September 26, 1926 – February 16, 2015

After a long, distinguished, and fruitful career in music, Sydney Humphreys has reached his final cadence. Born in Chilliwack, BC, Sydney was gentle, patient, and kind – loved by all who knew him. He maintained complete focus and attention to detail in everything he undertook from photography, to tailoring, to learning the latest electronics. He had a curious mind and a voracious appetite for continuous learning.

Sydney was a prodigious young violinist, winning a scholarship to the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London. It was there that he would eventually become a professor and a celebrated performer of chamber music.

He had a profound passion, commitment, and energy for his craft. For example, in 1970, Sydney performed the seemingly insurmountable task of playing all of Beethoven’s quartets and trios multiple times to celebrate the composer’s bicentenary. As an integral member of the Aeolian String Quartet, Bath Festival Orchestra with Yehudi Menuhin, Trio Victoria, Purcell String Quartet and Concert Master of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, he travelled the world to spread joy through music.

Upon the invitation of Robin Wood, Sydney returned to Canada in the 1970s to take a position as the Head of the Strings department at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, which he held for over thirty years. As a teacher, Sydney mentored his students to the full realization of their unique potential. As Jonathan Crow, a former student and now concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony said: “Many teachers can tell you how to play the violin, but few can help you to discover your own voice.” That was Sydney’s genius; that is his legacy.

“If music be the food of love, play on.” Sydney’s music plays on, literally and metaphorically, in his students around the world, in the hearts and minds of his loving family in Victoria; wife, Mary, son, Max/Carolyn, daughter, Atarah/Felipe and granddaughter Siena, and in all his friends who loved him.

Donations and many grateful thanks to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC (www.alzheimer.ca/bc) and to the excellent and caring staff of the Glengarry Hospital, Chandler Unit, of the Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation (www.gvef.org). Tribute concert date to be announced.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com

  • Timothy

    Dear Mary –

    Sydney was unflaggingly kind and generous to all (even young conductors)….. and had a terrific knack for delivering direct and always constructive criticism with a conciliatory twinkle….I remember his outstanding leadership and helpful guidance of the orchestra for Bartered Bride in 1978, when I too became his pupil. I loved him ever after, and always saw a happy smile and heard a good aside on meeting…..Yesterday I listened to the Aeolian’s recording with Stan McCartney of the Mozart Quintet. I know no finer performance, The humanity he brought to every interaction is for me the hallmark of greatness.

  • ursula

    dear Mary,
    having just recently heard about Sydney, I send you my deepest sympathy.
    I still treasure the concert programme from 1956, when the Aeolian string quartet stayed in my parents home in Lincolnshire.
    Despite being at the RAM for four years I did not meet Sydney again until 2010, when I met you both here in Oak Bay. How good it felt to meet fellow musicians, for that I am grateful to you both.
    You will be in my prayers.
    Ursula

  • Dudley Ward

    Have just learned today of Sydney’s departure. I got to know him when he first arrived in London England around 1953. He would come along to our church and join in the youth club. I remember turning the music pages for him at a salon concert. I have very fond memories of his excellent qualities both as musician and man. As a firm believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Savior of the world. I pray that he may have entered fully into the gracious inheritance reserved for all who trust and obey the Lord Jesus.
    After spending five years in Canada with my wife, we settled in Provence France where we have lived for forty-nine years

  • Tita Alatiit

    Dear Mary & Family,
    Sad to hear of Mr Sydney Humphreys’ demise. I have always idolized him as a music/violin teacher and wanted Louella and Matthew to eventually have him as a teacher and they both did. He had a certain way of making us parents feel at ease and allowing our young musicians to take charge of their choice in musical careers. Prayers and condolences.
    Tita

  • Rosalyn and Gordon Alexander

    Dear Mary, Max, Atara and family: we were so sorry to hear of Sydney’s passing. He was part of our family for so many years and in so many ways that it is hard to believe he has gone. He literally transformed Louise’s life after she was diagnosed with scoliosis, and it was he who inspired her to work towards the professional career she now has. She has commented to me that Sydney was the kindest person she has ever known, a man who never said a harsh word to or about any one. The Alexander family are all so grateful for having known him and benefitted from his musicianship and humanity.

  • Louella Alatiit

    Dear Mary, Max, and Atarah,

    I extend my heartfelt condolences to all of you and your families during this time.

    It is difficult to put into words what Mr. Humphreys meant to me. He opened up a world of music to me and ultimately he inspired me to pursue music as a career. I remember that time fondly, all the new possibilities of creating music, of learning about colours and shapes. It was an exciting time for me to be discovering this new world! Lessons were full of stories about music, about life and about understanding myself — all connected to playing violin. It was such an impressionable time and going to lessons with Mr. Humphreys really fed my soul. I think back often to my lessons, scale classes, senior strings, master classes, teacher training, his stories and his expressions. I will hold these memories close to me forever. I feel so fortunate to have had his great influence in my life and to know that he touched so many people’s hearts, including mine. I will always be grateful.

    My thoughts are with you.

    Lots of love,
    Louella

  • Sheila Rowand

    Dear Mary,

    My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

    Sydney made such a contribution to so many lives and leaves wonderful memories for community and the music world. Unfortunately for me, I knew him only in the latter stage of his journey.

    Sincerely.
    ,
    Sheila Rowand

  • Bridget MacRae

    Dear Mary, Max and Atarah,

    We were all so lucky to have known Mr. Humphreys and to have experienced his intense artistry, patience, kindness, unconditional support and acceptance at such close proximity for so many years.
    I’ll never forget the astounding chamber music lesson on clear intention and leading which he once gave us- he succeeded multiple times in bringing our whole quartet in together to his lead through a closed door! Magic stuff.
    Mr. Humphreys will be sorely missed, but his lively spirit, influence and ideas definitely live on in all the musicians who were lucky to know him and learn from him.

    Thinking of you in this difficult time,

    With love and gratitude,

    Bridget MacRae

  • Maureen & Neil Fatin

    To: Mary and family; (friend of (Ruby & Jean McRae)
    So sorry to learn of Sydney’s passing. I am sure he is just “a breathe away from where you are”.
    I remember him from the Conservatory of Music and the Victoria Operatic Society when he played for shows that I participated in. Witnessed many of the talented students of his that came into the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival. He had a profound influenceon so many young and emerging musicians.
    Sincere condolences on your loss.
    Maureen & Neil Fatin

  • Cookie and Jack Dubney

    Dear Mary and family,
    We are just back and read about Sydney’s passing! I know that your wonderful memories will sustain you during this sad and difficult time. Our deepest sympathy to you and your whole family.
    Cookie and Jack Dubney

  • Jean Ives

    I’ve just read Sydney’s obituary and it captures what I knew of him so well. His tenacity, joy, wide interests, passion for music, and even greater passion for family and friends. We are lucky to have known him well enough to understand how remarkable he was. Much love and hugs to you all. Jean and Jim

  • Dolores and Michael Vann

    Dear Mary and family,
    We are so very sad to learn of Sydney’s passing although relieved in a sense that he is now free of pain and suffering.
    Thankfully, memories are treasures that we can hold onto for a lifetime, and we have decades of memories of Sydney…. his inherent sense of humour, his kindness, his unrelenting thirst for perfection, his abounding musical counsel and steadfast friendship…he was indeed a very special gentleman.
    We shall keep you in our hearts and prayers, and send love and sincerest condolences to you and all your family.
    Dolores and Michael

  • Warfani

    Dearest Mary,Max, Carolyn, Atarah, Filipe, Siena,
    We are so sad to hear the news about the loss of Mr Humphreys. Nikki , Timmy and both of us often review our memories being with Mr Humphreys. He is the most incredible teacher , friend , and person that we’ve ever known. The most gentle gentleman with full of knowledge. He shared his knowledges of music and his personal life experiences during lessons eventhough the kids were very young and they remember well and start digesting it when their ages are advancing. We can remember almost everything he shared to us. That shows how incredible person he was and will stay in our memories and hearts for the life time.

    We are very sad but also relief to hear that he was gone peacefully. We all miss him dearly.

    Our thoughts are with you.

    Love
    The CHOOI

  • Kirsty Money

    Dear Mary, Max and Atarah,

    My heart goes out to you all with the loss of Sydney, my favourite and most inspiring teacher. “Playing the violin is easy!” continues to echo in my mind, even after all of these years. Emlyn and I used to joke in the halls of the Conservatory, saying that Sydney was like “little buddha”. Well, now that I am married to a buddhist myself, it really is no joke ! A buddha is an enlightened being, whose job is to teach those all that he knows with kindness and a keen sense of intellect and fun; this is what Sydney did for all of his students. We all have been blessed with Sydney’s talent as a wonderful violinist and musician, teacher, and all round great human being. He has made the world a better place in his passion for music, and for that I am truly delighted.

    For me, Sydney’s passing is the end of an era in the musical life of Victoria. But his legacy lives on with all those he touched. May we try to pass on all of that wisdom that Sydney was so famous for! I will miss him dearly.

    much love,

    Kirsty Money

  • Vaughan Lewis

    Dear Mary, Max, Atarah and families,

    My deepest condolences on your loss of Sydney. I will treasure my memory of a supremely talented musician and a wonderful man dedicated to his art, teaching, and family.

    Vaughan

  • Wendy cartwright (Hugh smiths daughter at glengarry)

    Mary, I am so sorry to hear of Sydney’s passing. He sounds like he was an incredible man that everyone would have wanted to know. I am glad to have met you, albeit briefly, at Glengarry. You were a ray of light. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • Mark Stepanick

    Dear Sydney, Some of my fondest memories of my childhood are of my weekly lesson time with you at Craigdarroch Castle in Victora. You were a true Master, and during my lesson time, you taught so much more than the violin. You enabled the potential for greatness in every student. You helped so many of us realize the gift of music. Many of your lessons were about life. They were about the importance of perseverance and stepping out of our own way so we could let the music flow through. Over the years I have thought of you often if not daily. Thank you so much for your inspiration. Rest in peace Sydney.

  • Sheila Grigg

    Dear Mary, I have such fond memories of you and Sydney as customers in the sheet music department. There was always a great excitement about you both. Sydney will be remembered as such an important part of the music scene in Victoria. Sheila Grigg

  • Bonnie Smith

    Dear Mary and family,

    I was so sorry to read of Sydney’s passing. May wonderful memories and the knowledge that the entire musical community of Victoria share in your loss bring some peace.

    With my deepest sympathy,

    Bonnie Smith

  • John and Barbara Harris

    Dear Mary and family,

    We were so sorry to hear of Sydney’s passing recently. We do remember enjoying conversations with Sydney, often at Max’s sporting events, or at socials at your home many years ago now. Please accept our sincere condolences at this time.

    John and Barbara.

  • Yael and Jeff Wollach

    Dear Mary and Family,
    We were so sorry to learn of Sydney’s passing. We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to your family. He will definitely be missed by all those whose lives he touched which were many.
    Our thoughts are with you at this time.
    Yael and Jeff Wollach

  • Mark Ferris

    Reluctantly the time has come to say goodbye to one of the most important influences in many of our young lives. If others shared my experience with Sydney, you made us what we are today, giving us the courage, conviction and wisdom to navigate the world of music. We are forever in your debt and you will always have our deepest gratitude.

    Best wishes, dear sir. You were truly a special light in so many lives.

    Mark Ferris

  • Sue Moore

    Dear Mary and family,
    I was saddened to read of Sydney’s passing but I am sure that the many wonderful memories friends and family have of him will comfort you at this time and in the future. What an amazing life he had, sharing his passion and talents with so many for so long. It was a pleasure to know him.
    With my deepest sympathy,
    Sue Moore

  • Arlene Antonik

    Dear Mary and Family,
    So sorry to hear of Sydney’s passing. With Robin and Winifred, James and now Sydney gone, it really is the end of an era for the Victoria Conservatory of Music. I miss them all and now my thoughts are especially with Sydney who contributed so greatly to so many musicians in this area and around the world. Please know, Mary, that the thoughts of many of us are with you at this difficult time. We will remember Sydney as a magnificent musician and teacher who lives on in his students everywhere.
    With love,
    Arlene Antonik

  • Alan and Sally

    Dear Mary, Max and Atarah,
    So saddened to hear about Sydney’s death. We were privileged to know him , not just as an amazing musician, but as a funny, wise and gentle friend. Memories of gardens and sewing and witty repartee will keep him in our hearts as a beloved friend.
    Wish we could attend the memorial concert; we will be there in spirit.
    Sending love and hugs your way.
    Sally and Alan

  • Judy Martell

    Dear Mary,
    I wish I had known Sydney before his final few years but feel honoured to have known both of you for a short while. Such a gentle man, so peaceful, so easy to be around in the environment we shared. I miss our weekly visits and hope to connect with you again, Mary.
    Your are in my thoughts and prayers,
    Judy

  • Anne Valdal Boyd

    Not only was Sydney Humphreys a superlative performer and teacher but he had a most delightful humour that he shared with everyone he came in contact with. One did not need to play the violin to benefit from Sydney’s expertise in teaching. He freely gave all the knowledge he had to all the students that engaged in chamber music, orchestra and solo performance. As members of Trio Victoria, he, along with Robin Wood and James Hunter, performed all the piano trios in the repertoire and we, the students, along with many members of the public, were the recipients of superlative performances for many wonderful years. I certainly will miss him, but having spent my youth and much of my adulthood knowing him, his incredible playing, his image and his smiling face will be with me forever. My deepest condolences go out to Mary and the family.

  • James Ngai & Esther Tsang

    Dear Mary, Max and Atarah,
    Our deepest condolence for Sydney’s pass-away. We shall always remember fondly his important contributions to our family. For years he had been an encouraging and helpful associate to Esther at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and for years he had taught our sons Maxwell and Emlyn, from teenage till adulthood. They owe him their success in their musical careers.

  • Jeanette Bernal-Singh

    Dear Mr Humphreys,
    You inspired me to be an addict–a violin addict, a classical music junkie when I was in my teenage years. You made me look forward to my lessons and you made music so magical. You have been unique,creative, expressive, caring, and you believed in me. You were that perfect teacher that came just at the right time. Thank you. You live on through all your students– through every note we play from the depths of our hearts. We have been a lucky bunch. You have made this world a better place. RIP …you are everywhere now.

    My deepest condolences to Mary Humphreys, Max and Atarah and their families.

  • Patrick Schörle (Hauck)

    I am deeply saddened by the passing of such a great light. Sydney was a difference maker. I was privileged to study with him for several years. Sydney’s unique insight in the art of violin technique; his tremendous experience as a concertmaster; his incredible musicianship created indelible memories. He touched so many. Above all, I will never forget the twinkle in his eye the minute he picked up the violin to play. Indeed, his passion infected all around him.

  • Jim and Shari de Goede

    Dear Mary, Atarah and Max, I am so sorry to read about the passing of a wonderful husband, father and friend. Anyone who could win Mary’s heart so completely had to be a fine and upstanding gentleman. The home that you were raised in was one of happiness and love. I feel most fortunate to have been invited for meals, social gatherings and had the privilege of hearing Sydney make great music. A void like that is not to be filled again. Shari and I will make a contribution to the Alzheimer Society and will look for the tribute concert date in the near future. Until that time, please know that we share a small part of your grief and our hearts go out to you. Lovingly and fondly, Jim.

  • Brent Straughan

    Oh Mary, what unbearable sadness! There are so few giant oaks left in our woods….

    Who else would spend 45 minutes with our quartet on the first note, or ripple through all those scales so beautifully!

    We always left with the reverent feeling of “So that’s how it’s done.”

    Well, if God really needed a new concertmaster, we now know who it is!

    Mary, may the love you have for Sydney help swiftly to bear the hours of grief from your heart.

    Brent and Frances

  • Liz Bredberg

    Dear Mary, Max, and Atarah,

    It is hard to describe the contribution Sydney made to so many of us. He was a fine musician, an unsurpassed teacher and a warm and generous friend. I was trying to think of a phrase that would begin to do him justice and finally came up with contagious joie de vivre. I can only hope in some way to pass along his gifts to others.

    Perhaps this quote from the Midrash begins to say it: “Many candles can be kindled from one candle without diminishing it.”

    Liz

  • Emlyn Ngai

    Dear Mary, Max and Atarah,

    Blessings of peace to you all and Sydney. Mr. Humphreys is in all that I am, in all that I do, in all the music I play, perform, and teach. There is not one day that goes by in which his actions and words from thirty-odd years ago do not guide me and nudge my arms and fingers as they navigate wondrous music with wood, hair and strings. I close my eyes and I am back in his studio trying to play Bach. He tells me things about Bach that sends my mind to another galaxy. His words take me on a tour of the musical world, past and present, beyond the studio walls. I’m in London, in the Royal Albert hall, in a rehearsal with Menuhin, in a lesson with Enesco, in a LSO jingle session…all in one hour. Then he asks me how my sight-reading is coming along, and I squirm in my shoes…”Let’s have a go,” he says as he tosses an etude book onto the music stand. Darn, I’d rather be struggling with Bach, I tell myself. Maybe that’s why I love Bach’s music…

    Rest well, Mr. Humphreys, and smile happily as you listen to your students play and teach music in their humble efforts to make this a better world.

    Emlyn

  • Maxwell and Emlyn Ngai, Esther Tsang

    Rest in Peace Sydney Humphreys, one of the most influential and kind teachers of our life. You have taught countless students how to love violin, love music and love themselves.

  • Simon MacDonald

    Without a doubt I owe Mr. Humphreys my career as a violinist. I think of his teaching (and my lessons) daily, and I quote him and retell his stories to my students routinely. I had the pleasure to both learn from him and work with him when he was acting concertmaster of the Victoria Symphony and I was a student freelancing in the back of the 2nd violin section. I will miss him, and I am so grateful for the years I spent with him in his studio at the VCM. His legacy is visible in every major Canadian orchestra, and in the leadership roles of those orchestras (off the top of my head I can think of three sitting Canadian concertmasters on whom he had a direct and lasting influence). Thank you for everything, Mr. Humphreys.

  • Kathryn Husser

    Words fail in trying to describe the enormous influence Sydney Humphreys had on our family in particular my son. His influence is ongoing. His love and humanity touched us and we are the better for it. Be at peace, Sydney.

  • Bill, Jennifer, Michaela and Marcus Merryfield

    We are so saddened to learn of Sydney’s passing, but cannot help but feel joy in a life well lived. He was kind and gentle in nature and notwithstanding his own incredible accomplishments; he focused not on himself, but on others. He was encouraging to both Michaela and Marcus in their musical training and his encouragement was very meaningful to all of us. We feel privileged to have known him. We know that he is now playing the violin for the choirs of angels in heaven. We offer our deepest condolences to Mary and family, and have all of you in our thoughts and prayers,

    Bill, Jennifer, Michaela and Marcus

  • David Thies-Thompson

    Dearest Mary, Max and Atarah,
    Sydney was such a huge influence to me. He has been a lifelong source of inspiration, not just as a violinist and musician, but in his gentle, selectively pointed approach, his positive and inquisitive nature, his diverse interests.
    I still hear his voice in my head and refer to his teachings and quote him regularly in lessons, even if that is with a good chat and a hearty laugh.
    Please find comfort knowing that he cherished every moment he was with you.
    I miss him deeply and remember him fondly.
    Love and condolences,
    David

  • Mark Johnstone

    May your memories of Sydney give you peace and comfort. He truly was one of the most talented, kind and intelligent people I have had the pleasure of meeting.

Leave Condolence

Type your condolence message into the box below and click "Submit". It may take up to 24 hours for it to appear. Your email address will not be published.

*

Search Website

ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR