Obituary of M. Beverly Guy

M. BEVERLY GUY Bev passed away peacefully on June 23, 2013 at Toronto Western Hospital with her family at her side. Feisty, independent, sociable, direct, fiercely loving, loyal, insightful, observant, generous, and with a strong sense of the absurd, Bev lived life on her own terms to her last breath. Born to Donald and Jean Ross on June 6, 1934, sister to David (Cathie) and Nick (Lynn) Bev grew up in Toronto. She studied Nursing at the University of Toronto and worked at the Hospital for Sick Children. In 1957, she married George Guy and they lived together in Brantford and Waterloo before relocating to Toronto in 1969. George and Bev were married for 56 years. He will miss her dearly. Bev spent seventy-nine summers at the Ross family cottage compound at Sydenham Lake. Sydenham was dear to her heart throughout her life, throwing herself into it's preservation and improvement with her characteristic enthusiasm. Bev was a unique and extraordinary woman. She treasured the past but embraced the future. Her passion for genealogy had its roots in her love of family. Bev was the chronicler of the Ross family history. Her research gave the extended Ross family a sense of the common history and values that binds it together, a sense of belonging and a sense of pride. This is a priceless legacy for her four children: Jennifer (Larry Eastman), Sheila (David McCracken), David (Philippa Barber) and Geoffrey (Marin Chisholm), and grandchildren Rebecca, Connor, Will, Charlie, Olivia and Sam. Bev was a builder. She had a keen visual and design sense and was quick to see possibilities. The Guy residences in Toronto, Naples, Florida and Sydenham, are all testaments to her vision; colourful, creative and distinctive, yet comfortable and inviting family homes. Some of her greatest projects got their start when she picked up a hammer or saw and got straight to work. She was happiest in a sea of sawdust as building progressed, all the while planning her next project. In 1979 at nearly 50 years of age, Bev returned to school and pursued a Bachelor in Applied Arts in Journalism at Ryerson University. She excelled in her studies, capturing the Masthead Award and Editor of the Year in the final year of her degree. Her ability to connect easily with people, her sense of humour and ready laugh, and her warmth and zest for life led to her acceptance by classmates less than half her age. Bev ran a catering business with Didy Erb in the 1970's. Didy has been a part of the Guy family ever since. She will miss knowing Bev was only ever a phone call away, and solving the problems of the world late into the night. Connie Tillo and Adrianna Cabato helped Bev keep the Guy home a welcoming place for friends and family to gather, sharing food and laughter in equal measure. The family thanks them for their loyalty and support. The family also would like to thank the staff and nurses of Integra Care, Dr. Haley Draper (Palliative Care Physician) and team on 8B Toronto Western Hospital. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES CHAPEL LIMITED, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25. A funeral service will be held in GRACE CHURCH-ON-THE-HILL, 300 Lonsdale Road on Wednesday, June 26 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, 700 University Avenue, 10th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z5 or Kensington Hospice, 38 Major Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2L1. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.