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Mary Williams posted a condolence
Sunday, January 29, 2023
On behalf of the York Mills Retirees I would like to offer sincere condolences.Bruce was a great colleague and good friend. Many of us taught with him at York Mills and all of us will miss him greatly. Our retiree gatherings will not be the same without him.
May he rest in peace.
Mary,Nadine, Marietta
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John & Andrey lit a candle
Sunday, January 29, 2023
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Helen Coltrinari posted a condolence
Friday, January 27, 2023
Bruce and I took several courses together while completing our MAs in French at UofT. OUr paths crossed again when we both taught at York Mills Collegiate. He was fun and always ready to search out some esoteric French grammar rule. We met up again on Facebook and he was so empathetic about any comment I made online. After the recent death of my husband, he sent me gentle comments, poems, and music. I really appreciated it and we, too, had a date for coffee coming up soon. Not to be. I send my deepest condolences to his family and to those who were closest to this wonderful teacher! May his new journey bring him to a place of great peace.
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Lynn Daigneault posted a condolence
Friday, January 27, 2023
Bruce was one of the kindest people I knew. We met at U of T where we were in the same group studying languages and both of us spent our third year in France. And we both became teachers. We kept in touch over the years. Bruce shared his love of music, opera, poetry, and literature generously. After my husband died in 2021, Bruce would msg me every couple of weeks or so with a poem or an extract of music or literature to keep me going and lift me up. He didn’t have to do this. But that was Bruce. It wouldn’t have occurred to him not to. After losing his partner, he understood grief and loss deeply. During COVID we chatted about getting together. And this past Xmas we resolved to meet mid January. Sadly that was not to be. An opportunity for renewed in person friendship lost forever. Bruce’s kindness, generosity of spirit, depth and thoughtfulness will be very much missed. My sincere condolences to his family and to all those whose lives he has touched.
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James Galbraith uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
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I really like these two photos of my brother Bruce that were taken in July 2006. My partner Alvin and I were married in a lovely humanist ceremony in Toronto that summer and Bruce was one of our two 'best men' along with our Hong Kong friend David Hammond. The first photo was taken just after the ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel on Bloor Street. The second photo was taken down at The Beaches where we had a wander one morning and where we stopped for a coffee and pastry and watched the world go by. Bruce loved Alvin and he immediately accepted him into the Galbraith family. Alvin felt the same about Bruce and he loved spending time with Bruce and Neil in 2006 and also in 2009 when we stayed with them again for ten days. They were very happy times.
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Audrey McLeod uploaded photo(s)
Monday, January 23, 2023
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A happy time celebrating the career of Neil Crory at the Arts and Letters club. A great keepsake.
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JUDY BOSWORTH posted a condolence
Saturday, January 21, 2023
This is such a shock, and I want to send my deepest sympathy to each and every member of Bruce's biological family, and his even greater 'musical family'. I first met Bruce in the Serenata Singers & was impressed by his congeniality, musical ability, & leadership skills. After awhile, I discovered that he had been my daughter's French teacher at York Mills. She has very fond memories of her days in his class, 'way back when'. We moved out to Vancouver Island in 2015 but even though I didn't see Bruce weekly at choir rehearsal, he did keep in touch occasionally. I remember that he said his daughter? son? or someone else in his family had moved to Courtenay & I hoped to see him one day if he came to visit. I've read all the other tributes here & am at a standstill trying to come up with even more words of praise for Bruce. Perhaps suffice it to say that to know Bruce, was to admire and love him. May he rest in peace surrounded by beautiful harmonious Heavenly music.
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Norma Pugh posted a condolence
Saturday, January 21, 2023
Bruce came into our family in the UK when he married my sister, June. He and my husband , Gordon, were both French teachers and became good friends. We spent time in France with them when Bruce was starting the French immersion programme. We had a camping holiday in France with our children with some very amusing experiences.
Bruce stayed in touch with me after my husband died and we shared memories over the years.
All my family here in the United Kingdom send our love and healing to June, Jonathan, Kirstin and all the family.
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Michael Kooiman posted a condolence
Saturday, January 21, 2023
I had the great privilege of being Bruce's minister for eight years, and friend for 25. Following his love for words, I'm left with a list to describe him: gentle, kind, charming, faithful, creative, and dedicated. Working with Bruce, he was more colleague than congregant, loving and serving others, always seeking their highest and best selves. He was a gift to the church. Most of my memories of Bruce, of course, involve espresso. He seemed most at home in a tiny cafe, enjoying the barista, greeting regulars, and savouring life. Farewell, my friend.
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James Galbraith lit a candle
Saturday, January 21, 2023
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Susanne posted a condolence
Friday, January 20, 2023
Bruce and I were among the first residents in our condominium and we had some lovely chats over the years. Many of us got to know him at social events or from his help with building's green landscape committee. I'll remember his sweet nature and thoughtfulness, as will others here who knew him.
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Rita Vanlandeghem posted a condolence
Friday, January 20, 2023
I was deeply saddened by the news of Bruce’s passing. It was a true privilege to have known him. I will always remember Bruce as a kind and caring colleague and his memory will live on in my heart.
Love,
Rita
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Gwen Farrow posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
" A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam, and for brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world.
But then it flies on again, and though we wish it had stayed, we feel so lucky to have seen it."
Bon soir, mon ami...
"Goodnight, sweet prince.......may a flight of angels sing thee to thy rest" (Shakespeare)
fondly, Gwen Farrow Serenata Singers
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Martha M. Humeniuk posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Bruce and I were colleagues in the Languages Department at York Mills Collegiate for many years. I remember Bruce as a very competent , empathetic and caring teacher. He always had time to help students and worked well with staff.
Martha M. Humeniuk
Jan. 19, 2023
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Mary Pat McDonald posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Dear Bruce,
How is it that you’re suddenly gone? Come back right away - we’re not coping well without you. There’s a dreadful hole where your friendship used to be, and even croissants don’t taste good anymore. Please will you rewrite the ending of your life’s story?
Love, Mary Pat
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Mike Levine posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
I was a student of Mr. Galbraith’s in grade 13 enriched French in the fall of 1986 at York Mills Collegiate.
In 4 years of high school he was the only teacher I ever asked to sign my yearbook, which was a testament to how truly great a teacher he was and what a kind and caring individual he was as a teacher. He truly had an impact on me and I’ve never forgotten him over the last 36 years.
My condolences to his family and friends. He truly made a positive difference for so many students.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
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Laurie Davis( nee Goldberg) posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
As a student in Bruces class I was truly inspired by his passion for the French language and culture. His inspiration encouraged me to become a language teacher and in later years I returned to York Mills and so we became colleagues. As my department head Bruce was very helpful and always there for me especially during some hard times.
Mr Galbraith will be missed ..,a special person and teacher who was a force in his quiet and gentle way!
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Danielle uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
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Bruce hosting a neighbourly gathering - March 29, 2019
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Danielle posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Bruce was a wonderful person and great neighbour. It was always a pleasure chatting with him - I’ll miss sharing a glass of wine while seeing his new plants and trees on his terrace, and hearing about his music endeavours. May peace be with Bruce's family.
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June Cavers posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
With deepest sympathy to Kirsten, Jonathan, June, Family and Loved Ones:
Bruce was co-chair and member of Toronto Southeast Presbytery Education and Students Commission.
We worked together for many years. His kindness, warmth, strength, ability to gently summarize difficult situations,
and to come up with memorable quotes, at just the right moment; made him unforgettable.
May you find strength in your happy memories of dear Bruce.
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Linda Miller posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
I am sending my deepest condolences to Bruce's family and friends. I had the honour of working with Bruce for many years at York Mills C.I. He was a wonderful colleague and well respected by students and staff. May his memory be a blessing.
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Leonard Berk lit a candle
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
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Keith Medley posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
I realize, in shock, that I have lost one of my greatest friends; and l am, frankly, unconsolable. He was always there for me; listened even when I was ranting (usually offering a sharp but gentle and often hilarious commentary — never cutting or down putting however); his interests were wise and wide; and he had so many friends most of whom were just happy to be in his presence. His home was his castle and he tirelessly kept it groomed and welcoming. And entertained many guests there. And above all he made time for his family, of whom he was very proud and to whom he was dedicated. His church was his bedrock and the community choir he dedicated his administrative and vocal talents to. And of course there was the music that informed his life and that he clung to: and he knew many performers — not least of whom Isabel Bayrakdarian who sought him out when back in Canada. And was an enthusiastic reader on many subjects and in many genres. Mary Oliver leaps to mind and Pàdraig O Tuama. How shall I get on without him?
“Forever and forever, farewell, Cassius.”
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Howard Dyck posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Dear Bruce, your quiet, caring, thoughtful presence loomed large. You were a beautiful partner to your beloved Neil. We are all the richer for having had the benefit of walking with you for a time. Rest well, my friend.
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Heather Mackie uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
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Photo of Bruce from the Scarborough Bluffs United Church 2017 Photo Directory
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Ron Walters posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Fond memories of a very kind, intelligent and gentle colleague. Carole and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Jonathan, Kirstin and June and all family and friends who will miss him and his warm smile so deeply.
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Robert lit a candle
Monday, January 16, 2023
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Andrea and Eric Opdebeeck posted a condolence
Monday, January 16, 2023
Both my husband and I had the privilege of being in Bruce's class and then he was a cherished colleague of mine when I went to teach at YMCI. He was such a kind soul and a wonderful teacher - a real asset to our profession. Our deepest condolences to Bruce's family. May he rest in peace.
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Anthony posted a condolence
Monday, January 16, 2023
Bruce was a great friend and neighbour and I was lucky enough to spend some great times having laughs and fun conversations with him. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
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Wendy McCarthy posted a condolence
Monday, January 16, 2023
My deepest sympathy to all those who loved Bruce. I met him at church where he treated me with kindness and respect, I liked him and hope he will be very happy in the eternal afterlife. Sincerely, Wendy
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David Elms posted a condolence
Monday, January 16, 2023
I taught with Bruce for many years at York Mills C.I.
Bruce was a gentleman's gentleman; always with a kind, pleasant comment to make and a blessing to the teaching profession.
Our condolences to the family.
Dave and Shari Elms
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Nathan & Staff of eco posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, January 16, 2023
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I had the pleasure of meeting Bruce and extend my most sincere condolences to you all on his passing.
May this memorial web page designed in tribute to him bring smiles and comfort as you begin to share photos, stories and sentiments of his life here.
Warmly,
Nathan & Staff of eco
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The family of Bruce David Galbraith uploaded a photo
Monday, January 16, 2023
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