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We know how famous Torontonians lived their lives, but what message did they leave for us when they passed on to the other side? In honour of Halloween, the festival of the dead, we visted their resting places to see what their monuments are trying to tell us. Alas, some of them are still grandstanding.
But some just say too much.
One-time Leafs owner Steve Stavro. A mad monument to his own money-bought greatness — and he’s not dead yet. (Mount Pleasant)
Group of Seven artist J.E.H. MacDonald. A subtle final stroke to mark his passing. (Prospect)
Poet Gwendolyn MacEwen. Painfully shy in life, relishing her anonymity in her final resting place. (Mount Pleasant)
Massey family mausoleum. Monolith to wealth, power and prestige. (Mount Pleasant)
T. Eaton Company founder Timothy Eaton. An empire builder’s ode to influence and self-importance. (Mount Pleasant)
Leader of the 1837 Rebellion William Lyon Mackenzie. Still has his cross to bear. (Necropolis)
Escaped slaves from Kentucky Thornton and Lucie Blackburn. A towering obelisk to their struggle against oppression. (Necropolis)
Patriots Samuel Lount and Peter Matthews. Hanged for their part in the 1837 Rebellion, their headstone remains headless on earth. (Necropolis)
Hockey legend and donut chain patriarch Tim Horton. “H” marks the spot for the hellraiser on ice. (York)
Former prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. Creepy crypt for a strange fellow. (Mount Pleasant)
Champion oarsman Edward Hanlan. Unsurpassed in the water, unboastful in his final dock. (Necropolis)
Literary critic Northrop Frye. A giant in life lies low in death. (Mount Pleasant)
CBC leading light Barbara Frum. Classy and elegant to the end. (York)
Rocker Robin “Handsome Ned” Masyk. A swan song inscribed in stone. (Mount Pleasant)
Medical pioneer and Nobel Prize winner Frederick Banting. Graceful final gesture. (Mount Pleasant) news@nowtoronto.com
