In Memoriam

Helen, 95, predeceased by husband Tim (A.T.E.) Anderson (BCom’48) in 1995, died peacefully, Jan. 8, 2021, in Ottawa.
Helen was part of a long line of Queen’s grads, including parents Clifford Bracken and Florence (Willson) Bracken, siblings Clifford, Connie, Lawrence, Ruth, and Bruce, children Scott Anderson (Com’73), Sharron Anderson Barker (Arts’76, Ed’77), and Ian Anderson (Arts’84), and four grandchildren.
Helen is survived by Scott (Heather), Sharron (David Barker), and Ian (Margaret Hancock); her grand-children, Sean (Sacha), Alison (Ian), Adam (Lily), Gillian (Lee), Rachael, and Rebecca (Curt); and her great-grandchildren, Claire, Aubrey, Jack, Cameron, Declan, and Graham.
Helen was deeply engaged with Queen’s. She served on the Board of Trustees and was a founding member of the Ban Righ Centre. In 2008, she established the Helen Bracken Anderson Bursary, and in 2000, she was awarded the Grunnan Onarach Award (Ottawa Branch).

Philip died Sept. 21. “Mrs. Chartrand, Phil’s grade four teacher, had a good eye for the human condition. She wrote on Phil’s report cards as follows: First report: Philip does talk too much and enjoys distracting other people. Second report: Philip still talks too much. He enjoys having a good time. “We lost Phil on Sept. 21 very unexpectedly. It was, however, a miracle that he even survived graduation from Queen’s. Our mother had gathered the clan for the occasion from far and wide, including our aunt from England. We had stayed over at a hotel the night before the grand event. Morning of convocation, however, the only one missing was Phil.

He showed up only moments before we were to leave for the ceremony, more than a little hung over (gentlemen, you know who you are). We thought Mom was going to kill him then. Since Phil’s passing, we have learned of his escapades over the years with his Queen’s classmates, some of which he only narrowly survived. Apparently, we were lucky to have had him as long as we did. We will all miss him terribly. The coroner reported he had an enlarged heart, something that everyone who knew him can vouch for. We just didn’t think it would kill him. Phil – this is what happens when you leave your sisters in charge!” Submitted with love by Phil’s sisters, Cathy Wild, Artsci’79, and Susan Wild, Com’87.

Louise died Dec. 3. She is survived by her husband, Ching Mac, Sc’93; sons Adam and Jake; siblings Paula, Beverley, NSc’91, Richard, and Gary; extended family; and many friends. Louise studied biology at Queen’s, where she met Ching, the love of her life. She made many lifelong friends at Queen’s, becoming a proud alumna. Louise went on to get her Master of Speech Pathology and pursue a rewarding career in this field. Lou loved to travel the world, drink wine and eat great food at the cottage, walk her dog endlessly and exercise regularly, but most importantly, she loved just spending time with her family. 

Jonathan died Oct. 10. Jonathan is survived by his wife, Thelma; their children Lisa Elliott, Artsci/PHE’82, Ed’83, Jonathan, Cory, Michele, and Paul; and 10 grandchildren, including Sophie Heffernan, NSc’21. Jonathan came to Queen’s as a mature student. His classmates in civil engineering affectionally called him “Dad.” He worked for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Communication until 1978, when he became County Engineer for Northumberland until his retirement in 1996.

Katie died Dec. 3 in Quesnel, B.C., where she lived for the last few years to be near family. She was predeceased by her husband, John Stewart, daughter Christine Stewart, BA’73, and granddaughter Katharine Hay. She is survived by her daughters Meg Stewart and Jennifer Hay and grandson David Hay. Katie had many fond memories of her days at Queen’s with her friends, the “Happy 12.” Their friendships were forged when they resided in close quarters in the “Barracks,” and continued lifelong. Katie moved to Nelson, B.C., in 1974 where she lived for more than 40 years, enjoying time with friends and family, travels, mountains, music, weaving, Scottish country dancing, and many other pursuits.

Alan died peacefully on Nov. 3, aged 88. Predeceased by his wife, Betty Ann, in 2002, Alan is survived by daughters Lesley, Artsci’84 (Tom) and Janet (Derek); grandchildren David, Sc’12 (Katherine), Katherine (Dan), Michael, Charlotte, and Isabella; and two great-grandchildren. Alan’s career as a civil engineer took the family to Toronto, Sudbury, and Sarnia. Alan’s first major project was building the Don Valley Parkway and he retired as city engineer in Sarnia. Al enjoyed curling, skiing, Toastmasters, and became a tai chi instructor later in life. He was a supporter of community organizations and generously established a planned gift to benefit the Queen’s University General Endowment Fund.