In Memoriam

Barbara Theresa Wood passed away on March 16, 2022. Predeceased by her husband of 39 years, Frank Wood Jr., and brother Colin. She is survived by Malcolm Collins, her loving partner of 13 years; her children, Brian (Larisa), Lisa, and David; grandchildren, Trista, Justin, Ryan, Josh, Bradley, Mark, Sarah, Omar, and Adam; her siblings, Beverley (Jim) and Suzanne (Ted); nephew Christopher; and her long-time housekeeper, Maria.

Barbara was born in Brockville, Ont. Her thirst for knowledge, love of travel, and passion for discovery took her to all seven continents. As her son, Brian (who has lived on many of these continents), recalls: “Mom was a hit on every visit, particularly in Egypt, Abu Dhabi, and Ho Chi Minh City; her inquisitive nature, energy, and joie de vivre brought the best out in everyone.” Nothing in life was too challenging. She was an ‘A’ student, studying Latin, English, and Roman history at Queen's. She was also an avid athlete — an ace basketball player, golfer, and swimmer. Barb moved 15 times in 30 years with her devoted husband Frank, making friends everywhere she went — from the gas fields of Jumping Pound, Alta., where her closest neighbours were grazing cows, to the vibrancy of Caracas, Venezuela, where she embraced Spanish and life with gusto. She eventually settled in Oakville, Ont., where she taught bridge and opened her own bridge club. With a new partner, Malcolm, a retired physics professor, she continued to travel, including to more exotic destinations. She revived her Spanish studies and embraced, with the same zest as always, her passion for books, crosswords, Sudoku, and swimming, as well as the theatre and fine dining. Life for Barbara meant living it to the fullest; embracing everything with enthusiasm and determination. She departed, feeling fulfilled and ready to say goodbye.

Richard Frank "Dick" Walton passed away on Jan. 18, 2022. Predeceased by his wife, Susan "Sue" McNett. He is survived by his six children, Laurie Walton (Dave Frey), Elinor Bridges (Ricky), Marion Lent (Jeffrey), Richard Walton II (Lerenda), Robert Walton (Flor Elena Galan-Amaro), and Diane "Dizy" Walton (Sarah Thach); and 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: Jesse Frey and Lily Walton; Eric (Hannah and great-grandchildren Alex and Teddy), Jed, and Garrett (Brittany and great-grandchild Isla Rose) Bridges; Esther and Clara Lent; Elizabeth, Mary, Mark, and Anna Jeanett Walton; and Caroline Walton; Otis, Miles and Rustin Walton-Thach. He is also survived by his brother Ken, four nephews and their children.

Richard was born Aug. 13, 1935 in Black River, N.Y. to Esther Bettinger "Betty" Walton and Clifford Horace Walton. Dick pushed himself very hard throughout his life. He was valedictorian of his class at Black River High School. He was a talented athlete and attended Bates College on a baseball scholarship. An avid naturalist, he spent college summers working as an aquatic biologist for the N.Y. Conservation department. At Bates, he met Susan and they married in 1957. They were married for 63 years: she died in August 2021.

Dick wanted to be a doctor from an early age and earned his medical degree at Queen’s. He trained at Boston General Hospital for his residency. In 1963, he joined a small medical practice in Holden, M.A. as a family physician in an era when doctors regularly made house calls and before 911 had been established. He was an early adopter of new medical techniques and approaches that are now taken for granted, such as CPR, alcoholism, panic disorder, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. His perceptive diagnoses and aggressive treatments saved the lives of many patients and friends with uncommon conditions.

He was exceptionally generous and caring. He helped his patients find work and gave them work if he was able to. Some patients were included in family events and were looked after from then on. He knew people couldn't take their medications if they couldn't afford them and that lonely people need friendship and inclusion. At work, he showed appreciation for everyone who showed up and contributed to the cause, whether that person was the custodian or the chief medical officer. He didn't come from a wealthy background and he saw past hierarchy at work and in society. Dick helped found the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, where he became the Chair of the Department of Family Medicine. He was a role model for medical residents, students, and fellow faculty and a nationally respected advocate for family medicine during the specialty's formative years. In 1977, he moved to Asheville, N.C., to direct the family practice residency at Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). He helped establish one of the most innovative and well-respected family medicine residencies in the U.S., integrating behavioral medicine into family medicine practice and training and collaborating with therapists to develop the family circle method, a tool to understand complex family systems and how they impacted individuals' health.

Dick loved planting trees, berries, and raising animals on the small farm he and Sue had in Alexander, N.C. He loved the beautiful sunsets at their farm and he and Sue would often stand in the side yard together, watching the sun go down. After their kids were grown and it came time to sell the farm and move back to town, they placed a conservation easement on the property to save it from ever being developed.

Dick and Sue were passionate, lifelong advocates for social justice causes and were arrested together at age 77 for civil disobedience in support of marriage equality. They were active members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville for 45 years. A loyal friend, Dick attended annual high school reunions in Black River and regularly visited with and communicated with friends, colleagues, and former patients all over the country. He was an attentive and supportive father and grandfather.

For the last year of his life, Dick lived in the skilled nursing area at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community (N.C.) as his Alzheimer's required more care. He was happy there: he often walked the halls wearing his Queen's hat and windbreaker and checked on the other residents as if he were still doing medical rounds. Staff at Deerfield cared for him in a way that was helpful, respectful, and kind. Dick and Sue's children are grateful for the good care both their parents received at Deerfield.

Peter Carr Thompson passed away on May 12, 2021. He was 93. Beloved husband of Joan (née Allison) (Artsci'50); loving father of Anne, Ian (Meds‘79), Michael (Artsci‘79) and

David (Sc‘86); grandfather of Connor (Artsci‘05), Owen, Bronwyn (Artsci‘11), Hugh, Madeline, Margaret, Henry (Com‘19) and Peter.

Peter worked for many years as the manager of engineering at Canadian General Electric. He was an avid bridge player and golfer. He played bassoon in the Peterborough Symphony for many years and sat on the board at St. Joseph's at Fleming, a seniors home in Peterborough, at its inception.

Dr. John Robert Taylor passed away on April 20, 2022. John is survived by his wife, Pat; daughter, Cathy (Artsci’89); sons, David (Artsci’91) and Peter; and grandchildren, Taylor, Anna, Maja, and Isla.

Born in Kirkland Lake, Ont., to Boyd (Sc’35) and Dorothy Taylor, John graduated from Queen’s Faculty of Medicine in 1963. His impact on the medical profession spanned five decades. A pioneering surgeon, he was president of the Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, president of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons, and associate-editor of the Canadian Journal of Plastic Surgery, having co-founded the publication in 1992. As an educator, John taught countless medical residents, lectured at the University of Toronto, and was examiner for the Medical Council of Canada. As a philanthropist, John contributed a wealth of knowledge and experience as chairman of the Dr. A. Ross Tilley Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation, and trustee of the Guinea Pig Club in Canada. Resolved to advance his profession with greater integrity, John chaired both the Canadian and American Ethics Committees of the ASAPRS and chaired the Canadian Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities. While John pursued this work with determination and humility, he was prodigiously acknowledged by his colleagues and country with the Queen Elizabeth II 25th Anniversary Medal, the Canadian Distinction Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Allen Frederick Spraggett passed away on July 19, 2022. He was 90. He is survived by his wife, Marion; children, Stephen, Alanna (Peter), Sandra (Bob Spies) (Sc‘80), Dennis and Kathryn (Bobby); proud grandpa to Sean, Carly (Mike), Camille and Eric; brother of the late Charles (Ruth); son of the late Henry and Gertrude Spraggett.

Allen was a journalist, author, broadcaster, psychical researcher, astrologer, and ordained minister. Throughout his life, he was passionate about learning, reading, music, fine art, and his family, including many pets, which fed his soul and provided purpose to his journey. His ability to tell a story with great humour and insight left a lasting impression on all who met him. Perhaps Allen's greatest gift was his ability to empathize, support, and provide comfort to family, friends, and strangers. He relied on these qualities as he pursued the many avenues of his work.

Serving as pastor ordained by the Open Door Evangelical Churches to congregations throughout Eastern Ontario commencing in 1954, Allen studied at Queen's and Queen's Theological College. Eventually his life's work would lead him to be reordained as a Spiritual Science Minister and granted a Doctor of Ministry by the International College of Spiritual and Psychic Sciences in 1986.

Allen worked at the Toronto Star as religion editor (1962-69), daily columnist (1969-1971), and wrote the syndicated weekly column ‘The Unexplained’ (1972-1977). His curious mind led him to research and write 11 books about paranormal activities and the possibility of an afterlife, including biographical works on notable figures related to the field of parapsychology, including: Kathryn Kuhlman: The Woman Who Believed in Miracles (1970) and The Psychic Mafia (1976). Allen became a popular broadcaster in the 1970s and 80s, creating and hosting programs for radio (CFRB, CFNY, and CKMW) and television, including The Occult and innovative panel show Beyond Reason (CBC).

Throughout his career, Allen was sought after as a speaker, lecturer, expert, and consultant with his work, bringing much attention to the developing field of parapsychology. His innovative broadcast programs made information about psychic phenomena, including research in the belief of life after death, accessible to the general public.

Retiring from public life after a difficult battle with leukemia in the late 1980s, Allen primarily practiced as an insightful astrologer and gifted hypnotist for private clients. Allen lived an extraordinary, meaningful life, and the loss of his physical presence among us has gutted his family. His only real regret was having to part from Marion, whose name brought a smile to his lips even as he slipped away. Until his final days, he was delighted to share a laugh or a story with anyone lucky enough to spend a few moments by his side. His genuine interest in talking to someone could make them feel like the most important person in a crowded room.

Now that he's journeyed into the great beyond, he will finally find the answers to questions that shaped his life's work exploring the unexplained.

Lynn passed away May 25, 2022. She is survived by her daughters, Deanna and Danielle; her partner, Mike Darlington; and her sister, Gail Gauthier. She also leaves behind many dear friends.

Lynn worked tirelessly with clients with acquired brain injuries and was a strong advocate on their behalf. She left us too soon and will be deeply missed.