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There is a lot of information available online about Giles’s professional life. But Giles didn’t often mix his professional with his private life, preferring to keep his home and leisure time as retreats. So, as his wife and partner of over 46 years, I will try here to add a bit more dimension to his picture.
Giles was married three times. The first was to Ann Robinson of Toronto, and they had a son, Geoffrey. The second was to another Ann in England, from whom he gained two step-daughters and a step grand-daughter: Penny Sherlock and daughter Rebecca (UK) and Alexandra Foward, now living in Italy with husband Patrick.
I am his third wife. My name is Beverley Bell, and I was born in Canada, and grew up in the country near Stouffville Ontario.
Giles and I first met when I was a shy young soprano studying voice at the Royal Conservatory, and received an invitation to sing with the small choir of Massey College, where Giles was the organist. Rehearsals were held in the Green Room of the Master’s quarters. The Master was then Canadian author Robertson Davies. The Spring Concerts, the Christmas Gaudy Nights with Davies’s witty ghost story readings…the whole place seemed rather magical to a young Canadian girl! And meeting Giles at that time and singing with his accompaniment, was all part of the magic. I remembered how wonderful he was at lending support, and generating such a positive atmosphere.
Years later, Giles returned from England, and accepted the position of Organist and Master of the Choristers at St. James Cathedral. By then, we had found that we had fallen in love, and decided rather rashly to buy an old ramshackle 7 bedroom farmhouse in Northumberland county. I wasn’t surprised that Giles planned to renovate it himself because I had already seen his carpentry skills in the wonderful furniture he created, some pieces incorporating decorative parts of old organ cases. He was also making beautiful frames for any of my paintings that needed them. So, the old house slowly came up in the world. Giles’s biggest triumph was to take out the ceiling of the old summer kitchen, making it into a two-story library with a fireplace and a spiral staircase to a loft. We had such fun with that old place.
We had many wonderful trips to England, and weeks before each one of them Giles could be found surrounded by maps, muttering delightful place names and making notes on possible places to visit. Flying around the English countryside in our little rental car, stopping at churches, picturesque ruined monasteries, mysterious stone circles, beauty spots, and historic pubs where we would sometimes meet up with friends for Giles’s favourite drink - English beer. And maybe his favourite pub meal, a Mixed Grill. He delighted in surprising me with particularly interesting examples of the mysterious Green Man that I had never seen before. We developed the habit of renting 2 or 3 National Trust cottages each trip, often starting out up at Fountains Abbey, and working our way down to his beloved Cornwall, where we would walk across to St. Michael’s Mount at low tide. But each day was planned in advance, for maximum interest. I often told him he had missed his true calling as a tour planner.
Until his last illness, I could count on preparing dinner accompanied by his playing of his Phoenix practice organ around the corner, a part of the day I really enjoyed. When I was younger, if I wanted to sing something over, he was always my willing and sensitive accompanist. Over the years, we performed many enjoyable recitals and concerts together, usually put together by Giles, with each piece intelligently connected by a theme. Yet another one of his many gifts.
Breakfast time was nearly always occasion for Cryptic Crossword solving. At first I found these fiendish puzzles crazy and frustrating… but, after a time, with his persistent coaching, he managed to turn me into a reasonable solver. Even after his strokes, he was still amazingly adept, and I was happy that he was reassured by his still exceptional skill.
His love of language was also evident in his beautiful delivery of anything he wrote (always with a fountain pen) or anything he read in public. I know I am not the only one who still loved getting one of his elegant notes, or listening to him read.
In his mode of dress, he was absolutely immovable. In all our years together, I never once saw him wearing a T-shirt, any trousers resembling jeans or track pants, or any shoes resembling running shoes. “Trainers” he called them. “ They don’t suit my particular kind of beauty”, he would chuckle. He knew what he wanted to wear, and that was that.
Even after some years, I was still discovering new strings to his bow. One day he told me with glee that he had been the captain of the University of London Hockey Team (this is not ice hockey) But when he had a game, he sometimes had to cut classes, so he played under the alias “Andrew Bradley .” He said it was “ rather annoying” that this Bradley chap got credit for all his goals!
And one day I found a whole box of little golf trophies, all won by Giles… another area in which he apparently excelled.
I know there are many more interesting bits about Giles that I can’t call to mind in my present state of grief. But writing this has been a sad pleasure for me, if such a condition can exist. I hope you have enjoyed reading it.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dear Beverley, My deepest condolences and thank you for sharing the beautiful story of your rich life with Giles. I have had the pleasure of knowing both of you since the late 70's when I was a young, aspiring tenor and briefly a teacher at Royal St. George's College. It was always so much fun working with him. His musical knowledge and skill were of course, truly outstanding. He commanded the stage with his distinguished presence and inspired everyone around him. He delighted audiences with his extraordinary wit, delivered masterfully in his cultured English accent. What I will remember most, is his joie de vivre, kindness and generosity. Giles was not only an exceptional musician but an outstanding human being who will be missed. (Trygve) John Ringereide
We were so sad to learn about the passing of Giles. Although we haven’t seen you for a long time, we often think of you both when we hear a great voice or choir, particularly at this time of year. Our sincerest condolences to you and the family Bev.
I was an active parishioner at St James Cathedral for many years when Giles was our beloved Music Director. Everything he did was superb. His Last Night of the Proms concerts were memorable and never to be replicated. He and Chris Dawes were a wonderful team. I remember one of Giles’ memorable quotes, addressed to members of the boys choir. “Boys, do you know why you are here? You are here because you are being paid!” RIP Giles.
Dear Beverley, I am deeply saddened by Giles’ death but ever so grateful to have known him and for all he taught me. My sincere condolences to you in your time of grief and loss. Giles was a private person but I do know he loved you deeply. It is fabulous to read your memories of him which reveals more of his amazing character. God bless. Geoffrey
I really enjoyed reading your missive about your beloved Giles. He certainly was a man who embraced life to the very end. He was larger than life to many of us who saw him in his great moments of music. It was his inspiration when we visited St. Paul's in Toronto that began the Peterborough Carol Concert. He certainly had many years in his life and he did indeed have much life in his years. Will be thinking and praying for you Bev, and encourage you to write more about your beloved Giles.
I thoroughly enjoyed knowing Giles when he became Executive Director of the Kiwanis Music Festival. I was Administrator and his vast knowledge of all things musical was so helpful to me, but his wit and charm was his real gift!
I am so sad to hear about the passing of Giles. He was an amazing person and an inspiration to me to continue my pursuit of playing music and singing. I met Giles at All Saints church when I lived in Peterborough. Singing in the choir for those 2 years was one of my favourite activities - I was in awe each week as I watched and listened to Giles, a true master of his craft. I would also attend his organ recitals whenever possible - it would leave me with shivers, he was so talented. He is in my memories each time I play my piano. My condolences.
I will sing his praises always to my students. I participated in the Kiwanis Music Festival as a student and later served on the Board, ex-officio. In a word he embodied magnanimity. May light perpetual shine upon him.
So sorry to hear of your Dads passing our condolences to you and Diane and Giles wife
All the best to you, Beverly. Thank you for your wonderful stories. Hope you are well and still singing.
My condolences,so very sorry to hear of Giles passing, Beverly also my sincere sympathy to Geoff and Diane,
I have fond memories of this true gentleman. An unmovable force, if he wanted to do something he did it - and did it extremely well. The world will not see his like again. Beverley, you were as good for him as he was for you. Take care.
I'm sad to learn about the passing of Giles. I'm very grateful that I was part of the boys choir of the "Gentleman and Boys" choir of St James Cathedral when Giles was appointed Organist and Choirmaster. At a young age of about 12, I was not very well versed in choral music, nor did I get excited about going to choir practices, but Giles changed all that soon after taking over. He was a fabulous organist/musician, teacher, mentor. He chose challenging and great repertoire. He did everything right, and one thing which stands out for me was, after services, he would wait by the door for us to exit the Cathedral so he could shake hands with everyone in appreciation of all who sang. Whether advanced in music or not, he always left you with a a sense that you were valued He has left a life long impression on me and as far as I'm concerned, he is a legend. Having an opportunity to work with Giles for a short time of my life was definitely a gift from the Almighty. Rest in peace Sir! And Thank you. My condolences to Beverly and his entire family.
Sorry to hear of Giles passing, and although I've never met the man, I am best friends with his son Geoff who has always spoken respectfully about his talented father. I've also been an accomplished organist of 54 years, and have enjoyed being a musician as Giles certainly did. From the stories I've heard from Geoff, Gilles led a rich life full of adventure and music, a life he enjoyed to his fullest.
Beverley, My sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Giles. I met him when I was a student at Trinity College and a member of the Elmer Eisler Singers. Giles was always the life of our bus trips, especially when he taught us the naughty lyrics to "The Twelve Days of Christmas". After Saturday morning rehearsals, some of us joined Giles at a nearby pub, where we had lots of laughs. Decades later, when I was adjudicating voice at the Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival, Giles and I were joint adjudicators at the finals. It was a delight to see and work with him again and enjoy his wit. He will be making the angelic choir laugh, for certain.
My condolences to you, Beverley, on the death of your wonderful husband. May he fly with the angels. He brought joy to so many people. I will always remember the yearly Christmas Star Concert performed to raise funds for children who otherwise might not get a gift from Santa Claus. His robust appeals for each person present to give as much as possible, certainly he did not want to hear the "sound of coins". In the latter years he "took Visa" He was larger than life, yet humble in his communication with people. The world has lost a Gentle Man & a Gentleman, one of Gods great creations. Rest in Peace Rev. Giles Bryant.
Beautifully written, Beverley. I have many happy memories of Giles and his time at St. James'. He was a wonderful musician and a kind human being. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy.
Many years ago, I asked Giles to play the organ at my wedding. “What would you like for the marriage recessional?” he said. I thought that the Widor toccata might be a good choice! Poor man!! But what a job he did on that extremely fast (and difficult) piece. He will always be in my memories.
I met Giles at All Saints church when I first moved to Peterborough. He was a lovely man and I learned a lot from him. I sang with Beverly whom I adored as she kept me on pitch!! My kids called Giles Father Christmas and Beverly was my daughter’s favourite person in choir! The obituary is beautiful and shows a great life lived. I’m going to miss him but hope I get to see Beverly again soon. Rest in Peace Sir Giles❤️ Tina, James, David, Miranda and Emily
Beverly, this is such a lovely remembrance of the private side of a man who lived large in a very public manner. Thank you for posting this private sketch and giving us a beautiful insight into another aspect of the wonderfulness of Giles. With love from Douglas, Diane, Laura and Victoria Jamieson.
I have many wonderful memories of Giles Bryant throughout my life time. His wonderful presence as the organist at choir master at the Cathedral, the amazing Christmas Concerts along with the Salvation Army at St Paul’s Bloor St and most recently when he would fill in as the organist at St John’s in Port Hope. What a wonderful joy to sing in the choir when he played. My sincere condolences to his family and all who loved him
Beautifully written Beverley. As you know, 55 years ago, for some unknown reason, Giles christened me Bubbles. Something I have always treasured along with the relationship the four of us have shared, both personally and musically. Love from us both.