Edgar Lee Ware

Edgar Lee Ware passed away February 4, 2022. He is survived by his wife Susan Ware, his children Jessica Lee Ware, Syrus Marcus Ware, and Lashon Ware, his grandchildren Aeshna Ware Huff, Zack Ware Huff, Amelie Ware Redman, Jacob Kreuchi, Noah Kreuchi, and Learthur Frost as well as his siblings Nathanial, Willie, Deborah, Cynthia, Janet, and Christopher; he joins his late mother and father (Pauline and Tampa), his late brother and sister (Alvin and Betty Jo).

Edgar was born in Memphis, Tennessee on September 10, 1946. He would recount fond memories of his first childhood homes on Hernando, Clayborn, Patton, Walker, & Maclamore, and his frequent visits to the library where the librarian would have stacks of Greek mythology books waiting for him. He loved his time at Booker T. Washington High School where he played football, basketball, ran track, and loved science class (Edgar was in chemistry club). He was approached by activists from Freedom Summer to get involved in protests for desegregation while at high school but did not go. He was a mentor and role model to his beloved younger siblings, and he looked up to his father, Tampa Brown.

He joined the RROTC in the 9th grade, and was in the NDCC (National Defense Cadet Corps). It was through the RROTC NDCC program that he met a recruiter for the Marine Corps, and after being impressed by the recruiters "cool threads" and the opportunities that the Marine Corps offered, Edgar went down to the bus station and caught the bus with 3 or 4 others from Memphis, Mississippi, and Alabama, sitting up front for the whole 6 hour ride to Paris Island South Carolina. Because he had been in the NDCC he got to be platoon captain on base, carrying the flag and walking out front of the troops when marching. He served in two tours of duty in Vietnam, and retired from the military honourably with a total active service time of over 9 years. During his time in the Marine Corps, Edgar became a drill instructor, and received several medals and commendations: a Presidential Unit Citation, Letter of Appreciation, Vietnamese Service Medal with 3 stars, Expert-Rifle medal, Sharp Shooter medal, and Good Conduct Medal with 2 stars.

Edgar was in a motorcycle club, was a 3rd degree Black belt in Karate (with expert level in the Sai), played squash, golf and tennis, and lived his life to the fullest. Edgar was an adventurous traveler, who visited many counties; he said his trips to South Africa and Hawaii were his favorite. He lived many different places, in South Carolina, at Haight Ashbury in San Francisco, in San Diego, Japan, and, among other places, Montreal, where he met Susan Ware and had his twin children. Edgar and Susan relocated to Toronto where he worked in computer sales at companies including Digital Equipment Corporation, Compaq, and ACI, diversifying his field as the first Black executive and a trailblazer in the world of computing. Edgar worked as an anti-oppression and EDI consultant, and he trained many institutions in EDI through his company FutureWare. Edgar was an outgoing person, who quickly made friends, developing a strong network and sense of community in his local neighborhood of Weston/Mount Dennis and among the larger Black diaspora in Toronto. He worked tirelessly to provide for his children and his extended family. He was an active supporter of the arts in Toronto, presenting awards at the Harry Jerome Awards, and serving on the board of Canadian Stage, the Hummingbird Centre and the Sony Centre. He advocated strongly for Black artists and the need to change the Canadian arts landscape to make room for a diversity of voices.

Edgar retired and moved with Susan to their home in Gravenhurst, Ontario, where he enjoyed golfing with his friends, hosting his family for BBQs and reading science fiction novels. He spent his summers with his grandchildren, watching them swimming in Lake Muskoka and teaching them chess. Edgar was a man who thought of others first, who worked hard to make sure everyone had what they needed, championing the successes of those around him and getting true joy from his family's company. Edgar was an advocate, and a champion of those on the margins. His mark on this planet is indelible. He will be forever missed.