In Memoriam

Jeffrey George Witt passed away on Dec. 6, 2021, surrounded by love at his home in Dundas, Ont. Jeff fought a heroic battle and lived every day to the best of his abilities, despite a cruel brain cancer diagnosis received in September of 2021. Jeff’s pride and joy were his family, including his adored children and their spouses, Jennifer and Kevyn Murray, Jordan and Katelyn Witt, and Stacey Witt. His family was expanded in 2007 to include his cherished partner, Pamela Mirehouse (Artsci'83), and her daughters and their spouses, Kirsten Brown and Michael Gropp, and Hana and Evan Eckert. In 2016, their beautiful family began to grow even more and now includes much loved grandchildren that called him ‘Papa’: James Murray, Lillian and Madelyn Witt, and Aubrey and Oscar Gropp. Jeff lived a life supported by his loving parents, Florence and Elden Witt and his dear sisters, Katherine Waldron (Harry) and Patricia Baptista (Eddie-2011) (BNSc'80). Uncle Jeff (UJ) showed that same love and support to his many nieces, nephews, and their families. Jeff was close with his cousins and cherished the time he spent with them. 

Jeff was proud to have been born and raised in Pembroke, Ont., where he spent much of his early years with his large extended family, creating joyful and lasting memories. His love of sports also began early on and he became well-known for his athletic ability, excelling in hockey, basketball, football, refereeing, and more. He graduated in 1985 from Queen’s with a degree in applied science. Jeff was a true engineer at heart and would go on to spend his entire 35 year career at ArcelorMittal Dofasco in Hamilton, Ont., taking on many different roles. Throughout his career, Jeff had a relentless energy to continuously improve anywhere he went. He leaves behind a legacy of improvement throughout multiple areas of the company, and he also applied these same principles in his daily life. He was known amongst his peers as “Mr. Dofasco” and was truly proud to have worked for this company. 

He happily retired in late 2020 from his last role as the coach in the Transformation Office. Jeff was an avid supporter of the Dundas and Hamilton community and volunteered through his work and other organizations. A true lover of food, he was always on the lookout for new restaurants to try, breweries to visit, and attractions to see. He was a regular blood donor and made a personal commitment to giving life to someone else in need, exceeding 75 donations throughout his life. A man of the people, he would run into an old colleague, friend, or former classmate everywhere he went. His active lifestyle kept him busy at home and he was always working to improve his and Pam’s award-winning garden. Jeff lived life fully as a leader, traveller, storyteller, family man, and during his journey he touched many lives as a good friend, well respected mentor, and will be missed by many.

Robert Kerr Swartman passed away on Oct. 8, 2022. He was predeceased by his wife, Laura, and son, Jim. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Christine Cavers (John Harper), Tom Swartman (Hanne), Barbara Ridgewell (Tony Parker), Peter Swartman (Patty); and daughter-in-law, Jan Webb-Swartman. He will also be missed by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Bob was born in Toronto in 1930 and grew up in Parry Sound. He attended Royal Roads Military College, Royal Military College and Queen’s, obtaining degrees in mechanical engineering. After graduating, he joined the RCAF. Newly married to Laura, Bob was posted to a new airfield in Germany. After three years and three children, Bob and Laura returned to Canada. 

He resigned from the RCAF to become an engineering lecturer at RMC in Kingston. In 1964 Bob, Laura and five children moved to London, and Bob joined the engineering department at University of Western Ontario as a professor, where he conducted research into thermal applications for solar energy. In 1982 Bob left Western to work full-time at Solcan, a company he had incorporated to commercialize products that utilize the sun. He was a pioneer in the industry, and Solcan installed the first solar hot water system and first photovoltaic system in London. Hundreds of systems were installed across Canada over the next decades.

Bob was active in the Engineering Institute of Canada, ASHRAE, and the Solar Energy Division of ASME. He was always passionate about our planet. He felt strongly that the earth is in peril, and that we as a society must stop using fossil fuels. He was an active member at First St. Andrews United Church, participating on many committees. Bob had a great love for Georgian Bay. He, Laura and the family enjoyed camping and boating up there for many years. He also loved the winter, as he enjoyed skiing. He continued skiing well into his 80s! Travelling was another interest of his. He loved to visit countries around the world to experience the food and culture. He enjoyed making connections with people and always took time to hear their stories. He will be greatly missed by family, many friends: the Coffee Codgers, the Friday Happy Hour Guys, the Ski Bus and the UWO Williams lunch group. 

Judith Anne Rodgers Prior passed away on Dec. 29, 2022, at home in St. John's, Newfoundland, with her eldest daughter Susan at her side. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, educator, and gifted dancer, choreographer and writer. She is survived by her brothers, Richard (Margaret) and Tim (Barbara); her children, Susan (Peter), Nancy (Len) and Jenny (Dave); and her grandchildren, Jed and Chloe. Judith was predeceased by her beloved husband, Murray (1936-2002). 

Judith was the eldest of three children of Leonard and Shirley Rodgers of Renfrew, Ont. Her early years were spent in Renfrew, where she excelled at ballet, Scottish highland dance and other artistic pursuits. Judith later graduated from Queen's, where she met Murray. They married in April of 1962 and lived in St. Catharines, Ont. 

Judith was a much-admired and inspirational secondary school teacher and educator in Ontario's gifted program. She spent many years teaching English and drama and directing musical productions at Denis Morris Catholic High School. 

After moving to St. John's, Newfoundland in 2006 to spend time with Susan and her family, Judith inspired others with her creativity and her love of dance as co-director of the CFUW's Women on Tap.