Peacefully, on Monday, May 16, 2016 surrounded by his loving family, Lloyd Douglas Auckland passed away after a miraculous life of 92+ years at his Valleyview residence in St Thomas. He was born on September 29, 1923 in Talbotville. Predeceased by his parents, Franklin Stanley (1974) and Winnifred Mae (Boughner) Auckland (1970) and only brother Albert (2000). Survived by his loving wife of 67+ years, Phyllis Jeannette (Latimer), sister-in-law Edith (Williams) Auckland, and brother-in-law Willard (Edith) Latimer all of St Thomas. Lovingly remembered by his 5 children, Sandra (Mike) Mortensen (Belmont), Joan (Oakville), David (Juliette) of Belmont, Steven (Jackie Blanchard) of San Marcos, California & Richard (Karen) of Talbotville. Loving grandfather of Anne (Colin) Murphy (Ottawa), Lorie (Jay) Pidgeon (Oakville), Christopher Mortensen (Edmonton), Jonathon (Laura Birchall) of Milton, Geoffrey and Katie Auckland of Talbotville. Grandpa Lloyd will be greatly missed by great-grandchildren Violet, Cameron & Connor Murphy and Hadley & Avery Pidgeon. Lovingly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, step-grandchildren and friends.
Lloyd and his brother, Albert, grew up on the family farm on Highway #3 just west of Talbotville. Lloyd helped out on the farm and learned from his parents, aunts and uncles. After attending the local Paynes Mills (one room) School, Lloyd went to St Thomas Collegiate Institute (STCI) and graduated from UWO, where he further developed his love of mathematics. He played football at University and baseball for Canada Bread getting a memorable black eye at first base when “catching” a throw. After graduating from UWO, and a year at Ontario Teacher’s College in Toronto, he came back to STCI in the fall of 1947 to begin his teaching career. During stints at Central Elgin Collegiate Institute (CECI) and Parkside Collegiate Institute (PCI) as Vice-Principal, he missed working directly with students, and he returned to the classroom at Arthur Voaden Secondary School (AVSS) where he was head of the math department. He retired in June of 1982. Throughout his teaching days he enjoyed coaching basketball and football (incessantly according to Phyllis) when he wasn’t creating problems (of the mathematics variety) for Waterloo.
Lloyd had a long and enduring affiliation with the University of Waterloo where he taught on the very first day of classes of the new institution in 1957. Lloyd was involved early on (1960s) with what is now the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing. He was one of the first individuals to be awarded the Descartes Medal for “signal service to mathematics in the schools of Ontario” in 1968 when the Math Building was opened. Once he retired from high school he “graduated” to the University of Waterloo where he volunteered on an almost daily basis from 1982 until 2008. At commencement ceremonies in 2004, he was made an “Honorary Member” of the University of Waterloo. Above all, he enjoyed the connections he had with former students and colleagues.
Some of Lloyd’s passions (in addition to his wife and family) included:
Mathematics: Member and President of the Ontario Association of Mathematics Educators/Ontario Association of Teachers of Mathematics,
Education (as both student and teacher): Lloyd worked on revising the Ontario Curriculum in the 50s and 60s. He co-authored several textbooks. Lloyd volunteered for 36 years at the University of Waterloo (while living in Kitchener) after teaching for 35 years in the high school system in St Thomas! Indeed, in his high school teaching career, he touched a minimum of the following people (for your mathematical pleasure) 35 years teaching X 8 classes yearly X 30 students.
He had been a Board Member of the former Alma College in St Thomas.
His Faith: Argonaut & Argonette (Youth) Leader, Board Member/Chair of the Board of First United Church (St Thomas) and Forest Hill United Church (Kitchener), advocate for Pearce-Williams Christian Centre
His love of nature: Naturalist member and president of the St. Thomas Field Naturalists and the K-W Field Naturalists
Fond memories include:
- Being a near founding member of the St. Thomas Field Naturalists including participation on the Annual Christmas Bird Census with family up until 2015 and compiling the results
- Sneaking into the Grey Cup with George Thorman in the 50s!
- Holidays spent with the Latimer and Auckland families
- Camping and travels with the Andersons, Fryers & extended Waterloo families
- Extensive travel across North America, Kenya, the South Pacific, Australasia, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and Europe
- Annual road trips to California to visit their son, Steve
- Stopping at any & every historical marker during road trips
- Completing mathematics questions – and yes that was recreationally!
- Creating the Master Teacher/Class Timetable for the school (prior to the use of computers)
- Attending games and following the Detroit Tigers
- Time spent with grandchildren & great grandchildren
- Bridge, euchre, solitaire, cryptic crosswords, Sudoku, logic problems, playing games, jigsaw puzzles
- Sunday afternoon drives through the countryside
- Bowling, walking and to a lesser extent, golfing
Sincere thanks is extended to the caring staff at Metcalfe Gardens where Lloyd & Phyllis resided for 6 years, and Valleyview where they have lived since January of 2015. Special thanks to Danielle Firth who served as Dad’s special support while at Valleyview.
Friends & Family will be received at Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin Street, St. Thomas on Wednesday, May 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday, May 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A Joyous Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 20 at 11 a.m. at First United Church at the corner of St. George and Curtis Streets in St. Thomas. Luncheon to Follow. Private graveside service to be held at Elmdale Cemetery.
Remembrances may be made to First United Church (St Thomas), the Parkinson’s Foundation, Thames Valley Education Foundation to support the Lloyd D. Auckland Scholarship (at AVSS) or a charity of one’s choice.
Words do not do justice to the life that Lloyd led. How do you condense almost 93 years of living into a mere 1100 words? During his life Lloyd’s sharp mind, quick wit and genuine interest impacted many, from his rural roots to his final days at Valleyview. He certainly lived his life to the fullest. God needed a good mathematician in heaven. We’ll miss you. We love you. You’ll always be in our hearts. Thank you for a life that touched so many.
Pook, Sarah J. “Sally”
Pook, Sarah J. “Sally” of London, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 30th, 2016, at the L.H.S.C. (University Campus), at the age of 77. Dearly loved sister of Margaret Cassidy (Tom) of St. Thomas and the late Jim Pook (Jackie of Niagara Falls, N.Y.) and the late Don Pook (late Sharon). Sadly missed by a number of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Sally was born in St. Thomas on December 12, 1938 the daughter of the late Edward and Mary (Mae) (Rankin) Pook. She worked over 34 years of Bell and then was Pastoral Minister at St. Justin’s Catholic Church for 15 year. Sally was a member of the C.W.L.
A public memorial service to celebrate Sally’s life will be held at Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin St., St. Thomas on Wednesday, May 4th at 1:00 p.m. Cremation has taken place, with private entombment of ashes in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. Remembrances may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph or the London Humane Society.
McDADE, Angela Donna
On February 22nd, 2016 – age 46, despite her resilient effort to live, Angela passed away surrounded by her loving family. Born in Newfoundland and raised in St. Thomas, her life was filled with many highs and lows, with health battles in-between. Her family often referred to her as the 'cat with nine lives,' due to the many times she was able to overcome the odds and fight against sickness over the past 7 years. No matter what seemed to knock Angela down, she was able to get back up with the help and encouragement of her supportive family. Angela will join her 'older bro' Ed McDade, who lost his battle to cancer three years back. We can only imagine how happy and excited she is to share her humour with him once again, and continue her admiration towards her older brother. Loving daughter of Edward and Margaret McDade, proud mother to Brandon (Celeste), Courtney and Darren. Darren's father Brian Catt was always there to be a helpful and best friend to Angela. She was a devoted grandmother to Edward and William, who changed her life with positivity and love. Angela was the youngest sister to Karen McDade (Steve), Jeanette Martin and Shirley Ashton (Morris). A loving auntie to Bradley, Sarah and Trevor Martin, Meggie and Jordan Ashton, and Faith McDade. Angela will be fondly remembered by her Aunt Jeanette, Uncle Don Davison and family from Burlington. Her Aunt Carol Crowe, family from Isle of Man, and the extended family in England and Scotland will always remember their light-hearted Angela.
Resting at Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin Street, St. Thomas where funeral services will be held Friday at 10:00am. Cremation to follow with interment of ashes in Holy Angels’ Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6:00-9:00pm. Memorial donations may be made to the London Health Sciences Centre (University Hospital Dialysis Unit).
Young, Muriel Roxabelle (Caldwell)
Young, Muriel Roxabelle (Caldwell) passed away Monday, February 22, in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of Lyle Young for nearly 75 years-a lifetime of love and happiness. Cherished mother of Linda (Ross) Massecar of St. Thomas and Don (Sandy) Young of Georgia. Dearly loved grandmother of Lori Hoffman (Bob McCaffrey), Amy (Mark) Ryan. Tracy (Chris) Holmes of Alabama and Kevin Schaap. Much loved great-grandmother of Ophelia, Amanda, Daniel and Hannah Hoffman, Alison Clark, Aiden and Caleb Ryan and Carson and Riley Holmes. Loved great, great-grandmother of Chyanne and Jakey. She will also be greatly missed by her extended family, friends , neighbours and fellow members of the St. Thomas Seniors’ Centre. Muriel was born August 21, 1923 the daughter of the late Egbert and Elizabeth (McGenerty) Caldwell. She was a sister of Earl, Bill, Betty, Frieda and Verna. She was the last member of her family.
A celebration of life for Muriel will be held at Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin St., St. Thomas on Thursday, March 3rd at 1:00 p.m. Cremation has taken place. Visitation at the funeral home on Thursday from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Remembrances may be made to the St. Thomas Seniors Centre.
Vandenburg, Cornelius John “Case”
Vandenburg, Cornelius John “Case” of St. Thomas, passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2016, at the Caressant Care Nursing Home, at the age of 70. Beloved husband of Ineke (Goslinga) Vandenburg and loved father of Roy Kennedy, Peter Vandriesten, Lee-Ann Vandenburg and Robert Vandenburg. Loved grandfather of Kayla and Courtney. Also survived by a number of other grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Case was born in The Netherlands on October 16, 1945. He was a retired truck driver with Transfreight.
The funeral service will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. Visitation at the Church on Wednesday from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Cremation has taken place. Remembrances may be made to the First Christian Reformed Church. Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin St., St. Thomas in charge of arrangements.
Smit, Lloyd
Smit, Lloyd of St. Thomas, passed away on Sunday, February 28th, 2016, at the L.H.S.C. (University Campus), at the age of 81. Husband of Esperanza (Villagran) Smit and loved father of Jakki (Smit) Macdonald (Trevor) and their children Adelaide, Thatcher and Sawyer and Edward Smit (Rebecca) and their children Lauren, Aiden and Madelyn. Dear brother of Cor Smit (Lia) of Springfield, James Smit (Alice) of St. Thomas, Henry Smit (Cynthia) of Strathroy, John Smit (Marie) of Springfield, Martin Smit (Maria) of Springfield, Connie DeBruyne of St. Thomas and Ann DePooter (Peter) of Port Lampton. Predeceased by 2 sisters Tina and Cora and brother Ralph. Lloyd was born in Delfzijl, The Netherlands on March 26th, 1934, the son of the late Tom and Hendrika (Oudman) Smit. He was a retired farmer. He was a member of the Ontario Pork Producers Marketing Board a number of years. Lloyd was a long time member of the First Christian Reformed Church and sang in the choir over 40 years.
Resting at Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin St., St. Thomas where visitation will be held on Thursday from 7-9p.m. The funeral service will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church on Friday at 1:00 p.m. Interment to follow in Elmdale Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the St. Thomas Community Christian School or to First Christian Reformed Church.
Matthews, James Amos
Matthews, James Amos of St. Thomas. He was born April 1, 1930, the son of the late Henry and Pearl (Charlton) Matthews. Jim passed away on Saturday February 27th, 2016 at his residence. Husband of Doreen (Salt) for sixty three years, father of Stephen (Barbara) , Ruth, Douglas (Marlene), and Marie;. Brother of Wayne Matthews and the late Gordon. Jim was a life-long resident of St. Thomas. He founded several businesses starting with roofing which gave way to Matthews Trailer Sales, Cycle Craft, and Four Seasons Motorcycle Shop. He served his community as a Mason, Kiwanian, Shriner, and member of the Field Naturalists Club. After retiring from business he devoted years to the construction of bird banding facilities at Long Point and the promotion of the Hawk Cliff migration viewing area. Jim acquired a pilot’s licence before he was thirty. He loved fishing, boating, camping, bird watching, and traveled extensively. Known for his voice and red overalls he also learned how to be an auctioneer, a wood carver, sold real estate in semi-retirement, volunteered at Thomas the Train, Meal on Wheels, Yarmouth Heights fire station, and was always willing to help anyone at any time. He will be missed by many nephews and nieces as well as seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
There will be a memorial visitation at Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin St., St. Thomas on Thursday, March 3rd,2016 from 1-3 p.m. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Cremation has taken place. A reception will be held afterward at the Seniors Centre on Chestnut St. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Hawk Cliff Foundation (cheques payable to Thames Talbot Land Trust) , the Canadian Cancer Society or charity of choice.
