In Memoriam

George Spencer, 91, died peacefully early on Nov. 5, 2023, at the Brantford General Hospital after a short illness. He is survived by sisters, Jean, Pauline (Al), and Sylvia; as well as his daughter, Nancy (John Mark); and sons, Christopher (Tracey) and Michael (Debbie); his grandchildren, David (Chelsea), Robert (Stella), Martin (Katrina), Adele (Donny), Elyse (Bryn), Patrick, Michelle (Jacob), Conor, Sophia, Charlotte, Evan, James, and Colin; and his great-grandchildren, Stephen, Felix, Zachary, Rhys, Cian, and Eleanor. He will be missed by his son-in-law, Guy Morency; daughter-in-law, Kim Flanagan; and brother-in-law, Ed Raco. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Rita Cremasco (d. 2019) and his children, Mark (d. 2012) and Paula (d. 2018), as well as his sisters, Mildred and Doreen. 

George was born to Edith Comeau and Percy Spencer on July 1, 1932, in Weymouth, Nova Scotia. His early years were spent in Nova Scotia, and he was always proud of his Nova Scotia and Acadian roots. The family moved to Owen Sound in the 1940s, and George attended OSCVI before heading to Kingston to enrol in Civil Engineering at Queen’s, graduating in 1956. He worked for the Department of Highways (Ontario) until 1966, when he became the county engineer for Brant County. He would serve the county with distinction for 25 years until his retirement in 1991. During his tenure as county engineer, he oversaw the construction or reconstruction of all the major bridges over the Grand River in Brant County, with the last of these bridges being named in his honour. 

Until his later years, George was an active member of St. Basil’s Church, serving for many years as the unofficial building manager. He was a life-time member of the Knights of Columbus. In his working life he was a member of the Rotary Club, served on the board of the Boys and Girls Club, and sat on the board of governors for St. John’s College. He loved to play cards and enjoyed many happy afternoons and evenings playing bridge with his neighbourhood foursome as well as at the Beckett Centre and Knights of Columbus. And, right to the end, he enjoyed playing cribbage with his children and grandchildren. 

George was a kind, smart, humble, patient, and talented man, who was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Jocelyn Mary Davie (McDonald) passed away on Jan. 29, 2024, at 64. She is survived by her husband, Brad; children, Tyler (Sc’09), Matthew, and Charlotte; and extended family and friends.

Dr. Margaret Muriel Gibson passed away at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre on Jan. 20, at the age of 72.

Margaret was predeceased by her beloved husband, John Buck, and parents, Henry and Murial Gibson. She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Bungane (Sc’02) (Carolyn) of Texas, Zola (Artsci’12) (Chloe, Artsci’14, MSc’17, MD’24) of Kingston, and Zolile (Anita) of Toronto; grandson, Mandela; and sister, Linda.

Margaret had many passions throughout her lifetime. She was an avid gardener and an active rug hooker; she created many wonderful pieces of art in her rug hooking — most notable would be her Queen’s crest that she donated, which hangs in Grant Hall.

Through her estate, Dr. Gibson established the J. Henry Gibson & Muriel Stiver Lecture on Mental Health of our Children. Named in memory of her parents, the lecture series aims to bring qualified, knowledgeable speakers in pediatric mental health to help further the education of the Queen’s community.

Helen Cooey Chalifoux passed away on Jan. 4, 2024 at 92 at her home in Prince Albert with her family by her side.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Léo Chalifoux; her sons, Paul and Aaron Chalifoux and his wife, Denise Redmond; and her dear sisters, Catherine Daigle and Fern Murray. She will be missed by her nieces and nephews.