Tribute Wall
In Memory of
William (Bill) Newton Greer
1925 - 2023
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cybele young lit a candle
Monday, February 20, 2023
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Bill was one of a kind - gentle, loving, curious and fiercely intelligent - thinking of him invariably brings a spark of joy to our hearts. He will be missed and forever celebrated. Our deepest condolences.
Love from Cybèle and Matthew
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Bronwyn Krog posted a condolence
Sunday, February 19, 2023
To Rina and family - You were fortunate indeed to have had a gentleman and gentle man as husband and father. As a young planner in my career, he was a role model for thoughtful Heritage decisions, a man that balanced preservation with excellence in new architecture, blending the past with the future. He had impeccable manners and a calm spirit. Bill often worked quietly behind the scenes to bring about the kind of change that would always made Toronto that much better. Later in his life, his advice was sought and given informally on many projects, by seasoned developers and college trustees alike, on small projects and those of a civic scale. We wanted Bill’s insight that would help make a given project it’s best possible addition to the city, or his subtle urgings to push on for a better outcome. Bill never sought the limelight, yet he was justifiably showered with honours. Bill is remembered with fondness and great respect. He will probably make heaven a better place.
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Sandra Shaul posted a condolence
Friday, February 17, 2023
Dear Rina and Family,
As a director of the Annex Residents' Association responsible for heritage in our neighbourhood, I was always appreciative of the help and advocacy that Bill extended. He was a real pro; I a true amateur. Behind that gentlemanly and knowledgeable exterior was the heart and soul of a true community activist. Every time I walk by the construction site on Prince Arthur, I think of Bill and how much more appropriate the new building will be because of his persistence.
I've made a donation in Bill's name to Heritage Toronto.
Warm regards,
Sandra
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Wendy Cooper posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Dear Rina, Jonathan and Simon,
I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful person. It was a privilege to know him as a colleague at the Toronto Historical Board and as a friend. We all had such respect for him and enjoyed his gentle good humour. All the best to you and yours through a difficult time.
Wendy Cooper
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Wendy Cooper lit a candle
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
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John Massey pledged to donate to Heritage Toronto
Monday, February 13, 2023
Sending love and appreciation for Bill's support in the areas of heritage and art
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John Sewell posted a condolence
Sunday, February 12, 2023
Rina,
I admired Bill immensely. He was the person I looked up to about anything concerning n heritage buildings, particularly in the early 1970s when older buildings were held in very low esteem. He was the quintessential source of heritage wisdom. And I loved how he was so clear, so straight-forward in his advice. His kind doesn't come along often.
MY condolences to you and the family.
John Sewell
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Gee Chung posted a condolence
Friday, February 10, 2023
Bill's Contribution to the Bloor-Yorkville Community
It was a privilege and a pleasure to work alongside Bill. We met in 2001 when Bill joined the Greater Yorkville Residents Association (GYRA). A staunch advocate for the protection and preservation of Yorkville's built heritage, he gave unstintingly of his time in many meetings with developers who presented plans to build high-rise condominiums in our low-rise neighborhood. This was a revolutionary change that threatened to destroy the very fabric of Yorkville's Victorian charm. Bill patiently explained how historic characteristics could easily be expressed in the new built form by defining the scale, proportion, texture and materials that would reflect the integrity of Yorkville's past, and would also sit well in the context of contemporary Yorkville. Built in 2007, the Yorkville Avenue 5-star Hazelton Hotel (site of the famed Riverboat Coffee House) is an excellent example of Bill's influence in the integration of the desired heritage elements.
GYRA was invited to participate in the creation of the Bloor-Yorkville Urban Design Guidelines, to which Bill provided his expertise in creating a set of guidelines for the enhancement and protection of historic buildings. Bill's descriptions of historic characteristics were written into the Guidelines. The Guidelines were later harmonized with the City's North Midtown Design Guidelines, and renamed "Toronto Urban Design Guidelines Bloor-Yorkville/North Midtown."
GYRA was also invited to participate in the creation of a Planning Framework & Implementation Strategy for the Bloor-Yorkville/North Midtown area. Once again, Bill provided his expertise in developing a plan "to illustrate a feasible long-term vision for future compatible development that would enhance and preserve the exceptional reputation and distinctive character of the entire Yorkville area." This definitive document will soon be enacted by the City as the "Bloor -Yorkville Secondary Plan."
Bill's introduction to Yorkville occurred in 1931 when he attended Crescent School, then situated on Asquith Avenue, with gym classes in the Yorkville Town Hall (now the site of Town Hall Square). He would recount fond memories of his student days at the University of Toronto. The Bloor-Yorkville Community recognized Bill's significant contributions and, it was with the greatest respect, that we considered Bill to be Yorkville's most significant heritage asset.
He was a cherished mentor and friend, who will be sadly missed, and lovingly remembered.
My deepest condolences to Bill's beloved Rina, sons, and grand-children.
Gee Chung
GYRA former President
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Neil Mens posted a condolence
Friday, February 10, 2023
Dear Jonathan and family
I want you to know I am thinking about you as you reflect on the passion, devotion, craft and inspiration of your father and celebrate his life. I am sure you have a great reservoir of family memories and stories of the fun and adventures you shared in the park, on the island and ski hills. A wonderful tribute.
Big hugs. Neil Mens
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Jane Burgess posted a condolence
Thursday, February 9, 2023
Rina, Jonathan and Simon Karl and I wish you our heart felt condolences. The heritage profession is in Bill's debt and his moderating tone has been much missed in the past couple of years. I will always be in his debt for the enduring support he gave to me in my work. On a more personal level I have missed our annual lunches and ski outings of which I have such good memories.
Stay well. Karl Stevens & Jane Burgess
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Raymond James Ltd lit a candle
Thursday, February 9, 2023
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Dear Jonathan and family,
From your other family at Raymond James Ltd, our deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your loved ones on your father's passing.
A donation will made in his memory to "Heritage Toronto"
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The family of William (Bill) Newton Greer uploaded a photo
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
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