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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
CRERAR, William Grant - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our father, William (Bill) Grant Crerar, on December 10 at the age of 88 in his home surrounded by those he loved. For 6 years, vascular dementia’s cruel progression gradually took away his brilliant mind, but less so his strong will and sense of humour. Cherished husband of the late Susan (ne Prettie) (2003), Dad will be missed by his brother Tony (Maureen), his children, Kelly (Jamie), Lauren (Joe), Steven (Tracy) and Andrew (Rachelle) and friend Donna Baptist. A proud Pappy to Ben (Helen), Megan (Cathleen), Harrison (Shannon), Alexander, Caelan, Samantha (Edmund), Alexandra (Liam) and a Great-Pappy to Naomi and Cameron. Dad will also be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, many friends and his caregivers: Lanie, Elizabeth and Leisly.
Born on October 26, 1936, in Vancouver, B.C. to Hatton and Kathleen Crerar, Bill’s remarkable journey began with a brief stint in the Canadian Navy, before pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of British Columbia, where he met the love of his life, Susan. They married in 1958, before moving to California where Bill completed an MBA from the University of California at Berkeley.
With 4 children in tow, the family moved to New York before settling in Toronto in 1967, where Bill’s passion for investing blossomed into a celebrated career. He began with Citi Bank, Dominion Securities, and Bonnycastle, Crerar & Associates before joining the fledging Mackenzie Financial Corporation in 1975. As a key leader alongside Alex Christ, Jim O’Donnell, and Neil Lovatt (and later on Fred Sturm, James L. Hunter, and Phil Cunningham), Bill helped grow Mackenzie into one of Canada’s most prominent investment firms, leaving a legacy that endures to this day.
Family was at the heart of Bill’s life. Together with Sue, they created homes filled with warmth, tradition, and celebration, welcoming friends and family far and wide. Their Craig Ellachie Farm in Erin was the site of countless cherished memories, from festive Christmas parties, (including the famous ‘Santa Shoot-Out’), to hosting artists who became lifelong friends through Sue’s career in the Yorkville art scene.
An athlete at heart, Bill was a skilled skier, tennis player, diver, and golfer, remaining active well into his later years. His love of adventure extended to a collection of vintage MG cars, ATV rides, and spirited family game nights, where his competitive streak and questionable spelling skills added to the fun. His booming renditions of Neil Diamond, Paul Simon, and Carly Simon became the soundtrack of our childhood—a legacy we lovingly returned in his later years.
Bill was a firm but loving father who instilled life lessons with phrases beginning with ‘Never’ or ‘Always’. His directive, ‘If you can’t do it right, then don’t do it at all,’ was a mantra for excellence, even if it left little room for negotiation with family chores!
For the last three and a half years, Dad received extraordinary care from his ‘Dream Team’ of PSWs: Lanie, Elizabeth, and Leisly, who cared for him with compassion, expertise, and humor. Our heartfelt thanks to them, as well as to Dr. William Watson and Dr. Karen D’Silva at St. Michael’s Hospital, and Dr. Melnitzer and the teams at Ontario Health atHome (prev H&CCS) and the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care at Mount Sinai Hospital, who ensured Dad’s comfort in his final months.
To Dad’s many friends and family who have gone before him - be prepared, he’s on his way. Have a bowl of vanilla ice cream and blueberries ready, and as Kramer would say, ‘Giddy-up!’
There will be no funeral, at Dad’s request. For people wishing to make a donation, we kindly suggest the Susan E. Crerar Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Fund at Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, a cause very important to Bill. On the foundation website, select ‘Give in Memory’ and select the fund name in the ‘Fund Allocation’ drop down menu. (Humphrey Funeral Home)
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