Will was one of the funniest, warmest, most generous people I’ve ever known. We met when we were in our 20’s in Toronto. He was at hairdressing school. I was broke and went to see him for a cheap cut and dye. He was supposed to dye my hair white-blonde with a pink streak. Instead my entire head came out VIBRANT PINK. “Um, Susin,” he said, “before you look in the mirror, there’s something I should tell you …”
I freaking loved it – and I loved him. Will had a remarkably mischievous sense of humour that was offensive to some, but hilarious to me. Another favourite memory: One night we were drinking beer at the Lisbon Plate in Kensington Market when some dude randomly picked a fight. He punched Will, and punched me with the backswing. Doesn’t sound particularly funny, I realize, but we called the cops and the guy got charged. When the court date came, we were scared (I mean – the guy lived in our neighbourhood and liked to randomly punch people) – and we both tried to go “incognito.” I’ve attached the photo I have from that day.
I still miss him all the time. He stays with me in my heart. Our son’s middle name is William, in honour of him. I only wish my son could have known him. Will met a wonderful man who loved him deeply and was with him to the end, and I am grateful for my ongoing friendship with him.
Thank you for the opportunity to share just the smallest piece of the incredible human that was Will Berto.