Toller Cranston

Toller Cranston (April 20, 1949 – January 24, 2015) was a Canadian figure skater.

 Early life and career 
Cranston was born in Hamilton, Ontario. He grew up in Kirkland Lake, Ontario.  He was Canadian champion six times, and, despite never coming higher than third at a world championship, he came first in the free skate four times. He was well-respected for his artistic ability, and is recognized as someone who brought a new level of artistry to men's figure skating.

 Professional career 
He skated as a professional for many years, choreographed (designed movement patterns for) skating routines, and was a commentator (talked about events) on T.V. during skating events. Many people don't realize that Toller was also an extremely successful and talented fine art painter. He funded his career off the sale of his artworks, and continued to paint ferociously until the end of his days.    

 Retirement and death 
After his retirement, Cranston lived in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. He was found dead at his home in San Miguel de Allende on the morning of January 24, 2015. He was 65 years old. His cause of death was later said to be a heart attack.

Amateur competitions
World Championships:  third in 1974
Olympics:  bronze medal in 1976
Canadian Championships:  first in 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, and 1976

References

Other websites
Toller Cranston  official site



Category:1949 births
Category:2015 deaths
Category:Bisexual people
Category:Canadian figure skaters
Category:Canadian LGBT people
Category:Olympic bronze medalists for Canada
Category:Canadian painters
Category:Deaths from myocardial infarction
Category:LGBT choreographers
Category:Sportspeople from Hamilton, Ontario
Category:Sportspeople from Ontario
Category:LGBT sportspeople