In Memoriam

The Honourable Paul T. Hellyer

Former Minister of National Defence and Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, Paul Hellyer passed away on August 8, 2021 after a lifelong career in Canadian politics and public service. Paul was devoted to the performing arts throughout his life and served on the National Ballet’s Board of Directors from 1970 to 1975. Famously, Paul came to the rescue in 1967 when a sidetracked rail car threatened to prevent the company from fulfilling a scheduled performance of The Nutcracker in Vancouver. Understanding the urgency, Paul dispatched a Hercules transport plane from Cold Lake, Alberta to ferry the sets and costumes on time. His longstanding friendship and leadership will be missed.

Richard Hogarth

The National Ballet of Canada mourns the passing of a steadfast supporter in Richard Hogarth, who began hosting legendary Sunday dinners in 1959 to raise money for the fledgling company. Richard was one of the first donors to join the Patrons’ Council when it was formed in the 1980s and set an example of generosity throughout his life. He passed on April 18, 2021.

John Allan Slaight

John Allan Slaight provided years of leadership support to the National Ballet’s artists and ambitions with characteristic warmth and creativity. Together with his wife of 35 years, Emmanuelle Gattuso, Allan invested in landmark new productions as a founding member of The Producers’ Circle and sponsored Principal Dancer Guillaume Côté through Dancers First. Allan also protected the future of the National Ballet by giving generously to the Endowment Foundation.

Allan was a ground-breaking figure in Canadian broadcast journalism and a passionate philanthropist who ensured that his legacy would live on through The Slaight Family Foundation and La Fondation Emmanuelle Gattuso. He was also a lifelong fan of magic, which suited his zest for life and belief in the impossible. The National Ballet family mourns his passing on September 19, 2021.

Judith R. Wilder (Billie Wilder)

On July 17, 2021, the ballet community lost a wonderful friend in Judith Wilder, who was known affectionately throughout her life as “Billie.” A graduate of Havergal College, McGill University and Lorne Greene’s Radio Academy, Billie was a long-time supporter to the Patrons' Council, a lovely presence in the studios to watch rehearsals, as well as a cherished member of the Celia Franca Society.