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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.
Dear Beverly, We were saddened to hear of Giles passing. We remember many wonderful times with you both and The Millars , our deepest condolences for your loss.
My heartfelt condolences to your loss and I will hold you and your family in my prayers. May the great prophet Isaiah provide both strength, comfort and support at this time. Dr. Bryant was an exceptional choir master, I was a member of the "Choral Society", he made us work very hard, always infused by humour to give us encouragement. It was a great honour for me, he will never be forgotten. With prayers and thanksgiving from a fellow English women. May he rest in peace, and whisper to us when listening to classical music.
A true titan of a human. The biggest heart, only to be complimented by his musical brilliance. He had time for everyone he met. A massive light to this world and one that will not be forgotten. He made every room light up and was truly larger than life. There will never be another like him. I am truly indebted and honoured to have been mentored by him during my time in Peterborough. What a truly magical human! Beverley, sending you my condolences. - Ryan
Condolences to the family of Giles. As a member of the St. James cathedral choir (boys) for many years it was a life experience I will never forget. Thank you for the memories. RIP.
Dear Beverly Hard to believe that this beloved man is gone - but what a life!! Maurice and I enjoed his company and mentorship over the years whether at Scarborough Art & Music Camp for Maurice or singing with him at St. James for so many happy years. The Sunday services, the Last Night of the Proms, the Christmas's at St. Paul's - they were all such special events which we cherish. Couldn't believe it was 47 years for you both. What a beautiful eulogy you wrote with such love and devotion. We are so glad to learn that the January 18th Evensong at 4:30 pm will be sung in his honour. Lots of former choiristers and friends will be there, I am sure. We will see you there. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Maurice & Sheila xoxo
Hi Beverly. Thanks so much for your beautiful eulogy of Giles. It brought back fond memories of music-making with both of you so many years ago. I find it improbable that you were married for forty-six years, but then we met in the Festival Singers over fifty years ago. I still do my agenting thing, plus a small bit of singing with the community choir. I now live in Elora near by my partner of ten years. I offer you my deepest condolences. Giles was a very special man indeed.
I had the pleasure and the privilege of working with Giles Bryant at St James' Cathedral for a dozen years, mainly in the 1980s. But not a musical connection as such, but providing an activities programme on Sundays for the boy choristers. Sundays at the Cathedral were an all-day proposition, from rehearsal at 10:00 a.m. to the end of Evensong at 5:30. A good friend of mine (Andrew Barlow, unhappily passed away in September) put together a schedule of activities to keep them occupied and off the streets of downtown Toronto from 12:30 to 3:30. I have a memory of sitting down with Giles to plan a month's schedule -- if the men were singing the bulk of Evensong, then the boys could be more active, he write "ff" (fortissimo); but if there was a lot for the boys to sing, it would have to be "pp" (pianissimo). I learned a huge amount about choral music and the liturgy, and was always impressed by his love for music, devotion to the Anglican tradition, and his genuine interest in and concern for the young people in his charge. I am sure that, as with Mt Valiant-for-Truth in Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, "the trumpets sounded for him on the other side".
Dear Bev, This is just a perfect reflection on the love of your life, Giles. I am so glad to have seen you in Elora a few years ago . Please connect sometime. My deepest condolences to you for so many happy years together. Memories of a rich journey that will stay with you. Fondly Anne.
Dear Beverley, This is most moving for me. I was at Massey College when Giles was involved with the music program there. I do not remember you (sorry) but I have vivid memories of how Giles led the choir and especially how exceptionally he improvised at the piano with great charisma. My regret is that I did not get to know him (or you) better. Giles made the world a better place. With sincere condolences, Donald Tustian
As a chorister at St. James Cathedral in Toronto, I had the pleasure of singing on two recordings directed by Giles Bryant: "Here Followeth the Anthem" (1980) and "Blyssid be the Tyme" (1981). His superior musicianship, spirituality, kindness and warmth may be experienced by listening to these two exceptional albums. Giles Bryant has had a tremendous influence on my appreciation of choral music, for which I will always be most grateful.
Dear Beverley and family, We are so sorry to hear of your great loss. Giles was indeed larger than life. We knew him from All Saints in Peterborough, where he was much loved and enormously admired. We cherish memories of his tremendous talent, his hilariously dry sense of humour, and his kind and warm heart. He was a formative figure to our two choral scholars and enhanced their love of music through his amazing influence. He is missed and remembered.
Dear Beverley, With so many other people I am saddened to hear of the death of your Giles. To me he always seemed the embodiment of a type of witty, urbane Englishman but, in reality, he was utterly unique and various--as you so well know. I do know that he was a kind and decent man, and such an accomplished and versatile musician. It was always such a pleasure to be involved with him in any of his numberless musical endeavours. We are all very grateful,and will remember him warmly. You two were surely a happy match, and I remember your fine character and truly beautiful soprano voice.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Dear Beverley - my deepest condolences to you on the passing of Giles - such beautiful and personal memories of a magnificent and unforgettable human. Sending much love.
I’m sorry for your loss. My brother Ian and I both sang at St. James in the early eighties. Ian storey told us of his passing. He was an inspiring musician. I have been teaching high school music for 30 years now. I currently teach at Crestwood SS in Peterborough. Some of us old choristers are wondering if there is going to be a funeral or memorial we can attend.
We will ne’er see the like of him again. He was exceedingly kind and generous. I used to sit and listen to him play the organ at St. James at lunch time. He also taught my son at Trinity at the summer boys choir school in Port Hope. I always addressed him as Maestro. He directed our choir at St. John’s Port Hope for a while and played a postlude one Sunday after I told him how much I enjoyed his spirited rendition of Vidor’s Toccata. Vidor would have been proud! What a wonderful man he is.
Hi Beverly. You gave me voice lessons when I was a probationer at the Cathedral in 1987. You have my sincere condolences. I was a chorister at St James from 1987 to 1991, and Dr. Bryant had a lasting impact on my life. He nurtured my love of music and instilled in me a sense of professionalism and high standards that I’ve carried into every endeavor since. I am truly thankful to have learned from him, and he will be deeply missed.
In the 1990s when Giles was Organist & Master of Choristers at St James Cathedral, your living quarters when away from Northumberland were near the room where SJC displayed its collection of historical items. I was archivist and Kay Betts was a valuable volunteer. I always enjoyed the music at the Cathedral; his Proms concerts were sensational. Reading your account of Giles' life was a sad pleasure. I am saddened to learn of Giles' passing; he was an extraordinary musician and gentleman.
So sad to hear of Giles passing.. as a long time member of All Saints Anglican Church in Peterborough I was always in awe of his gift of music.. Giles played at my daughter’s candle light wedding celebration on December 15th 2007 and was so kind and thoughtful to Angela . Sending love and prayers to his family.
Hello Beverley. I’m very sorry to learn of Giles’ passing. I met Giles (well, I guess 46 years plus) first as a parishioner and later as a soprano in the Cathedral community choir. Great man. Demanding top quality from musically clueless, me. What a joy to have been a part of his tutorship.
Dr. Bryant is a recurring figure in the moments from my youth that I cherish most. The last time I interacted with him must have been in June of 1991 when my time as a chorister at St. James Cathedral came to a close. And yet here I am nearly 35 years later reflecting in hindsight on what an important influence he's had on my life. The gift of music is a most precious gift. And I see myself as having been incredibly fortunate to have learned to cultivate that gift under the leadership and instruction of Dr. Bryant in my formative years. The love of music has remained a central part of who I am. And it now occurs to me how nice it would have been to have had an opportunity to personally express my appreciation to Dr. Bryant as an adult. I wonder if he would have remembered me from so long ago. I certainly remember him. Thank you, Dr. Bryant. God bless your memory, and God bless the people closest to you who mourn your loss most deeply.
Beverley, this is such a wonderful description of another side of Giles. Our son was a member of the Royal St George’s School choir for 6 years under Douglas Jamieson’s skilful and inspired leadership. Luckily for our son, Giles was the accompanist for the annual Lessons and Carols services, and for the memorable choir tours. The choir and Giles were so very memorable for our son. And for us - I often think about how the music they all created enriched our lives. An outstanding highlight of the Scottish tour for us was hearing Giles playing a heart stopping organ solo in St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh … those old stones may never have resonated that way before!
I was received into the Anglican Church at St. James Cathedral in April 1880 and was an active parishioner until I moved to BC in 1990. One of the activities I joined was the 9 o'clock congregational choir. My son Jonathan also joined the choir. Rehearsals were such fun with Giles, Despite the laughs we had, we took our singing seriously. Giles was a brilliant teacher and I learned so much from him. Giles played the organ for my Daughter's wedding. When I asked him what was his fee, he replied that he played for love, but would love 12 bottles of Newcastle Brown Ale! When I returned to Toronto for visits, I was always welcome to sing with the 9 o'clock choir, Rest in peace Giles, may you accompany the Angel choirs. Sincere condolences, Pamela and Jonathan Rudd
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.