Celebration of Life for
Richard Fiennes-Clinton
Toronto's First Post Office & the Town of York Historical Society will be hosting a memorial for our friend and colleague on October 9th from 6:30pm-8:30pm.
Pay your respects to Richard's family and share your favourite memories of him.
This a drop-in memorial and due to our small space, we ask that you be courteous of time so everyone has a chance to pay their respects.
Please kindly email [email protected] to note your attendance.
Pay your respects to Richard's family and share your favourite memories of him.
This a drop-in memorial and due to our small space, we ask that you be courteous of time so everyone has a chance to pay their respects.
Please kindly email [email protected] to note your attendance.
RICHARD JAMES FIENNES-CLINTON
Historian Extraordinaire
May 4, 1972 - Aug. 23, 2025 aged 53
Richard James Fiennes-Clinton
Historian Extraordinaire |
The Fiennes-Clinton family with President of East York Historical Society Pancheta Barnett after the Service of "Thanksgiving for the Life of
Richard James Fiennes-Clinton [May 4, 1972- 23rd August, 2025"] held at The Church of St. Jude at 10 Howarth Ave. Saturday August 30, 2025 L-R> Kayleigh Fiennes-Clinton. daughter of Greg Fiennes-Clinton; Shannon Stark,[sister of Greg] and Pat Barnett, President East York Historical Society. Photo Credit Peter Barlow. |
Program/order of August 30, 2025 "Service in Thanksgiving for the Life of Richard James Fiennes-Clinton"
East York Historical Society Honours
Historian Extraordinaire, Richard Fiennes-Clinton...
Historian Extraordinaire, Richard Fiennes-Clinton...
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East York Historical Society is saddened by the passing of a dear friend Richard James Fiennes-Clinton on Saturday August 23, 2025, so young [May 4, 1972 - 23rd August, 2025]. Humble and quiet a great human being he was and always willing to do what he loved best when [East York Historical Society] needed a presenter on one of his incredible one of a kind topic. Richard, over the past years did presentations many times for East York York Historical Society of which he drew large attendance.
I have been fortunate to attend other presentations and attended to some of his tours of our City. Richard has left this world a better place for us all to enjoy!! |
Richard, a former supporter of Canadian Royal Heritage Trust and I an Associate member; used to attend CRHT lectures in the 2000's and at various times listened to Richard's presentations...
Our condolences to his family and friends. We will remember Richard's kindness in other area of request pertaining to East York Historical Society. More about Richard after I return from attending his Service of Thanksgiving for his life at St. Jude's Church on Saturday 30th August, 2025 starting at 11:00hrs... Thank you Richard and all the very best on your new journey. With love and remembered appreciation; East York Historical Society Members [PB] |
Photo above courtesy Belinda Sutton
East York Historical Society is also shocked to hear of Richard Fiennes-Clinton's passing Saturday, August 23rd, 2025. Beloved son of Henry B. Fiennes-Clinton and Carol P. Stark, brother of Rev. Greg Fiennes-Clinton (Sharon), Shannon Stark (Ricardo), beloved uncle of Kayleigh – and friend to many. For decades Richard has shared his passion for history, particularly Toronto history, with many. This was chiefly done through his business, Muddy York Walking Tours, but also through his work at City of Toronto Museums, as well as through historical talks given in various other venues. He was the author of Muddy York: A History of Toronto Until 1834 and was working on another book at the time of his passing. As well, he was an accomplished visual artist. Richard’s passion for history, his sense of humour, and his love for family and friends will be greatly missed by all whose lives he impacted. Visitation will be held at Highland Funeral Home, Thursday, August 28th, from 5 to 8 p.m. (3280 Sheppard Ave East, Scarborough). Funeral service will be held at St. Jude’s Wexford Anglican Church (10 Howarth Ave., Scarborough), at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August, 30th, 2025. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to The City of Toronto Museums or The Anglican Diocese of Toronto. Barry Penhale has written this tribute which he hopes will be in time for publication in the next Ontario Historical Society Bulletin but in the meantime has given me permission to include it here. |
POPULAR TORONTO HISTORIAN LEAVES BIG SHOES TO FILL by Barry Penhale
Many of a certain age will recall the Toronto historian, Donald Jones, and his extremely thorough capturing of Toronto history in multiple Toronto Star newspaper columns. Regrettably, we have just lost a younger Toronto historian who was regarded by many, myself included, to be the Donald Jones of his time. Which, I assure Bulletin readers, is a huge but much deserved compliment. I am referring to Richard Fiennes-Clinton who passed of natural causes in his Toronto apartment on Saturday. August 23rd. The founder/operator of Muddy York Tours, Richard took delight in introducing both Toronto residents and others from away to little-known Toronto history. He was also much-in-demand as a presenter and it was in that category, when I was responsible for Discover Your Heritage programming at several Toronto sites, that we began a lengthy and most enjoyable relationship. Richard won over each and every audience with thoroughly prepared highly-illustrated presentations, based upon impeccable research that had uncovered countless rare images and even rarer film footage. Looking back now, I am struck by his quiet confidence. He was a modest soul who, unlike some others with similar interests, was not motivated by media headlines and being in the spotlight. He will be remembered as a professional whose standards were of the highest, and whose love of Toronto and its history he wore on his sleeve to the end. In recent years, Richard Fiennes-Clinton led very popular CNE tours, and also worked for Toronto museums. It was no secret that Gibson House and Colborne Lodge were two of his favourite heritage locations. He was the author of the book Muddy York. My wife Jane Gibson and I encouraged him to publish, only wishing that he had written more, but the book that he produced remains a historical gem. One wishes Richard could have had more years. He leaves us with an imposing legacy for which all who follow in his footsteps are the richer. Until next time. Credit and many thanks to: East York Historical Society Member Marjorie Mc Leod |
Photo above and to the right of Richard Fiennes- Clinton leading his legendary walking tours
Two Photos courtesy Belinda Sutton |
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Richard is Remembered...Click on link
