Canada's National Ballet School is honoured that so many people choose to make the School a part of their rich and inspiring lives. As a small reflection of this honour, NBS established this page to share the names of those friends and supporters whose lives we have lost over this past year. We remember and reflect upon those no longer with us with gratitude and fondness. Thank you for spending a few moments with us here.

Margaret (Peggy) Agar
NBS fondly remembers Peggy Agar, a member of NBS’ community of supporters for over 30 years. Peggy was a steadfast supporter of the Scholarship Fund and regularly attended the Sugar Plum Fair, a well-known event in NBS’ history. She was also a supporter of annual fundraising initiatives was a regular attendee to Spring Showcase for many years. While she was not able to visit NBS later in life as often as she once did, she is remembered by many at NBS, and we are extremely fortunate to have been a part of Peggy’s Life.

Jocelyn Terrel Allen
NBS fondly remembers Jocelyn Terrel Allen. Jocelyn, a former professional dancer herself, loved seeing the next generation of dancers and dance teachers grow. Both Jocelyn and her husband Peter, have been dedicated friends of NBS for over 40 years. With her own treasured memories of training with Betty Oliphant, and to honour her legacy, Jocelyn started the Betty Oliphant Award, which is given to a Teacher Training Program graduate each year at the graduation ceremony. Jocelyn had a true appreciation of the art of dance, and also the health properties and joy that dance can bring everyone. Jocelyn’s life long passion for dance lead her to build meaningful relationships with NBS’ Artist in Residence, Peggy Baker, had her attending many NBS performances and most recently we enjoyed having Jocelyn as a member of NBS’ Older Adult dance program.  NBS is extremely fortunate to have been a part of Jocelyn’s life.

Shirley Beatty
NBS fondly remembers Honorary Circle member Shirley Beatty. While NBS’s relationship with Shirley was relatively short in comparison to the long life she lived, hers generous contributions to NBS Community Dance Programs and Sharing Dance were highly impactful. Shirley’s support of NBS will continue to be felt by future generations of young dancers thanks to the William R. and Shirley Beatty Charitable Fund to assist underserved children access community dance programs. NBS staff and students enjoyed Shirley’s company and will miss the wonderful conversation-filed lunches and seeing her at NBS annual events. NBS is deeply appreciative to have been a part of Shirley’s’ life and to be embraced by her giving spirit.

John Crosthwait
NBS fondly remembers John Crosthwait. A member of NBS’ community of supporters for over 15 years, John made generous contributions to the School and to the NBS Foundation. John is also remembered for being a member of NBS’ cherished Future Steps program. NBS is extremely fortunate to have been part of John Crosthwait’s life.

Murray Ellis
NBS fondly remembers Murray Ellis. A member of NBS’ community of supporters for over 5 years, Murray’s energy and love for dance brought joy to his fellow dancers in the Dancing with Parkinson, (DWP) classes and community.  Alongside his wife Fran, they will be remembered for moving audiences in their performance of “Dear Tomorrow”, an original piece choreographed by NBS Staff member, Rachel Bar, that brought together two dancers from the DWP classes and two students from the Professional Ballet Program for a performance that will treasured by all who where in the audience.  Murray, and Fran also supported NBS as a whole, with generous donations and by attending many Spring Showcase Student performances and other events. NBS is extremely fortunate to have been part of Murray’s life.

Gary D Farr
NBS fondly remembers Gary D Farr. A member of NBS’ community of supporters for over 20 years, Gary made generous contributions to the School through fundraising initiatives supporting both annual campaigns and through the Ron Barbour & Gary Farr Scholarship fund, within NBS’ Foundation. In addition to actively attending many donor events, Gary is a member of NBS’ cherished Future Steps program. NBS is extremely fortunate to have been part of Gary’s life.

Maureen Meagher-Garbers
NBS fondly remembers Maureen Meagher-Garbers. A member of NBS’ community of supporters for over 25 years, Maureen volunteered her time and expertise as a committee member for the Golf & Wine Classic and supported other NBS initiatives over the years such as the Sugar Plum Fair and the Assemblée Internationale. Throughout the years Maureen also joined us at NBS Galas, and various other NBS events including Spring Showcase.  Maureen will be also be remembered as a long-standing dancer and member of the Adult Ballet community. NBS is extremely fortunate to have been part of Maureen’s life.

Maxine Goldberg
Maxine lived a life full life of art, dance, creativity, and a passion for helping young people soar in their talents. For more than three decades at NBS, Maxine made significant contributions as a volunteer and donor (through the Student Partner Program, Endowment, annual fundraising needs and more), but also as a bright and stalwart presence. She attended every event at NBS for many years, almost always calling the following day to express how witnessing NBS students made her feel happy, renewed, and full of energy. Many people in the NBS community will have had the pleasure of her company at an event—her life and dedication to the School was a significant part of the NBS community.

Paul Hellyer
NBS fondly remembers The Honorable Paul T. Hellyer. Paul and his wife Sandra have been members of NBS’ community of supporters for over 20 years. Paul and Sandra graciously made annual donations, attended the School’s Galas as well as various Spring Showcase performances. NBS is appreciative to have been a part of Pauls’ life. 

Anna McCowan-Johnson
NBS fondly remembers Anna McCowan-Johnson. A member of NBS’ community of supporters since 2019, Anna made generous contributions to the School through several fundraising initiatives and was a regular special guest to NBS’s Gala. Anna is also remembered for attending many donor events, and through her many connections within the NBS community. NBS is extremely fortunate to have been part of Anna’s life.

Barbara (Barb) McNair
NBS fondly remembers Barbara McNair. Barb was a valued NBS Staff member and a generous supporter almost 10 years. Through a fund established in Barbara’s memory, her love and support of the School and NBS dancers of all ages, will live on. NBS is extremely fortunate to have been part of Barbara life and legacy.

Irma Lewis
NBS fondly remembers Irma Lewis. A member of the NBS staff, who has supported generations of students develop in preparation for their professional careers. NBS is extremely fortunate to have worked with and to have been a part of Irma’s life.

Eric Lipka
NBS fondly remembers Future Steps Member Eric Lipka. A member of NBS’ community of supporters since 2012, Eric generously made annual donations, contributed toward the Scholarship Fund and also attended the Spring Showcase. NBS is appreciative to have been a part of Eric’s life.

Ron Lorenson
NBS fondly remembers David Molesworth, a member of NBS’ community for over 20 years and generous monthly donor for many of those years. Through his generosity, David supported Student Financial Assistant for the talented young students in the Professional Ballet Program. NBS is honoured to have been part of Davids life.

June Macdonald
NBS fondly remembers June Macdonald. A member of the NBS community of supporters for over 35 years, June made generous contributions to the School through several fundraising initiatives. June is also remembered for sharing her generous spirit with us when regularly attending Spring Showcase and other special events at the School. NBS is extremely fortunate to have been part of June’s life.

June McLean
NBS fondly remembers June McLean. A member of NBS’ community of supporters for 44 years.  A dedicated supporter, June and The McLean Foundation contributed to the success of Project Grand Jeté, naming the Student Lounge in the Residence, and also supported the  Stephen Godfrey Memorial Fund, the Sugar Plum Fair and the annual operation of the School over the years. June will be remembered for the many years that her foundation supported the Student Partner Program, helping young dancers in the Professional Ballet Program pursue their training, many of whom went on to dance on the world stages. NBS is extremely fortunate to have been part of June’s life.

David Molesworth
NBS fondly remembers David Molesworth, a member of NBS’ community for over 20 years and generous monthly donor for many of those years. Through his generosity, David supported Student Financial Assistant for the talented young students in the Professional Ballet Program. NBS is honoured to have been part of Davids life.

James Shea
NBS fondly remembers James Shea. A member of NBS’ community of supporters for over 15 years, James made generous contributions to the School through donating proceeds from his photos to Project Grand Jete. NBS is extremely fortunate to have been part of James’s life.

Ann Swan
NBS fondly remembers Ann Swan. A member of NBS’ community of supporters for over 30 years.  Ann, alongside her husband Randy regularly attended events at NBS including Spring Showcase, the 10th Anniversary celebrations for Celia Franca Centre and many other observations and performances. Ann is also honored for being a member of NBS’ cherished Future Steps program and most recently an ARISE Supporter.  Ann shared her love and appreciation for all the young dancers whenever she visited the school. NBS is extremely fortunate to have been part of Ann’s life.

Joey Tanenbaum
NBS fondly remembers Joey Tanenbaum, A member of NBS’ Honoary Circle and supporter for over 20 years, Joey made generous contributions to the School through many fundraising initiatives. NBS is extremely fortunate to have been part of Joey Tanenbaum’s life.

Linda Wells
NBS fondly remembers Linda Wells. A longstanding member of NBS’ community of supporters for over 40 years. Linda regularly attended events including the Spring Showcase with her mother, Mary and supported generations of the Professional Ballet Students as representatives of the Tom & Diane Scholarship Fund, within NBS Foundation. NBS is extremely fortunate to have been part of Linda’s life.

Susan White
NBS fondly remembers Susan E. White. A member of NBS’ community of supporters for over 30 years. Susan was a strong supporter through annual donations. NBS is appreciative to have been part of Susan’s life. 

Judith (Billie) Wilder
NBS fondly remembers Billie Wilder who was part of the NBS Honorary Circle and member of NBS’ community of supporters for over 40 years. Billie’s significant contributions to the School supported important projects and funds such as Project Grand Jeté, the Mavis Staines Fund for Student Assistance as well as the Student Partner Program. Notably, Billie was recognized as a Member of the Order of Canada. NBS will treasure the wisdom Billie shared and is very fortunate to have been part of her life and to experience her love for dance and the arts first hand.

Joan E. Williams
NBS fondly remembers Joan E. Williams. A member of NBS’ community of supporters for 30 years, Joan made generous contributions to the School through making several donations to annual fundraising initiatives and more. They are also remembered for attending many donor events and being a member of NBS’ cherished Future Steps program. NBS is extremely fortunate to have been part of Joan’s life.

Ronald Youd
NBS fondly remembers Ronald Youd. Ronald, and his wife Sandra, have been members of NBS’s community of supporters for over 20 years and were also active members with Dancing with Parkinson’s (DWP) classes and community. Ronald brought great energy and a warm smile to everyone he met and will be remembered for many of the ways he was involved at NBS including to help to bring public awareness to DWP programs by dancing in a live demonstration at Union Station as part of the Fall for Dance North’s community outreach.  A generous supporter and regular audience member, Ronald attended just about every performance and NBS event in the last few years and encouraged all the dancers in the NBS Community. NBS is extremely fortunate to have been part of Ronald’s life.