in memoriam By Blue Banner Staff
Dr. George Mayer ’36 passed away in his 91st year after a courageous battle with cancer on September 14, 2013. Predeceased by his brothers Ross and John, he is survived by his loving wife Jennie (Kohutik) and his children and their partners: Paul Mayer (Linda Irving), Laurette Glanzmann (Richard), Tom Mayer (Linda Dal Din), Brian Mayer (Dorothy) and Jody Mayer-McKenzie. He will also be lovingly remembered by his eight grandchildren: Angela, Emilie, Stephanie, Samantha, Miranda, Adam, Erik and Amanda. George proudly served in the RCAF during WWII and later went on to graduate from the University of Toronto Medical School in 1950. He practiced family medicine on Kingston Road in Toronto. As a nature enthusiast, he loved spending time at his cottage on the Severn River. His many hobbies and willingness to learn kept him young at heart. He will be dearly missed by all. Raymond Basil Midghall ’43 passed away suddenly in his 85th year on December 18, 2009 at the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital. Predeceased by his beloved wife Marie. Proud father of Theresa (Walter) Borczon, Jody (David) Macdonald, Kevin (Woody) Midghall and 'Pops' to grandchildren Liane (Avi), Erin (Kyle), Kristen, Andrew, Meagan, Ryan and Joana, and dear brother of Gerald (Madeline), Paul (Marianne) and Mary (Doug) Prokopec. Raymond is survived by his in-laws Joyce, Joan, Kay, Hugh and Sandra and predeceased by his sister Anne, brothers Ernest and Clifford, in-laws Tom, Lorraine, Doug and Gerry. John Terence ‘Terry’ McDonald ’46 passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 7, 2013 with his family by his side at the General & Marine Hospital, Collingwood in his 87th year. Beloved husband to Dina McDonald for more 58 years and loving father of Paul (Gail), Kathleen (Mitch Boucher), Peggy (David Hallett), John (Fatima) and Tom (Suzanne), the Wasaga Beach resident was the cherished grandfather of Daniel and Adam McDonald, Matthew, Mark and Michael (Marlene)
Leaving our Legacy
Hignell, Davey and Jack Hallett, Daniel and Rachel McDonald and Rebecca and Jacqueline McDonald and great grandfather of Gage McDonald and was dear brother of Denise (Stewart Nelson), Donald (Gail), John (Clare) and the late Gary (late Patricia) McDonald. A passionate man and renowned artist who worked primarily in water colours, Terry will also be missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. A Blue Jays fanatic, having watched or listened to almost every game, who enjoyed his time gardening, Terry will be missed by all who knew him and remember his quick wit and wonderful sense of humour. Francis Michael Quealey ’49 loving husband of Mary Lou, father of David and brother of Terry ’58, Brian ’54 (deceased), passed away on Friday, September 13, 2013 in his eightieth year. Brought up in St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Michael, after graduating from St. Michael’s, entered the Basilian Novitiate, and later taught at the school. During his tenures as a priest, and a History and Humanities professor at York University, he passionately challenged himself, his peers and his students to confront presuppositions and ortho-
doxy in the pursuit of truth. In his Basilian years, Mike was a very talented and gifted teacher, a great friend and much loved. For several summers he acted as the Director of Columbus Boy’s Camp in Orillia. He was Editor of the Basilian Teacher, and Co-Chaplain of the Newman Center at the University of Toronto. He was a leader, friendly to all. Many remember Big Mike bringing joy and peace to all he met with his engaging smile and questioning eyes. Mike is fondly remembered by daughter-in-law, Kristen, and grandchildren, Riley, Emily and Camrynn. Mass of Christian burial was held at Immaculate Conception Church in Adjala, Alliston attended by family, nieces, nephews, friends and many of his Basilian confreres. Leonard ‘Leo’ Higgins (1945-1948) passed away peacefully at Etobicoke General Hospital on Thursday, March 14, 2013, a retired Director of Purchasing for Ault Foods and Parmalat Canada, Leo was dearly beloved husband to Rosemarie Benn and previously the late Mary Higgins. Also Past Chairman of the Ontario Dairy Council, Leo was the dear stepfather of Walter Kitchen (Karin), proud grandfather of Vanessa and Patrick and great-grandfather of Alyssa, Janessa and Payton. Leo is survived by his sister Mildred, brother Jack, sisterin-law Olga and many nieces and nephews. John Samuel ‘Sam’ Leonard ’52 passed away May 9, 2013. These wonderful words were composed by Sam's beautiful granddaughter (as he called her, The Great Kate). “Whether you knew him as John, Sambo, Grandpa, or Pa, Sam Leonard, born April 21, 1938, made an impact on everyone that knew him. Full of endless knowledge about the world and its history, he never failed to let everyone else know as well. Sam will always be remembered by his loving family and friends as the carefree spirit he was. As a player, coach, umpire and die hard Blue Jays fan, Sam loved his baseball. And with all the trophies he acquired over the years, we will never forget he was a champion. Sam
taught us all to see the humour in life and to see the shiny side of the coin, or in his case, the greener side of the field. Our family continues to stay strong during this difficult time and as Sambo would say, ‘there is no crying in baseball’. Hoping you hit a home run in your field of dreams Sambo, we love you, Annie (Kenny), Mike (Anne), John (Yvonne) and grandchildren, Katie, Jason, Kyleigh, Jackson, Dylan and Kole. And of course the other half of the team, our dear mom Marlie.” Bill Davenport (SMCS: 1951-1954) of Norwood passed away suddenly at his home on September 13, 2013 in his 77th year. Bill will be fondly remembered for playing lacrosse with Jim Bishop in the "Green Gaels" lacrosse organization and as a Propsman for the CBC from 1956-1966, before retiring to the Peterborough and Norwood area. Loved and missed by his wife of 56 years, Carol (nee Bawden), Loving grandpa of 12 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter, Bill is remembered by his children Dennis (Ruth) of Aurora, Tim (Stacey) of Lakefield, Shelagh Davenport (David Ellis) of Peterborough and Sharon Johnston (David Livingstone) of Peterborough. Bill, who was predeceased by his sister Jacqui Griffith (George), brother Terry and brothers-in-law Frank Peets and Jim Bawden, will also be missed by his sisters Theresa Peets of Toronto, Sheila Niezbrzycki (Ed) of Brampton, brother Jay (Audrey) of Alliston, sisters-in-law Shirley Davenport of Campbellford and Marie Bawden of Toronto.
Blue Banner |Fall/Winter 2013