Tribute Wall
Saturday
23
September
Memorial
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Massey College - University of Toronto
4 Devonshire Place
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Patricia Phenix lit a candle
Saturday, September 30, 2017
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Douglas Williams posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Among his many virtues, kindly respect for others was key. Michael was perhaps 5 years ahead of me at KDHS, a gulf that was almost generational. I recall his friendly intervention in a raucous conversation about Sigmund Freud that a friend and I were having as we perused MAD magazine in the local news stand. We, age 14, had hardly a clue re Freud, but MAD made a joke and we knew the subject was sex. Michael's father and mine had been close friends, and Michael and I had a nodding acquaintance, but he was a "big kid" rather than a friend. Nevertheless, he shared some information about Freud in a friendly manner, acknowledging our barely-perceptable intelligence, that left us feeling validated in a way that the times and small-town custom seldom did. I have remembered the moment - nearly 60 years ago - all my life. When he published Writing History, I sent him a copy of my own Kingsville memoir, Promised Lands, and he wrote a kind and pithy critique that reminded me again of his dedication to the joys of learning and understanding. I will never forget him. My deepest condolences to his family.
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Mrs. Pat Baker posted a condolence
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Hi Sally Laura and Jamie
I want to express my sorrow for the loss of your Dad. I did not have Professor Bliss at U of T but I remember that he came to Leaside to talk about Federalism. He was a renowned historian but more importantly a loving father who took great pride in his children.
My thoughts are with you all.
Pat Baker
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Mary-Lou Parissi posted a condolence
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Dear Liz, Jamie, Laura & Sally,
Please accept my sincerest condolences for your great loss. I just found out the shocking news of Michael's/your father's passing at my softball game this week. I remember the Bliss parents being among of the most supportive parents of Leaside High School's Athletic program. You, Liz, and Michael, were almost always in the crowd for a game or meet when one or more of your kids were competing. It was always reassuring to have friendly faces in the crowd! I thoroughly enjoyed talking with Michael - he was the smartest and kindest person I've ever met. I still cherish the signed copy of his book, Banting: A Biblography, that he gave to me. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult and trying time. I hope the many memories you have of your husband/father help you in your grief and through your healing process.
Mary-Lou
(former staff member of Leaside H.S.)
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Patricia Phenix posted a condolence
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Such shocking news. A great and selfless man, neighbour, and friend. Leaside Life newspaper benefitted from descriptions of his life in retirement in Canada's biggest small town
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Patricia Phenix lit a candle
Thursday, June 15, 2017
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K. Jean Cottam posted a condolence
Sunday, June 11, 2017
A former classmate at University of Toronto, I was shocked to learn of Michael's passing. Michael was the only classmate at the University of Toronto that I remember very well and always will.
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Dan B Wigle posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Hello Liz again: You probably wonder why I am doing a 2nd message, but after reading a recent National Post article by Joe Martin (The Bliss of Northern Enterprise ) I thought it appropriate to reference it. Perhaps you have read it.
Since Northern Enterprise was published in 1987 it definitely shows Mike's influence and respect over the years. This publication(100 copies ordered for entrepeneurs including international guests), is still relevant today for business historians. Of course he progressed and has been recognized now as the pioneer of medical history. Need I say more!
Dan Wigle
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Alan Bowker posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
I was very sorry to learn of Michael's death. He was in very good form when I met him, after many years, at the University College Alumni of Influence dinner last fall, where he was a very proud and deserving former recipient. I owe Michael a great debt of gratitude for the way he guided me through the preparation and publication of a book of Stephen Leacock essays many years ago. His hand was gentle, friendly, and encouraging, his judgment was superb, and his standards were high and uncompromising. His personal qualities and his mentoring style have been a role model I have tried to emulate, whether in the foreign service, as a teacher, or just dealing with other people. I offer my heartfelt condolences and know you find comfort that Michael's was a life truly well lived.
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Deborah Harrison posted a condolence
Saturday, June 3, 2017
I can imagine the pain Michael's family is going through, and I am writing to say how sorry I am for their enormous loss.
I am glad that I got to meet Michael at a party during the 1990s, and to express my appreciation to him as a teacher. I was in Grade 10 in Michael's first year at Lawrence Park. Michael's classes were in a portable. Michael would usually talk to us with his back to the wall, and by the end of a class, the wall was lined with black scuff marks from his shoes. He wore black suits, and made 20th century history come alive.
Towards the end of the year (1963-64: COLD WAR), we had a class debate on Communism. My best friend, Anthea East, was on the 'pro' side with Tim Deeth; I was on the 'anti' side with Tom Vinci. Tom and I found mountains of material for our argument by lifting our baby fingers. We only needed one meeting in the school cafeteria. Anthea and Tim were mysterious about their preparation, but ob viously digging deeply. On the day of the debate, I was blown away by Anthea and Tim's presentation. Nevertheless the outcome was decided by vote, and Tom and I won. After school I was chortling with competitive glee, as Anthea and I cleaned out our lockers to go home, when 'Mr Bliss' happened to walk by. He leaned into me and told me not to be smug, that the other side had done a better job, and that we won only because all children in North Toronto had been brainwashed by their parents. I was an impressionable adolescent, and that intervention turned out to be one of the defining moments of my life. I did turn out to be someone who spent my personal and professional life asking questions, and I often think back to the day of that debate and what that teacher, who I admired, said to me. I am still grateful, and wish that a historian like Michael could be on the staff of every present-day high school.
Deborah Harrison
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Karen Smith posted a condolence
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Dear Liz, Jamie, Laura and Sally,
I am so very sorry for your loss. May time heal your sadness and may your memories of happy times spent with your husband/father comfort you. You are in my thoughts.
Much love,
Karen Smith
Former English Teacher, Leaside High School
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susan schwartz posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Dear Elizabeth,
I read Mike's wonderful obit in the New York Times with sadness but fond memories of a truly interesting and kind man. Charlie and I both so enjoyed our many visits to September Camp, and being with you both enriched our time there.
I was a publisher of cookbooks for people with diabetes, and Mike's "The Discovery of Insulin" was most helpful in my understanding of the disease. I have passed my copy on to our granddaughter Annie -- a Wapomeo alumna -- who is studying nutrition at Columbia University.
Charlie has Alzheimer's, but really does remember the two of you, and associates you with his all-time favorite place, Camp Ahmek.
My condolences ...... Susan
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Albert Schultz posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
On behalf of all of the artists at Soulpepper of whom Michael was such an enthusiastic supporter, I send condolences to all of Michael's loved ones.
Sincerely,
Albert Schultz, Artistic Director, Soulpepper
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Dan & Brenda Wigle posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Hello Liz: It was both a shock and a sadness to learn of Mike's 'passing'. These days one never knows what rare aflfictions can arise unexpectantly. I know this all too well (but that's another story).
Our K.D.H.S. graduating class was well endowed with high achievers, and Mike was at the top in all subject areas.It was amazing to me that he could achieve 100% in some subjects and maintain a 98% average over-all on Provincial exams.
There were times when he would 'mentor' me if I had a particular assignment problem. He was always generous with helping. I always 'looked up' to Mike and for me it was a source of pride to be associated with him both in the classroom and on the football field. He put K.D.H.S. 'on the map' for academic excellence.
Later I made a point to read each newspaper dissertation. Agree or not, his arguments could not be denied. He was certainly well respected for his views.And justly rewarded with induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame; not to mention the several texts produced along the way.
Please pass on our condolences to family members; as we anticipate the memorial service in September.
Dan & Brenda Wigle
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thomas richards posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Bliss family members;
Along with so many others I too am shocked with his passing .
Professor Michael's wit, charm and dry sense of humour will be indeed missed.
Michael was my graduate thesis supervisor and i remember our many endless conversations on the events and political figures i was writing about. In fact in true style, often from a former combative exchange, Michael would tell me not to mention his name to the political figure i was interviewing. Always a gentleman with the greatest intentions and interests for his students.
My sincerest thoughts for his family! Much too young to pass on!
francis lloyd thomas
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Phyllis Bruce posted a condolence
Monday, May 29, 2017
Dear Elizabeth and family: Like so many, I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Michael's death. I knew him first when we taught together at Lawrence Park, later when we attended graduate school of U of T, and much later when he did me the honour of publishing under my imprint. He was such a fine man, such a dedicated teacher, such a stimulating thinker, and I shall miss him very much.
Phyllis Bruce
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Ken Andrews posted a condolence
Monday, May 29, 2017
I was privileged to be taught by both Mrs. Bliss, my 10-0 teacher at East York Collegiate Institute, and by Professor Bliss at the University of Toronto, whose post-Confederation 262 course I took in 1973-74. I was not alone in benefiting from this team-taught family arrangement; when we were walking together down St. George one day from the subway, Professor Bliss mentioned that he had taught a number of his wife's former students!
My love of Canadian history - and English literature before that - was in large measure a result of Mrs. and Prof. Bliss, and I'm both grateful and indebted to the opportunity to have known them and benefited from their inspired teaching. If you are reading this, Mrs. Bliss, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your husband, whose loss we all mourn, and my best wishes to you and your family.
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Pat Hobbs posted a condolence
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Michael will be greatly missed by all of us at the Indian River Festival. His calm, gentle smile, his appreciation of the music and his loyal support over the years meant so much.
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Linda McKnight posted a condolence
Sunday, May 28, 2017
I met Michael Bliss through book publishing and enjoyed the relationship very much. He was a fine man with a fine mind and a nice sense of humour! I will contribute to the CanAdian History Museum in his name.
We will miss him.
Linda McKnight
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Craig Nicholson posted a condolence
Saturday, May 27, 2017
"Mr. Bliss" was my most memorable teacher at Lawrence Park C.I. Through his remarkable ability to connect with students and make history come alive, Michael Bliss was a major influencer of my decision to major in history at U of T. There, we reconnected briefly, and in the years since I've watched with his many accomplishments with little surprise - after all, he revealed himself to me as something truly special so early in his stellar career.
Yes, I'm sad to see him go, but will always be happy and grateful to Michael Bliss for being there when I needed a great teacher.
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Eleanor M. Parke posted a condolence
Saturday, May 27, 2017
My sincere sympathy to the Bliss Family in your loss.
Michael Bliss did not, however, spend his entire career at UofT as, in the 1960s, he taught history at Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute for at least one year and I was lucky enough to be in one of his classes.
We trudged outdoors in all weather to a 'portable' where a young teacher made every effort to make his classes interesting - including up-ending furniture so we entered to a scene of chaos to demonstrate something about the Greeks.
The method was memorable if not the intended learning outcome! And, in those long gone days,it was exciting to have a teacher who tried to engage our imaginations.
Many years later, I had the pleasure of reminding him of this incident after he spoke at a Friends of the Fisher Library event and we both had a chuckle.
I am sure I am only one of his many former students to be grateful for his effort.
Sincerely,
Eleanor M. Parke
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Brad Faught pledged to donate to Canadian Museum of History Corporation
Saturday, May 27, 2017
In memory of Michael Bliss.
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Brad Faught pledged to donate to Vasculitis Foundation Canada
Saturday, May 27, 2017
In memory of Michael Bliss.
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Brad Faught posted a condolence
Saturday, May 27, 2017
To Elizabeth and the Bliss family,
Michael will be greatly missed. I was a PhD student at U of T in the early 90s and although studying British history I was privileged to serve as one of his teaching assistants. He was brilliant, tough, fair, and kind. Afterwards, we stayed in regular touch. He was an absolute inspiration and model as both a historian and a citizen. Throughout my time as a student, and once I had entered the profession, he was unfailingly encouraging and helpful. Just last year he introduced me at my book launch, which was a distinct honour, and then shortly thereafter we got together one last time -- as it turned out -- at Bessborough . I could go on. Very sad to know that he is gone but will be remembered always. My sincere condolences to all of you.
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Sandy Campbell posted a condolence
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Thank you, Michael, for all you were to the intellectual life of the historical profession and your country. You wrote and spoke with brilliance, candour and courage. Duncan and I will miss you greatly. We send our love to Liz and all the family at this time of loss and rich remembrance.
Sandy and Duncan McDowall
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Dennis Duffy posted a condolence
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Dear Elizabeth,
What a shock. I had no idea he was even sick.
What an example he was as a public intellectual, and what an easy-mannered man.
An awful time for you. it will one day get better, but right now I know that it's very gtim.
Be well,
dennis
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The family of Michael Bliss uploaded a photo
Thursday, May 25, 2017
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