Jonathan Crombie

JONATHAN DAVID CROMBIE

Our Jonny saw life differently and approached it on his own terms.

Youngest son of David and Shirley, Jonathan enjoyed an idyllic childhood, growing up on Glencairn Avenue, cherished, protected and tormented, in equal measure, by his two older sisters. The beat of his own drum sounded early and thanks to Jonathan's mother, his greatest champion, it found the perfect outlet in the world of theatre. From his ?rst class at Young People's Theatre, acting became Jonny's lifelong passion and path. That love of musicals, ?lm and comedy brought him to Skippy's Rangers. In this close-knit circle of like-minded talent, Jonathan developed his unique voice as a performer and friendships that sustained him a lifetime. It also took him to Broadway and the magical energy of New York, which captivated him from the age of 20 and kept him coming back. The city became his second home and indeed in the week before his death, he was thrilled to learn that his long journey to dual citizenship was about to be realized.

Out of all the characters Jonny ever played, the most colourful by far was himself. The beloved attributes that added up to our vibrant, vital Jonathan were many. An ardent debater, he loved a good discussion and took no prisoners in arguing his point home. He raised the pursuit of economy to an art form, priding himself on travelling light and living close to the bone, delighted whenever he came across a good deal at Honest Ed's or found the perfect all-in-one gizmo. He was a perfectionist at his craft and the ease and excellence of his performance belied intense, disciplined preparation. Though he could be maddeningly undependable, his talent for creative explanations and hysterically tall tales always smoothed things over. And the gentle sweetness that was the very core of the man was evident in the time and thought he put into gifts and notes, especially for his adored and adoring nieces and nephews.

Jonny was always The Bonus, the cameo appearance you looked forward to and waited for. Because you knew that in his company, you were going to have a great time. He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.

Jonny leaves behind a legion of devoted family and friends, including in particular: Lisa, David, Shirley, Carrie, Robin, Arne, Ben, Alyssa, Casey, Hanna, Isak, John Mitchell, Bob, Don, Jane, Soupy, Matty, Gavin, Scott and Judith.

Our thanks and appreciation to the wonderful staff of New York City's Mount Sinai St. Luke's Hospital and Live On New York for their warmth and professionalism. We take great consolation in the knowledge that in his death, Jonathan was able to make the gift of life to others. And for those so inclined, we encourage you to support organ donation.



Celebrations of Jonathan's life will take place in the near future.

Take up the song. Forget the epitaph. - Edna St. Vincent Millay