We are saddened to share the news that longtime RCCO member William Wright passed away in his sleep early in the morning of January 6th.
We hold his widow, Patricia Wright, and all of William’s family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.
Beloved as an educator, esteemed musician, scholar and colleague, William touched the lives of many in this city and beyond through his music, kindness, and wisdom. He will be deeply missed.
The following biography appeared in the 2023 RCCO/OHS Convention book:
William Henry Montague Wright graduated from Victoria College with a bachelor’s degree in Honours English and then took up studies in Theology in Emmanuel College. He graduated with a Master of Divinity in 1964 winning a scholarship in Church Arts. During this time, he obtained the Fellowship of the Royal Canadian College of Organists winning the Healey Willan prize for the highest marks in Canada. William studied Church Music in the Musikhochschule in Lübeck, returning to Toronto when he was appointed Organist and Director of Music in Deer Park United Church, St. Clair Avenue West. He was responsible for commissioning a large three-manual organ from Casavant Frères which was installed in Deer Park Church in 1970. This became the focus for 38 years of an annual series of concerts in which guest recitalists of international stature preformed. This instrument now resides in the Church of the Holy Trinity, Toronto. In 1971 he was appointed to the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto. There he taught ten different subjects for 37 years and wrote two textbooks for the use of his students in courses there. He also continued as official organist for Victoria University, an appointment which lasted 20 years and he taught a History of Church Music course in Emmanuel College for ten years. He composed several hymns and hymn tunes, some of which are in Voices United and Hymns for the City. He had an extensive concert career across Canada, in the USA and also in Europe. In 2003 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the national RCCO and in 2009 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity by Victoria University for his work in Church Music.
Further tributes and information will be shared when it becomes available.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 8 at 11:00am at Metropolitan United Church in Toronto.
