With much regret, The Dance Centre shares the news of the July 2 passing of Bruce R. Birmingham, one of our most generous supporters and friends. Bruce Birmingham played a key role as President of Scotiabank in supporting the creation of a partnership between the bank and The Dance Foundation which resulted in the construction of Canada's unique home for dance: Scotiabank Dance Centre, which opened doors in 2001. Birmingham also became the namesake of The Bruce R. Birmingham Studio, one of the six studios in the building.
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of a great friend and supporter of Scotiabank Dance Centre, Bruce Birmingham," says Moh Faris, former Director and member of the Dance Foundation, which owns the facility. "Bruce had an immense mind and a will of steel in his business dealings. What was fascinating though was that he combined that with a warm heart and a great generosity particularly towards health, education and the fine arts. His loss will be felt across Canada."
A man of vision, Birmingham understood the need to create facilities that help foster new generations of talent - be it in business or the arts, setting them on a course for success. He gave his time and money to an extensive list of causes. In addition to his support which contributed to the success of Scotiabank Dance Centre, he was also a key supporter of UBC's Sauder School of Business, The Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, Credit Valley Hospital, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Wheelchair Tennis and the Stratford Shakespeare Festival among others.
Bruce Birmingham will be profoundly missed by his wife Betty, children Jennifer and Jeffery (Joann), grandchildren Jonathan and Jason, sister Susan Lohnes (Bill), extended family and friends.
With much regret, The Dance Centre shares the news of the July 2 passing of Bruce R. Birmingham, one of our most generous supporters and friends. Bruce Birmingham played a key role as President of Scotiabank in supporting the creation of a partnership between the bank and The Dance Foundation which resulted in the construction of Canada's unique home for dance: Scotiabank Dance Centre, which opened doors in 2001. Birmingham also became the namesake of The Bruce R. Birmingham Studio, one of the six studios in the building.