William "Bill" Westfall 1945 - 2023 Bill Westfall died peacefully, at Kensington Hospice on August 18, 2023, after a long struggle with prostate cancer. He was a kind, witty and generous man, and a loving and devoted father. Bill was born in Indianapolis, and came to Canada as a high school student. He became a proud Canadian, and a loyal graduate of St. Andrews College in Aurora and Trinity College at the University of Toronto. After completing a doctorate in Canadian history at the University of Toronto, he taught history and humanities at York University until his retirement. He remained a fellow of the Divinity School at Trinity. His books about the impact of Protestant clergy, institutions, and beliefs on the development of Ontario won several awards. He was a beloved teacher. Bill was a vital social presence in the Toronto annex. He worked hard for the NDP and made friends throughout the neighbourhood. He played cricket and football as a young man, ran competitively with a group of friends at Hart House over many years, and always enjoyed a game of golf. He loved telling stories, collecting wine, eating oysters, watching the Blue Jays, cheering for the St. Andrews football team, talking about the architecture of Toronto, going to the Cameron House for country music, and frequenting the senior common room at Trinity. He enjoyed vacations in Prince Edward County and at Sand Lake. Bill will be greatly missed by his partner, Jane Gaskell, and her family; by his children, Bram (Shanti), Luke (Ann) and Jennifer (Mark); his grandchildren, Alice, Silas, Alexandria and Jonah; and his extended family of brothers, sisters and cousins, as well as by many friends, students and colleagues. His wife, Cathy James, predeceased him in 2007. We thank Gloria Watling and the staff at Kensington for their excellent care during his illness. A funeral will be held on September 11th at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity College Chapel. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Kensington Hospice or Trinity College

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Aug. 26 to Aug. 30, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for William WESTFALL

5 Entries

Jody Berland

September 11, 2023

To Jane and the rest of Bill's family, my most sincere condolences for your loss. I set out to attend the funeral today but had to go to Hospital first for tests and I just couldn't make it. I am so sorry I missed being there in person. Bill was a wonderful colleague and scholar, also a friend full of entertaining and insightful ideas. His contribution to Canadian Studies at York was essential, and he will be remembered with warmth and respect.

Jon Sufrin

September 10, 2023

Got my first course directorship in HUMA on his recommendation, and also Canadian Studies program coordinator. Also on my defense committee. Safe to say I wouldn't be where I am at without his support.

Natalie Neill

September 1, 2023

Prof. Westfall was a lovely man and a much-loved professor. I was his TA at York 20 years ago, for a course called Contexts of Canadian Culture, and I still remember him very fondly. I'm now a prof myself and aspire to be as kind and knowledgeable as he was. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Mike Yealland

August 28, 2023

Fondly remembered by the Hart House runners for his warmth and erudition.

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William McKeachie

August 26, 2023

Met´Agona, the best of clarets in the finest Dining Society of them all. Memory Eternal.

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Memorial Events
for William WESTFALL

Sep

Funeral

11:00 a.m.

Trinity College Chapel