Will Munro Toronto gay icon dead at 35

Queer West Toronto gay pioneer dead at 35

Will Munro (1975-2010) passed away Friday May 21, after a long battle with brain cancer. Will was the owner of the Beaver Cafe. As person who helped establish the Queer West Village in the west end of gay Toronto I will dig though my history files and write a nice obituary. I knew Will for 10 years. This is sad news indeed. Young at 35, a kind and caring young man, never a bad word about anyone.  Will's cheerful smile will be missed, by many.

We had bugged co owner Lynn MacNeil for a month to get the Beaver. Will stepped in, even though he was sick as a dog from his recent head operation. Giving us space for our Queer West Fest Launch Party @ Beaver Cafe and  Patio, on Friday June 13, 2008. - Friends of Gay Toronto's Queer West Fest, crew, organizers and a bevy of DJ's were at Will's NOT T.O. as we kick off Queer Festival Week 2008. Will also allowed us to collect door, something Beaver never does. (Leave it to Beaver ) While  DJ-X and DJ-4est entertained entertained the crowded bar, spinning sexual mayhem and girly tunes for girly boys, Beaver Cafe 1192 Queen W. The Bar will remain semi open, out for respect for Will.

"Let's Not Wait"

We will meet again my friend,
A hundred years from today
Far away from where we lived
And where we used to play.

We will know each others' eyes
And wonder where we met
Your laugh will sound familiar
Your heart, I won't forget.

We will meet, I'm sure of this,
But let's not wait till then...
Let's take a walk beneath the stars
And share 'this' world again.

"Let's Not Wait"
by Ron Atchison

Michel F. Paré (President & Founder, Queer West Arts and Culture Centre).

Update Monday May 24

Wednesday May 26 - MEMORIAL/PARTY FOR WILL MUNRO! A memorial service/celebration for Will Munro will be held on Wednesday, May 26, at 8pm at the Gladstone Hotel's Melody Bar. All those who have loved and been loved by Will are welcome to attend. The theme is TRANSCENDENCE. Dress it up and leave your shit on the dance floor.

Also, instead of flowers and gifts, The family will be asking people to make a charitable donation. The details of this are currently getting sorted out and we will provide you with all the information on Wednesday.  Gladstone Hotel,1214 Queen Street West Toronto, ON (416) 531-4635  Runs till 2 am.