Tribute Wall
Sunday
8
April
Celebration of Life
6:00 pm
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Walker Court at the Art Gallery of Ontario
317 Dundas Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Christopher Varley posted a condolence
Monday, April 9, 2018
Thank you for your many years of service, Bill. Under your watch the AGO made great progress. It's good to see some of the wonderful acquisitions from your time back up on the walls again.
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Bradley Sumner posted a condolence
Monday, March 12, 2018
I would also include Eleanor and Don McKague to express in their absence and from them , sentiments to June and wishing Rest In Peace to Bill Don was a noted photographer in Canada having photographed the Queen and Prince Philip in Buckingham Palace. Also many politicians and industry executives Also Elvis Presley They both spoke highly of Bill and June I have lost touch with Don but not Eleanor who passed away many years ago. From myself and in their memory RIP BILL
This was an interesting time in my life
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Bradley Sumner posted a condolence
Monday, March 12, 2018
Condolences to all family members. I was a Ryerson student living with the interesting and hospitable Don and Eleanor McKague off Leslie on Southwell. They spoke highly of the Withrow family. I was often included in any events Residing in Kingston after many years in Toronto and Alberta. Retired or at least semi in estate planning My thoughts are with you. I may attend
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Les Holdway posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
To Stephen Withrow,and all family members. I was saddened to learn of the passing of your father. I still remember as a film student being given generous access to the Moore Gallery to film same. It was in the spirit of that generosity, and desire to engage the public in experiencing Art first hand, that I remember your Dad. The AGO has been such a gift to Toronto and it was so transformed under your fathers' tutelage, at the time as a catalyst in the transformation of the Art Culture of Toronto itself. You all can be so proud, of the legacy he has left for all of us. My sincerest sympathy to you all.
Les Holdway
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Audrey McLeod posted a condolence
Friday, January 26, 2018
It has come to my attention that Bill passed away recently. I must have missed his death notice. Some time ago my husband Donald located Bill at Sunnybrook . This was after June and Bill moved from their Lsnsing residence. Unfortunately Bill was sleeping at the time Don visited. I wasn't able to get to Sunnybrook because of mobility problems.
Bill and June were my dear friends. June was a member of the Serenata Singers that I directed for 20 years and we became close friends I eventually met Bill who encouraged me regarding my watercolours. He was such a kind sweet gentleman.
We are sad to hear of Bill's death. So many times I wanted to visit him.
Please remember me to June if that is possible. I am aware of her problem and was advised years ago not to visit her. I miss her even now when I am 87 . I would love to be able to have a chat with her but I'm afraid that is impossible now.
I have tried to contact family members via email but have had no luck. I at least know now that Bill has gone. Give June a hug for me if you can.
Sincerely
Audrey McLeod
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Allison MacDuffee posted a condolence
Saturday, January 20, 2018
My condolences on your loss. Mr. Withrow was a wonderful director of the AGO and made a lasting contribution to Canada and to Toronto.
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Marilyn Hew (Christensen) posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
I was so saddened to see this newsinmy AGO e-letter. And yet it made me smile, remembering my conversations with Bill at SUNNYBROOK Veterans when I was visiting with my dad. He was always so impressed that I was a teacher too and we shared stories about being in the classroom with insiders’ knowledge.
He modestly , yet proudly shared his family heritage with me and I never tired of hearing it. I think of him every time I go past Withrow Park on the streetcar.
I pray for comfort and peace for the family. I know all too well that losing a father can leave a huge hole in your heart.
May God fill it with His love.
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Brian Pak posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Condolences to your family in your time loss. May the care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace.
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Latoya Thomas posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
John - sorry for your losss. My condolences goes out to you and your entire family in this time of grief.
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Alvita L. Meinert (nee Bennett) posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Dear John and extended family,
My sincere condolences for your immeasurable loss. Thank you for sharing this beautifully written and photographic tribute about a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. His legacy and memory lives on in you all.
I had no idea of the involvement nor major impact he had with the Art Gallery of Ontario, and now it seems so fitting, and makes me happy, that I became a member of AGO on January 5, 2018.
In memory of William J. Withrow who lived a beautiful, meaningful and well-rounded life, be comforted in knowing that his legacy is so rich, and because of it, he will never be forgotten. His life is an example of how each of us should strive to do our best, make an impact and leave an indelible mark on those we leave behind. Rest in peace.
Love, Alvita & James
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Alvita L. Meinert (nee Bennett) posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
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In dedication to Mr. William J. Withrow, thank you for serving in the army.
Rest in peace,
Alvita
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Alvita L. Meinert (nee Bennett) lit a candle
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
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Dear John and family,
What a beautiful and poignant celebration of a life well lived. To the memory and legacy of William J. Withrow who lives on through his children and grandchildren, I light this candle in his memory.
Blessings, Alvita
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Donna Rossman posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
John,
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. I am truly sorry for your loss. May your father rest in peace.
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Cindy elliott posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Anne and Family
We send our condolences to you and your family.
What a wonderful tribute to your father.
Love Bob and Cindy
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Dr Francis Broun posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
I worked in the Education Department of the AGO from 1975 to 1989. For part of this time I was Chairman of the Staff Association (pre union) so we could have had an antagonistic relationship but all I remember is his unfailing good humour and willingness to listen to our concerns.
We used to organise staff 'talent' shows at Christmas time. I was the newscaster who introduced a bit by saying that as the AGO was expanding yet again the Art Gallery had actually become Ontario. Then I introduced Bill as Premier Withrow and for the next 5 minutes or so he kept the whole place howling with laughter as he answered all my silly questions - totally off the cuff, unrehearsed, with both of us making it all up as we went along. This was a side of our beloved director that few of us expected to see.
RIP Bill. You were a true gentleman.
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John R Taylor posted a condolence
Monday, January 15, 2018
Saddened as I may be to hear of Bill's passing, I acknowledge the beautiful realities of his life. I was a colleague, from 1967 to 1979 (when I moved from Ontario to BC and because of distance he was no longer in my life). Bill was an incredible mentor. Ten years my senior, he welcomed me into the Art Gallery world. He assisted me in my initiation years when I was a novice Director of the Tom Thomson Memorial Gallery, he hired me in a flash when I left the Tom Thomson Gallery, employed me at the AGO, assisted me in moving on to the Art Gallery of Cobourg. We were co-founding members of the Ontario Association of Art Galleries. He was an egalitarian. As the Director of Ontario's flagship Gallery he was endlessly supportive of the other galleries throughout the Province. If one needed help, affirmation or guidance he was always there. And he was absolutely genuine in his relations to all of the rest of us. Adieu mon Ami. A la prochaine.
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Lynn Byard posted a condolence
Monday, January 15, 2018
John,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I know how much you enjoyed spending time with your father.
Take care,
Lynn
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Evan Bozowsky and Family uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, January 14, 2018
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Evan Bozowsky and Family posted a condolence
Sunday, January 14, 2018
It was a great honour and gratifying to meet and interact with Bill during his later years when he resided at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre. Like my father [an LSSE co-resident for several years], he frequently and consistently demonstrated exceptional courtesy and consideration as well as genuine concern and sympathy for others, even when his own challenges and ailments became more severe. In our chats, he expressed great love and admiration for his family and treasured friends. While he routinely shared valuable wisdom, insight, humour and advice with whomever he conversed, he also displayed interest and curiosity in learning and discussing the ideas and feelings of others. My family and I, and many others gained and retained great respect, admiration and appreciation for him. While we miss him, we cannot and will not ever forget him.
Bill: Thank you and rest in peace.
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John Ryerson posted a condolence
Sunday, January 14, 2018
I knew Bill for years when I worked at the Ministry of Culture and later reconnected when he was on the selection team for the Varley Art Gallery Director's job, he continued as my mentor for several years. I enjoyed visits with him and June in their apartment. Always willing to help and with a deep understanding of the art world through a lens of kindness. May he rest in peace.
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Alf Bogusky posted a condolence
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Thank you Bill for your good collegial example. Know that you were a positive influence on the careers of so many who were fortunate to know you. The community is so much richer as a result of your efforts. You were a gentleman. A great one.
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Sunday, January 14, 2018
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Robert Swain posted a condolence
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Dear June and family,
I was devastated to learn of Bill's passing in the Globe this morning. I send you my deepest sympathy and remembrances of a fine and elegant man and a leader and mentor to so many of us in the seventies and eighties.
Robert Swain
[former director of the Agnes Etherington Art Centre and the Art Gallery of Hamilton]
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Friday, January 12, 2018
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