Barbara Gail Bloomer

With sadness, we announce the passing of Barbara Bloomer on March 28, 2023 at the age of 92.

Barbara was born on February 18, 1931 in Rochester, New York.  She moved to Canada in 1964, to play French Horn with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Barbara is remembered as an accomplished musician and a lifelong teacher and learner.  She had a passion for music and enjoyed teaching students to play the French Horn.

Barbara joined Thornhill United Church in 2011.  She was a member of the Monday afternoon Seniors Bridge Group; she supported all of the TUC dinners and our “November Delights” concerts. Barbara coached her French Horn quartet when they performed at a few TUC church services.  She gave music lessons to members of TUC, including Lloyd Mather.

Barbara’s love of the French Horn began at a very young age – inspired by her father, who played the instrument with the Rochester Philharmonic.  Following in her father’s footsteps, Barbara pursued a Bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music where she won the coveted Performer’s Certificate.  After graduating from Eastman, Barbara began her professional career playing with the Buffalo Philharmonic for 12 years before relocating to Toronto to play with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.  She played the French Horn with the TSO, retiring, after 20 years.   While with the TSO, Barbara played at venues across the globe.

In 1966, Barbara started the Toronto Horn Club to provide instruction to young people who wanted to seriously study the French Horn.  Over the years, the Toronto Horn Club won many first-place ensemble and first-place solo awards at the Kiwanis Music Festivals.  One of Barbara’s most successful students is Fergus McWilliams, a member of the most prodigious Berlin Philharmonic.

Barbara enjoyed nature.  She was a prolific photographer and enjoyed taking photos of flowers.  She enjoyed canoeing, swimming, tai chi and bridge.

Our deepest sympathies go to her friend and assistant, Myra Calderon, her brothers, Richard and Douglas, her nieces, Carrie and Jennifer and her nephews, Michael and Joshua.