Obituary of Michael Bliss

J.W. MICHAEL BLISS

OC, FRSC, Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto

January 18, 1941 – May 18, 2017

Died peacefully at Mount Sinai Hospital of complications from vasculitis.  Predeceased by his parents, Dr. Quartus Bliss and Anne Crowe and brother Dr. Jim Bliss.  Much loved husband of Elizabeth.  Beloved father of Jamie (Nicole Rhodes), BC, Laura (Matt Ghikas), BC, and Sally (Andrew Macdonald), Toronto.  Adored grandpa of Kate, Michael, Jasmin and Joey.  He is survived by his brother Robert (Rita), sisters-in-law, Margaret (Dave) Hannay, Kathy Haslam (François Ségard) and Mona Bliss and many nieces and nephews.

Raised in Kingsville, ON, graduate of University College, U of T, longtime resident of Leaside, Michael also developed deep connections to Prince Edward Island as a summer resident and to Algonquin Park through Taylor Statten Camps.

Retiring in 2006, Michael spent his entire career at the U of T History Department.  Among his professional associations was his membership in the American Osler Society.  He cherished his 2016 induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.

More than a political, business and medical historian, author and public commentator, Michael was a devoted family-man and friend.  He coached his children's softball, basketball and hockey teams, delighted in campfires, dinner celebrations, ski holidays, long runs in the Don Valley, the fine talent at Soulpepper and Indian River and everything about his grandchildren.

He finishes his Memoirs with “When the worst begins to happen, like Osler I will try to be content with having had a good inning.”

Cremation has taken place, as he wished.  A memorial will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2017, at Massey College at the University of Toronto.

Sincere thanks to the staff at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Mount Sinai Hospitals.  Donations in his memory to the Canadian Museum of History Corporation or the Vasculitis Foundation of Canada.  Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.