Ernest SIRLUCK

SIRLUCK, Ernest - Ernest Sirluck, died on September 4, 2013 at the age of 95, in his home in Toronto. Born 1918 in Winkler, Manitoba, son of Isaac Sirluck and Ruchel Nitikman Sirluck; brother of Hilda Sturc, Gertrude Mitchell, Gladys Bruser and Robert Sirluck. For 69 years the beloved husband of artist Lesley MCNaught Sirluck. Survived by son Robert McNaught Sirluck and daughter Katherine Sirluck, and granddaughters Imogen Sirluck-Schroeder and Jeminah Harcourt-Vernon. B.A. in English Literature, University of Manitoba (1940), M.A. (1941) and Ph.D. (1948) University of Toronto. Fought overseas in WWII with distinction, among other honours awarded the MBE (Military Division), ending the war with rank of Major. Professor of Humanities at the University of Chicago (1946-63), Professor of English Literature and Dean of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto. Honourary doctorates from Queens University, University of Manitoba, and University of Toronto. During his time at Toronto, expanded and developed the School of Graduate Studies, and was a prime mover behind the decision to build the Robarts Research Library. President of University of Manitoba (1970-1976), where he was an active reformer and innovator. A gifted administrator, a great teacher and a distinguished scholar. One of the foremost authorities on the works of John Milton. Author of Vol. 2 of The Yale Milton, and many influential, ground-breaking articles on Milton, Spenser and University governance. Later wrote his autobiography, First Generation. Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada from 1967. President of the Toronto Arts and Letters Club (1990-92). He was an extraordinary man in both the private and the public spheres: a brilliant thinker, ethical, courageous, kind, and committed to making a difference. He was a generous contributor to his historical moment, with an abiding passion for justice. His life's work was governed by integrity and sustained by his conviction that truth matters. He was deeply loved and deeply loving. The funeral is for immediate family only. A memorial will be held at the Toronto Arts and Letters Club, 14 Elm Street, on Sunday, September 22, 1:00-4:00 p.m.