Today, December 14, 2009, David Pecaut, passionate city-builder and co-chair of DiverseCity, has succumbed to cancer. He was 54.

Julia Deans, CEO of the Toronto City Summit Alliance, sent out an announcement of his passing.

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of the Toronto City Summit Alliance, I am writing to share the very sad news that our founder and Chair David Pecaut passed away at 10 a.m. this morning. We know that you join us in mourning the loss of such an incredible person and in sending heartfelt condolences to David’s wife, Helen Burstyn, and their four daughters.

As you likely know, David had been dealing with cancer for almost two years. Throughout this time, he continued to be a powerful force in the Toronto City Summit Alliance and its Greening Greater Toronto, DiverseCity, Emerging Leaders Network and Summit 2011 initiatives, as well as at The Boston Consulting Group and in his many other civic activities and interests.

We are devastated by the loss of such a dear friend and extraordinary leader, but deeply grateful to have been able to know and be inspired by him. We are also grateful for David’s tremendous city-building contributions. He taught us all civic responsibility and engagement, and showed us how energetic and passionate people like him can come together from many different backgrounds and experiences to achieve big goals.

We have a strong management team and committed leadership on our Board, Steering Committee and initiatives, and appreciate Courtney Pratt assuming the role of Interim Chair. Together with you and the thousands of other people involved in Alliance and other city-building initiatives, we will be working hard to continue the path that David has charted.

Thank you for your support and warm regards,

Julia

Julia Deans, CEO
Toronto City Summit Alliance
110 Yonge Street, Suite 1900
Toronto, ON M5C 1T6
tel: 416-309-4480 ext.505
fax: 416-309-4481
email: julia.deans@torontocitysummit.ca
web: www.torontoalliance.ca