Toller Cranston

Toller Cranston, who lived from 20 April 1949 to 24 January 2015, was a Canadian figure skater and painter. He won the Canadian national championships from 1971 to 1976, took the bronze medal at the 1974 World Championships and the bronze medal at the 1976 Olympic Games. Although poor compulsory figures kept him from a World title, he won the small medal for free skating at the 1972 and 1974 championships. Many credit Cranston with bringing a new level of artistry to the men's event. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, he studied art in Montreal and became a professional artist, holding over 250 exhibitions around the world, and he wrote autobiographical books including Toller in 1976.