In Memoriam

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Desmond Lawrence on March 24, 2024, at home, surrounded by his children.

Desmond was predeceased by his beloved and adored wife, Mary (Murray) in 2022. Des is survived by his three children – most loved father of Mary Anne (Brian), Shannon (Artsci’83, Ed’84) and Matthew. Beloved and cherished Poppa of Matthew (Natalie) and Mark Wright and Alexander Hensman; and loved great-grandfather of Liam James; and dear brother-in-law of Vincent Murray (Gail) of Cherry Valley. He is remembered fondly by cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Des was predeceased by his parents, Laurie (Shannon) Hensman and Arthur Hensman; his sisters, Johanna Elizabeth and Mary Joan Armstrong; brother, Arthur Leo; and brother-in-law, Bob Armstrong.

Des was born in Toronto, but grew up in Picton, graduating from Picton Collegiate in 1952. He earned a degree in chemical engineering from Queen’s. Des spent his career working for DuPont Canada in Kingston. He retired from DuPont Research in 1993. Throughout the years, Des was an active member of the Alumni Association, assisting in the planning of numerous Class of ’56 Science reunions.

Des was devoted to his wife, Mary, whom he met while attending school on Waupoos Island in 1939. He enjoyed working on many projects including building the family cottage with his wife, Mary, in 1968. They designed their current home on the Cataraqui River in 1986. Hobbies and interests included: boating, sailing, curling, playing bridge, photography, and always lending a hand to help others. Researching the family history was a passion for Des and Mary. They spent many years researching and shared the information with their family. In addition, Des was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, with Holy Name of Jesus Church, Council #11886.

Des lived an exceptional life – the focus being his faith and his family. He was an extraordinarily generous and giving person, always putting the needs of others before himself. 

He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humour, sharing many stories and jokes passed down from his parents and other family members. He will also be remembered by his family as the “man who could do everything.” No task or problem was too difficult for him. Des will be forever missed by all of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

With great sadness, our family announces the passing of Phyllis Evelyn Lake (née George), beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, on April 5, 2024, at the age of 94 years.

Predeceased by her devoted husband and cherished companion George, Phyllis passed away peacefully with her daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren by her side.

Born in Egremont in 1929, Phyllis left rural Alberta to pursue her education at Queen's, where fate led her to encounter the love of her life, George, an engineering student. After graduating in 1952 with a degree in chemistry, Phyllis and George soon married – they commenced their journey together and both began working at the Department of National Defence.

They settled in London, Ont., in 1967, where they nurtured their family, raising their beloved children, Linda and Brian. Phyllis embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, putting her career on hold to become a devoted full-time mom, renowned for her culinary skills and the cherished "Lake Family Cookbook."

In 1979 they embarked on a new chapter in Calgary, where Phyllis soon resumed her career as a chemistry lab instructor at Mount Royal University, blending her passion for science with her innate talent for teaching.

Together, Phyllis and George explored the wonders of nature, indulging in their love for hiking, searching for waterfalls, skiing, and adventure, alongside their cherished grandchildren.

Their home was a sanctuary for fostering creativity and appreciation for the arts, from the Pumphouse Cookie Cabaret to Theatre Calgary, igniting a passion that would endure through the Lake generations.

Phyllis faced and conquered cancer with remarkable resilience, embarking on global adventures with George, including a memorable journey to Antarctica.

After George's passing in 2009, Phyllis continued to embrace life with unwavering independence and a thirst for new experiences. An active member of the Skrastins Hiking Club, fitness enthusiast at the Calgary Jewish Centre, and avid bridge player, Phyllis lived life to the fullest. Her solo expedition on the Rocky Mountaineer train at the age of 92 epitomized her spirit of adventure and zest for life. She was an avid reader, with an insatiable appetite for mystery novels. She loved jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, and most recently became a prolific creator of beaded "diamond paintings," which adorn the homes of her family and friends.

Phyllis leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and boundless adventure. Her memory will be cherished by all who were touched by her warmth, kindness, and unwavering spirit.

Sadly missed and always in the hearts of her loving family; her late husband, George Thomas Lake; daughter, Linda; son, Brian; daughter-in-law, Dawn; and grandchildren, Megan, Amy, Jordyn, Taylor, Mackenzie, and Samantha.

Burn Hodgins died peacefully at Amica Little Lake, on April 12, 2024, at the age of 90. He was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy Burnell and Clark Latimer Hodgins; his sister, Bernice “Bunny” Rickaby; and his loving wife of 56 years, Muriel Irene Hodgins (neé McLeod). 

Burnell is survived by his sons, Michael (Cathy), and Greg (Gretchen); his grandchildren, Frances (Sean), Clark, and William; and his great-granddaughter, Wren. 

Burnell was born on Dec. 30, 1933, in Weyburn, Sask. His father, a graduate of Ontario Agricultural College, was teaching farming methods for the Saskatchewan government. The family moved to London, Ont., where Burn spent his early school years roaming his neighbourhood, and, during the war, mobilizing on Saturday mornings with his Scout troup, patrolling for German spies, who were generally rumored to have parachuted in the night before and could be found hiding out in the church basement. The family moved to Toronto and then on to Oakville, where Burn attended Oakville Trafalgar High for his graduating year. It was there he met and fell in love with Muriel McLeod. They were head boy and head girl (as well as prom king and queen). Burn and Muriel were a dazzlingly, beautiful couple.

Burn attended Queen’s, where he completed a civil engineering degree in 1957. He loved Queen’s and was a lifelong supporter. Burn and Muriel were married in 1956. Burn spent his entire career at International Water Supply, a groundwater development company. The young couple moved to Ames, Iowa, then to London, Ont., and finally to Barrie in 1970. Burn remained at IWS for the rest of his working life, retiring as president in 1992. 

During his career, Burnell served as chair of the Ontario Chapter of American Water Works Association, as well as chair of the Simcoe County Branch of The Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario. In 1991, he received the George Warren Fuller Award for distinguished service, sound engineering skill, and brilliant diplomatic talent.

Burn designed a stunningly beautiful home for his family in Barrie. Their life was filled with wonderful friends, neighbours, and business associates. For many years, they enjoyed a rich social life that revolved around theatre, live music, and the game of bridge – a magical entertainment underappreciated in a Netflix world. Burn and Muriel were active members of Collier Street United Church. Very private about his own faith, Burn unfailingly supported Muriel’s service to the Christian community over the decades. He was a Steward at Collier, serving on the committee that undertook the construction of Collier Place. 

Burn was an active member of The Huronia Rotary Club and the Barrie Country Club. In these contexts, his quick and at times mischievous sense of humour shone. He was a dapper man, who loved fine dining. His tastes were formed by Muriel’s wonderful cooking and latterly sated by regular patronage of Barrie’s fine restaurants.

After Muriel’s death in 2012, Burn took great comfort in the companionship of friends and his wonderful neighbours, several of whom made it possible for Burn to stay in his beloved home until December of 2022. They are amazing people. The family is also grateful to the staff at Amica Little Lake, who cared for Burn in the last year of his life with attention, compassion, and professionalism. He was a lucky man.

Douglas Martin passed away peacefully on April 16, 2024, with family by his side.

Doug was born on Dec. 7, 1934, in Kingston. He graduated from Queen’s as a geological engineer, then attended Toronto Teachers College before moving to Fort William. There, he met the love of his life, Doreen. They married in 1965 and honeymooned in London, Ont., while Doug completed his specialty in pleistocene geology at Western University. 

Doug taught at Westgate High School for 32 years. We are often stopped by past students who share stories of what a wonderful teacher he was and his positive influence on their lives.

Doug was involved in numerous service groups, putting in many volunteer hours: Westfort Kiwanis, Key Club, RTO, Easter Seals, and “Parking Crew.” He enjoyed coaching, square dancing, time with his walking and bridge groups, and many hours at breakfast, lunch, and coffee with friends.

Predeceased by his parents, Harold and Marguerite Martin; in-laws, Seiji and Francis Inouye; and sister-in-law, Shirley Inouye (Eugene).

Doug will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Doreen (Inouye); daughters, Daryle (David), Donna (Greg), Dawne (Normand); son, Kevin (Anne); grandchildren, Rebekah, Danial, Nathalie, Bradley, Brian, Takara, Kaitlyn, and Allison; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Jack, Betty (Barry), and Bob; sisters-in-law, Marlene, Sharon (Dave), and Donna (Rick); and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

George W. Oliver died peacefully at home on March 26, 2024, in his 67th year.  In death as in life, Eileen was by his side – the love of his life.

Would that we could “stop all the clocks” to deeply mourn this honourable dude, described by his family doctor as the “top of the pack,” but we must “keep rolling” and carry him in our hearts. George is predeceased by his parents, June and Lloyd Oliver; father-in-law, Frank Butts; and his blessed trio of unconditional lovelies: Lucy, Lou, and darling Jordan. George is survived by Eileen, his courageous bride of 28 years; his mother-in-law, Kathleen Butts; his brothers, Doug (Ann), John, David (Renee); brothers-in-law, Peter (Ellen) and Chris (Martha). He will be terribly missed by his wonderful nieces and nephews and their gifted children: Jeff (Kelly), Lauryn, Marisa, Leanne (Brandon), Megan, Emma, Greg (Karen), Jacob, Kaila, Mack (Rose), Jade, Rijker, Stephanie (Ian), Pam (Kris), Darryl (Kristi), Joshua and Jacob, Tyler (Alex), Adam (Jessie), and Nicholas (Katrina). 

A modest man of influence, George was an award-winning athlete and coach, a Valedictorian, and a former IBM Plant Manager. As president of BGO Consulting, he was grateful to work with exceptional clients like the Cleveland Clinic, CBC, OVC, MDS, PPS, and GLAM. 

He was an amazing Sunnybrook Heart Pal, a former featured runner, a marathon man, a dedicated Terry Fox runner, a board member for Future Aces Foundation, Horizons for Youth and West Hill United. He was proud to be a friend of the late, great, Dr. Herbert H. Carnegie. 

He adored his cottage life at Skeleton Lake and every minute of fun on every road trip with Eileen. It must be said that George suffered a “world of pain” in his later years, and chronic illness was a constant companion. Thanks to Dr. Linda Saunders, Dr. Bruce Lubelsky, and Dr. Jorge Soni for their care and compassion. Always.