In Memoriam

Remembering Queen's alumni.

Those Who Have Passed

Sharing memories of friends, faculty, and colleagues - In Memoriam helps you honour those who have recently passed.

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  • 1940s

    William “Bill” Joseph Edmund Spence

    – Meds'49

    Fall 2021

    Bill died peacefully on Feb. 22, surrounded by family members. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Margaret (Peg) Spence and his seven children Paul, Meds’80 (Cathy), Frank, Meds’82 (Nanette Alvarez), Sandra, Artsci’82, Bill, Sc’84 (Sheila), Julie, Meds’87 (Jeff Engel), John (Susan), and Jane. He leaves fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Rose (Jordan), and by his brother Most Reverend Francis Seventh Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kingston. Bill attended Queen's University and graduated from the School of Medicine in 1949 as the gold medalist in Surgery. Bill was accepted to the University of Toronto's surgical training program and subsequently joined the staff of the Department of Surgery at the Toronto General Hospital in 1957. Bill continued to see patients in his office practice until the age of 88 and attend bi-weekly surgical meetings and video conferences at the University Health Network until he was 96. His dedication to his calling as a healer was exceeded only by his dedication and generosity as a father and grandfather. Home for dinner at the family table most evenings, he kept on top of his children's events and academic challenges. He was ready to drive children to games in cold arenas and warmer ballparks at any hour, pausing only occasionally to indulge in his love of ice cream, professional baseball and big band music. He will be remembered lovingly by them all. Read the full obituary for William

  • 1950s

    Albert J. Scholes

    – BSc'51

    Fall 2021

    Albert died on Mar. 2 at the St. Catharines General Hospital after a life well-lived. Predeceased by his parents, John Scholes and Ellen Scholes, wife Madeline, brother John, son Brian, grandson Christopher Scholes and his faithful dog Lucky. Albert is survived by his sister-in-law Rachel Tennant, daughter-in-law Sandra Scholes, granddaughters Victoria and Alexandria, nieces Jackie and Judy, and nephew John. He was a long-time friend and companion of Cathryne Horne of St Catharines along with her extended family who often referred to him as Grampa Al. Albert emigrated from England with his family in 1924 at the age of three. At 17, Albert began working with the Misener ship lines and by the age of 20, he was a quartermaster with Misener. He was responsible for locking down radios on Portuguese fishing boats to prevent messages from being relayed or sent to enemy forces. After the war ended, he returned to Canada and married his sweetheart, Madeline Gaw and went on to study at Queen’s University. Albert had a long career with Ontario Hydro where he worked in power generation until his retirement. Albert loved learning and continued to do so by taking many challenging courses and various training throughout his lifetime. He was a black belt in Judo and among many other activities, he loved to square-dance. He will be missed by all who knew him and our thoughts and memories of him will live on. Read the full obituary for Albert

  • 1950s

    Ellen (van der Feltz) Frie

    – Artsci'55

    Fall 2021

    Ellen passed away on Mar. 1, aged 87. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jaroslav (John) Frei, Meds’56; five children Andrew (Marianne), Sibyl (Louise), Alex (Melony), Caroline (Mike) and Rosemary (Canty); five grandchildren; extended family in Canada and the Netherlands; and the many dear friends who have enriched her life beyond measure. Ellen was known for being intellectually curious and a keen conversationalist. A lover of books, music and community, she enjoyed making friends of all ages. Having lived on three continents through challenging times, Ellen will be remembered as an advocate for giving to those in need. Read the full obituary for Ellen

  • 1950s

    Robert "Bob" William Rabjohn

    – BSc'57

    Fall 2021

    Bob died at home in Mississauga on Jun. 10, aged 88. He was the beloved husband of the Reverend Mary, Artsci’56 (nee Young); devoted father of Gordon Rabjohn (Kelley), Janice Jang (Steve), and Jill Heinerth (Robert McClellan); proud grandfather of Cori (Jean-Luc), Robin, and Holly. Bob was predeceased by his brother Gordon. Born in Toronto, he graduated from Forest Hill Collegiate in 1952 and Queen's University in 1957. After retiring from Trane Company of Canada where he worked from 1954-95, he focused on photography, computers, cycling, canoeing, and local history. He was recognized for his lengthy service as a volunteer by the Province of Ontario. Bob acted as the permanent secretary for his engineering class, arranging reunions and charitable giving, served Applewood United Church on various committees for over 50 years, and helped the White Oaks Girl Guides on a multi-year building restoration project. Bob's fondest memories included travel with Mary and gathering with his oldest friends, who met annually for canoe excursions. Joy and laughter always filled family gatherings, and as he wished, he was held by his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren at his death. Read the full obituary for Bob

  • 1950s

    George Robert Gray

    – Meds'57

    Fall 2021

    George died on Jan. 17. He was predeceased by his devoted and loving wife of 56 years, Sylvia, and brother Rod. Born in Montreal, his family moved to Kingston, Ontario, in 1943. At the age of 18, he won the Kingston Scholarship for Queen’s University where he revelled in his university life. George had a successful career in medicine, where he made a lasting impact on Hematology and Hematopathology in Canada. His interests were vast, including dancing, astronomy, art, birdwatching, hiking, walking, cooking, the VSO and BC Lions. His smile, laughter, kindness, professionalism, wit, and presence will be dearly missed. Many lives have been inspired, touched, and helped by George, and the memories of his life will be cherished. His legacy will live on through the doctors he trained and the careers he inspired. He is survived by his children Ian (Cindy) and Katherine (Rob); brothers Anton (Li Ping), Randy (Debbie), Chris; sister-in-law Millie; and his nieces and nephews. Read the full obituary for George

  • 1960s

    David Allan Dodd

    – BSc'60

    Fall 2021

    David died on Aug. 9, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Diane Hodgston Arts'62; his children Mary Com'84, Michael Com'86, Brian, and Theresa; and his six granddaughters, including Claire Dederer Sc'19 and Leigh Dederer Sc'21. David held roles with CP Railway, Industrial Development Bank of Canada, the City of Lethbridge and the Canadian Government. He retired as Director, Crown Corporations for the Department of Industry, Trade & Commerce at age 50. He was respected throughout his career and personal life for always speaking truth to power and remaining true to his values. He was a keen sports enthusiast. He founded the Kanata Baseball Association in the ’70s and coached many youth teams both then and after retirement. Queen's remained dear to his heart, and he was immensely proud to see the third generation of Dodd graduates. Read the full obituary for David