It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Patrick Burroughs, founder of Forest City School for Strings.

Pat was a distinguished Canadian educator, founder, and visionary leader in string pedagogy. As a proud native of Canada's West Coast, Pat began his studies in Victoria, BC, and trained at the Banff Centre and the University of Toronto, later studying with many renowned teachers across North America and Europe.

In 1970, he founded the Bach Youth Ensemble in Toronto, touring nationally and internationally. He went on to play a significant role in music education across Canada through his work at the University of Western Ontario, the Banff Centre, and numerous festivals and organizations. A dedicated advocate of the Suzuki method, he influenced generations of students and teachers.

Pat served for twenty years as conductor of the Woodstock Strings, collaborating with many of Canada’s leading artists, and received numerous honours, including the Woodstock Medallion, recognition from the American String Teachers’ Association, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

As founding President and Music Director of the Forest City School for Talent Education, Patrick Burroughs transformed a small Suzuki group class in a church basement into one of Canada’s most respected youth string programs. He leaves an enduring legacy in the countless lives he enriched and the generations of students he inspired—many of whom have gone on to lead vibrant musical lives as professionals, dedicated amateurs, and passionate supporters of the arts.

Our thoughts are with Pat’s cherished family—his wife, Bonnie; his daughter, Lisa, and son-in-law, Dean; his granddaughter, Marina; and his beloved stepchildren and their families.

Donations can be made in Pat’s memory to Forest City School for Strings or St. George’s Anglican Church.

Thank you for everything, Mr. Burroughs. We love you and we will cherish your memory always.