In Memoriam

John died peacefully at home on Nov. 3, 2020, at the age of 72. John treasured his family and will be dearly missed by his wife, Shirley, KGH Nursing ’71, and his children Geoff, Steph, Artsci/PHE’04 (Kyle Bournes, Artsci’04), and Andrew, of whom who he was immensely proud. John was the adoring “Grumps” to his grandchildren Linden, Rowan, and Juniper and his granddogs. He was also close to his cousin Steve Knox, Com’74, and his family, as well as a large extended family. John grew up in Kingston and went on to spend most of his career in the federal government, occupying several roles, most significantly as a senior program officer and policy analyst, investigating unfair trade practices by foreign exporters to Canada. While Ottawa was home, John considered himself a K-Town boy at heart. He was an athlete and a passionate sports fan. He had a cherished circle of friends from his school days in Kingston, his time at Queen’s, and his career in the federal government. Many of these friends visited him right up until he died of advanced prostate cancer. John was a faithful attendee at his class reunions and even managed to make it, virtually, to his 50th reunion, which brought him immense joy.

Bill died peacefully at home on July 31. After graduation from medical school and three years of family practice and pediatric residency, Bill began practice in Midland, Ont. He was truly an all-round practitioner; he performed minor surgical procedures and delivered hundreds of babies. He was a skilled clinician and educator dedicated to his patients and yet always remained humble. He was well-loved and active in the Georgian Bay community. Bill continued his love of hockey well into his 70s and developed his skills in sketching, woodworking, and model-boat building. Bill was devoted to his family: his wife, Hazel, five children, and 10 grandchildren.

Donald died on Nov. 25 in Kingston. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Linda; children Laura, David, Artsci’84, and Tim, Artsci’86; and extended family. Donald was predeceased by his first wife, Anna. Donald grew up in Kingston, attending Victoria Public School and KCVI (where he was head boy, 1947–1948) before studying at Queen’s. He was a caring doctor for generations of families. He had a longtime association with Hotel Dieu Hospital. His special projects through the years included property development of the Medical Arts Building and Ongwanada Hospital and serving as president of the Physicians’ Services Incorporated Foundation. He was awarded emeritus status by the Ontario College of Physicians. He had a most fulfilling life. His passions included baseball, hockey (he played for Queen’s as a student), golf, curling, and skiing.

Wayne died Nov. 17 with Leena, his wife of 52 years, by his side, following a lengthy battle with Lewy body dementia. Wayne is also survived by his children, Taina Phelan, Artsci’93 (Douglas Phelan, Com’92), and Maria Hypponen, Artsci’95, MA’98, and five grandchildren. Wayne is also missed by extended family members and friends in Canada and Finland. Born and raised in Montreal, Wayne studied engineering at McGill before pursuing his MBA at Queen’s. Wayne was a true gentleman; he had a kind and gentle soul as well as an impish sense of humour. He loved animals and soaking up some Vitamin D at the cottage. He was extremely proud of his Finnish heritage.

Al died peacefully on Oct. 22 in the presence of Joan, his wife and best friend. Al immigrated to Canada from Trinidad as a young man to pursue his studies as a chemical engineer at Queen’s. After graduation, he eventually made his way to Montreal and spent most of his working life at Seagram Distilleries, where he met Joan. Al and Joan enjoyed a loving and wonderful life together for 44 years, travelling on exotic adventures, playing golf and bridge, enjoying their garden and cherishing their time with close friends. Al’s intelligence, charm, diplomacy, gentle disposition, memorable belly laughs, and his insatiable appetite for vanilla ice cream will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Gilbert died Oct. 25, two days after celebrating Mole Day. While at Queen’s, Gilbert’s sister, Mary, set him up on a blind date with Ardeth Justus, Arts’52. They married in 1956. In 1965, Gilbert began his career as a clinical biochemist at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. He was a pioneer in laboratory automation and became biochemist-in-chief. He simultaneously rose through the academic ranks at the University of Toronto in what is now the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology. He was recognized with a lifetime honorary membership in the Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists in 2011. Gilbert retired from SickKids in 1995 and took on a second career in medical informatics. Gilbert was an advocate for conservation and an enthusiastic naturalist. His kindness, sincerity, integrity, and calm presence made him an excellent teacher and mentor, and the best father that anyone could hope for. Gilbert was predeceased by his brother Donald, BASc’50. He is survived by his wife, Ardeth; his children Margaret, Janet, Artsci’90, PhD’95 (David Palmer, Artsci’89, PhD’95), and Andrew, Sc’91; his younger sister Mary Summerby, Meds’55; and many nieces and nephews.