - you are in a better place.
May GOD bless your sole.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

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