Daniel Paul Izzard

May 12, 1949 – August 14, 2018

After a courageous battle with cancer, with his loving wife Madeleine and stepson Karsten with him, Danny died at home peacefully, with dignity and grace.

Danny approached his death as he lived his life, with conscious awareness, focused intent, and valiant good spirit. He was heroic even to his last breath.

Born in Jordanstown, County Antrim, in Northern Ireland, at the age of three Danny immigrated with his mother to Canada, where his father awaited their arrival. In 1956 the family moved to Scarborough, where his sister was born, and Danny lived until his mid-teens.

Danny always liked to paint and draw, but it was while enrolled in the Cedarbrae Collegiate Art Program that a lifetime passion for art grew. It was also at Cedarbrae, that his swim/dive team won “Best in Ontario”, and where Danny made some of his closest lifelong friendships. 

Danny lived life with exuberance. He traveled the world, had adventures. He was inventive and creative, and he was most definitely ahead of his time.

In film and commercial art production, Danny worked from the bottom up to become a director/cameraman, winning many accolades in cinematography, among them, Hollywood Radio and Television Bureau Awards “Worlds Best” for his Phantom of the Opera commercial "Candles". He was bold, original, very highly respected, and he enjoyed creative teamwork, but by the mid 90’s his desire to paint full time became irresistible.

Danny said that for him, painting was most importantly about light, it was the absolute magic. His art is a reflection of his own incredible light and humanity. He will be remembered as an artistic visionary and for the beauty be brought into the world. His website can be viewed here.

An Honours Graduate of Ontario College of Art, Danny later became an instructor at OCADU. A brilliant mentor, he enjoyed bringing his knowledge as a working artist to the academic curriculum. Students said, “You are the best teacher I have ever had, the only one who never uses a book, you just know it all”, and “If I had realized you were such a great teacher, I would have paid more attention from the very beginning”. Danny encouraged his students to think, not just look, but to creatively see, and to bring out the best in themselves.

Danny had many accomplishments, but above all, he was an exceptionally good man, the best of the best. He had empathy, no vain pretensions, and he was equally at home with everyone. Danny made people feel special, and had a genius for friendships, for making and keeping friends. He gave of himself generously and it was returned in abundance.

He will be remembered for his charisma and humour and for being an outrageously cool, free spirit. Also for his intelligence, integrity, extraordinary ability, and meticulous attention to detail.

Danny loved his family and they loved him. He was a good son, brother, cousin and uncle. He cherished Lor and his other children by marriage, and he adored his grandchildren. In 1994 Danny met Madeleine and her son Karsten and brought them into his life. He was a loving and devoted husband, and a wonderful caring stepfather. He is very deeply missed.

Before marrying Madeleine, Danny had two previous marriages. In his first one to Ingrid, his dear son Lor was born. in his second one to Kay, her children Jennifer and Chris became part of Danny’s home and heart.

Danny was pre-deceased by his father Daniel James Mace Izzard, and his mother Elizabeth “Betty” Ida Izzard (nee Gillgan). Grieving the loss of their beloved Danny, but with hearts full from happy years with him, are his wife, Madeleine, son Lor (Nikki), grandchildren Reese and Jake, sister Barbara (Jamie), nephews Brian and Brandon, half-sister Jemila, and stepsons Karsten and Chris (Theresa). Missing him also are his cousins Pamela, Stephen (Sue), Phillip, Peter (Pat), stepmother Pilar, sisters-in-law Chris (Dave), Sue (Harvey), and Laara (Andy), brothers-in-law Ron and Paul, other family in Winnipeg, British Columbia, and Savannah, as well as a multitude of friends.

Thank you to the amazing people at Princess Margaret Hospital for their dedicated care, and kindness. Thank you in particular to Dr. Elena Elimova, Dr. Rebecca Wong, Dr. Kirsty Taylor and Debbie Tsuji for trying for a different result. A very special thank you to the TCLHIN palliative care team, Claudia Brown, Dr. Joshua Wales, Dr. Isaac Siemens, and nurses Nadya and Uri for helping us through final days. We are grateful beyond words for your understanding and compassion.

If you should so please, in memory of Danny, donations can be made to Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Foundation or to The Canadian Cancer Society.

As were Danny’s wishes, cremation has occurred, and a private Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.