It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of William “Bill” Irving Gleberzon, following a long and courageous battle with Dementia. Bill was predeceased by his parents Jack and Sara Gleberzon and sister Rosalind.

Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann, their two sons Brian (Shalen Fournier) and Mark Jeremy, grandsons Jared (Stephanie Protze), Andrew (mother, Anita Rosenberg), and Hunter, and great-grandson Samuel.

Bill was born and grew up in Toronto. He was a life-long academic, graduating from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts, two Masters degrees, and a Doctor of Philosophy in American History.

He was a fierce advocate for seniors during his tenure at the Canadian Association of Retired Persons. But perhaps he was most respected for his decades of teaching History and Humanities at Wilfred Laurier, University of Toronto, and York University.

He is credited for coining the phrase “Holocaust Denial” by the Oxford English Dictionary in 1984.

Bill had a joie de vivre approach to life and enjoyed decades of cruises around the world with his wife and loved outings with friends and family over a good meal or a night out at the theatre.

The funeral service will take place Monday, December 23, 2024 at 12:00pm at Steeles Memorial Chapel, 350 Steeles Avenue West, Thornhill. Bill will be laid to rest at Pardes Shalom Cemetery (10953 Dufferin St., Maple) – Temple Sinai Section. Family and friends are invited to the residence following the burial until 4:00pm and from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Shiva visits will resume on Tuesday, December 24 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. The remainder of the Shiva will be observed privately.

Memorial donations may be made to the Association for the Soldiers of Israel – Canada (https://www.asicanada.org/).