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Barbara Diane Dodd slipped away peacefully at home surrounded by her children and the embrace of their love on the morning of Jan. 1, 2023.

Diane is predeceased by her husband David. She will be greatly missed by her loving children: Mary (Com’84) and husband, Dan Dederer (Sc’85); Michael (Com’86); Brian (Dana) and Theresa (Caleb); and also by her six grand-daughters, including: Claire (Sc’19) and Leigh (Sc’21) Dederer.

Diane was born in Kingston in 1940. An outstanding student, she skipped two grades and attended Queen’s in 1958 at the young age of 17. There she met her beloved husband David (BASc’60), and married in 1960. With her marriage, Diane dedicated her life to being a fantastic mother, creating a welcoming home full of love, learning, and many, many pets. She was the foundation of her family for over 60 years and a second mother to many others.

Diane and David moved numerous times in the early years of their marriage. During this period and with three children under the age of seven, Diane continued her university studies via correspondence, proudly receiving her Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s in 1968. Once her children reached school age, Diane embarked upon a career as a teacher, where her kindness, patience, and talent made her a gifted and celebrated teacher.

In the last two years of her life, Diane met the challenge of cancer with courage, fierce determination, and a forward-looking love of life. Supported by her family, her inner strength was an inspiration to everyone and allowed her to fully participate and take joy in every day.

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George R. Cheeseman passed away on June 8, 2021, in Edmonton, Alta. He was 92. George was survived by his wife, June Simon (Cheeseman) of 67 years; his daughter, Laura (Peter) Cheeseman-Frigon; and grandson, Robert (Megan) Frigon. He was predeceased by his parents, Sidney and Myrtle Cheeseman; brother, Roy (BSc’48); and sister, Margaret.

George was born in Deloro, Ont. He was a very proud graduate of Queen’s. He worked as an engineer throughout Canada. George finished his engineering career with Krupp Canada and Polysius Corp in the U.S. and India, retiring in 1983.

A lifelong bird watcher and world traveller, he enjoyed participating in Queen’s alumni travel trips and homecomings.

Jeffrey George Witt passed away on Dec. 6, 2021, surrounded by love at his home in Dundas, Ont. Jeff fought a heroic battle and lived every day to the best of his abilities, despite a cruel brain cancer diagnosis received in September of 2021. Jeff’s pride and joy were his family, including his adored children and their spouses, Jennifer and Kevyn Murray, Jordan and Katelyn Witt, and Stacey Witt. His family was expanded in 2007 to include his cherished partner, Pamela Mirehouse (Artsci'83), and her daughters and their spouses, Kirsten Brown and Michael Gropp, and Hana and Evan Eckert. In 2016, their beautiful family began to grow even more and now includes much loved grandchildren that called him ‘Papa’: James Murray, Lillian and Madelyn Witt, and Aubrey and Oscar Gropp. Jeff lived a life supported by his loving parents, Florence and Elden Witt and his dear sisters, Katherine Waldron (Harry) and Patricia Baptista (Eddie-2011) (BNSc'80). Uncle Jeff (UJ) showed that same love and support to his many nieces, nephews, and their families. Jeff was close with his cousins and cherished the time he spent with them. 

Jeff was proud to have been born and raised in Pembroke, Ont., where he spent much of his early years with his large extended family, creating joyful and lasting memories. His love of sports also began early on and he became well-known for his athletic ability, excelling in hockey, basketball, football, refereeing, and more. He graduated in 1985 from Queen’s with a degree in applied science. Jeff was a true engineer at heart and would go on to spend his entire 35 year career at ArcelorMittal Dofasco in Hamilton, Ont., taking on many different roles. Throughout his career, Jeff had a relentless energy to continuously improve anywhere he went. He leaves behind a legacy of improvement throughout multiple areas of the company, and he also applied these same principles in his daily life. He was known amongst his peers as “Mr. Dofasco” and was truly proud to have worked for this company. 

He happily retired in late 2020 from his last role as the coach in the Transformation Office. Jeff was an avid supporter of the Dundas and Hamilton community and volunteered through his work and other organizations. A true lover of food, he was always on the lookout for new restaurants to try, breweries to visit, and attractions to see. He was a regular blood donor and made a personal commitment to giving life to someone else in need, exceeding 75 donations throughout his life. A man of the people, he would run into an old colleague, friend, or former classmate everywhere he went. His active lifestyle kept him busy at home and he was always working to improve his and Pam’s award-winning garden. Jeff lived life fully as a leader, traveller, storyteller, family man, and during his journey he touched many lives as a good friend, well respected mentor, and will be missed by many.

Robert Kerr Swartman passed away on Oct. 8, 2022. He was predeceased by his wife, Laura, and son, Jim. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Christine Cavers (John Harper), Tom Swartman (Hanne), Barbara Ridgewell (Tony Parker), Peter Swartman (Patty); and daughter-in-law, Jan Webb-Swartman. He will also be missed by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Bob was born in Toronto in 1930 and grew up in Parry Sound. He attended Royal Roads Military College, Royal Military College and Queen’s, obtaining degrees in mechanical engineering. After graduating, he joined the RCAF. Newly married to Laura, Bob was posted to a new airfield in Germany. After three years and three children, Bob and Laura returned to Canada. 

He resigned from the RCAF to become an engineering lecturer at RMC in Kingston. In 1964 Bob, Laura and five children moved to London, and Bob joined the engineering department at University of Western Ontario as a professor, where he conducted research into thermal applications for solar energy. In 1982 Bob left Western to work full-time at Solcan, a company he had incorporated to commercialize products that utilize the sun. He was a pioneer in the industry, and Solcan installed the first solar hot water system and first photovoltaic system in London. Hundreds of systems were installed across Canada over the next decades.

Bob was active in the Engineering Institute of Canada, ASHRAE, and the Solar Energy Division of ASME. He was always passionate about our planet. He felt strongly that the earth is in peril, and that we as a society must stop using fossil fuels. He was an active member at First St. Andrews United Church, participating on many committees. Bob had a great love for Georgian Bay. He, Laura and the family enjoyed camping and boating up there for many years. He also loved the winter, as he enjoyed skiing. He continued skiing well into his 80s! Travelling was another interest of his. He loved to visit countries around the world to experience the food and culture. He enjoyed making connections with people and always took time to hear their stories. He will be greatly missed by family, many friends: the Coffee Codgers, the Friday Happy Hour Guys, the Ski Bus and the UWO Williams lunch group. 

Judith Anne Rodgers Prior passed away on Dec. 29, 2022, at home in St. John's, Newfoundland, with her eldest daughter Susan at her side. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, educator, and gifted dancer, choreographer and writer. She is survived by her brothers, Richard (Margaret) and Tim (Barbara); her children, Susan (Peter), Nancy (Len) and Jenny (Dave); and her grandchildren, Jed and Chloe. Judith was predeceased by her beloved husband, Murray (1936-2002). 

Judith was the eldest of three children of Leonard and Shirley Rodgers of Renfrew, Ont. Her early years were spent in Renfrew, where she excelled at ballet, Scottish highland dance and other artistic pursuits. Judith later graduated from Queen's, where she met Murray. They married in April of 1962 and lived in St. Catharines, Ont. 

Judith was a much-admired and inspirational secondary school teacher and educator in Ontario's gifted program. She spent many years teaching English and drama and directing musical productions at Denis Morris Catholic High School. 

After moving to St. John's, Newfoundland in 2006 to spend time with Susan and her family, Judith inspired others with her creativity and her love of dance as co-director of the CFUW's Women on Tap. 

Mary Rose Doyle, (nee Powell) passed away on Sept. 3, 2022. She was predeceased by her son, John; sister, Bridie; and brother, Paddy. A dearly loved wife, mother, and grandmother, she will be sadly missed by her loving husband Des (Arts'69); sons, Desmond (Artsci84, Ed’89) (Cathy), Christian (Artsci'85) (Kim), Noel, and daughter Rosemary; grandchildren, Thomas, Patrick, Jacqueline, Caroline, Amethyst, Maccleson, and Pressman Crowe; sister, Dolly; sister-in-law, Lorna; and extended family and friends.

Carl Edwin Bresee passed away on July 21, 2022. He was 73. He is survived by his wife Colleen; his children, Mark (John), Kristine (Nate), and David (Christa); his grandchildren, Rosie, Maxwell, Jasper, Bennett, and Jupiter; his siblings, Dennis (Deb), Wayne (Donna), Donna and Julie; and his sister-in-law Maureen (Jeff). He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Caitlin (Jake), Sara, Chris, and Paul (Julie). Carl was predeceased by his parents, Rose and Don Bresee; and his brother-in-law, Ross.

Carl graduated from Queen's with degrees in Education and Political Science. Carl was an educator with the Limestone Board of Education for 30 years. He spent 19 years in municipal politics serving on the councils in Loyalist (Ernestown) Township and spent several years as a realtor before leaving Amherstview and moving west to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

He loved spending time with his grandchildren, walks with his Shelties in the forests or along the oceans, canoe trips in Algonquin Park, playing cards, reading, following the Argos and Blue Jays, and winter visits to Palm Springs.

Despite being diagnosed with Alzheimer's in the last two years of his life, Carl always had a ready smile and a handshake for those who visited him. 

John A. Maguire passed away on Dec. 3, 2022. He was 94. John is survived by his wife, Shirley; three children, Catherine, Stephen and Sheila; their partners; and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Art and Florence; his sister, Rosemary; son, Peter; and grandson, John.

Born on March 30, 1928, he grew up in Carleton Place and Ottawa. After attending Carleton and Queen's universities, his work as a mechanical engineer took him to Connecticut, U.S., Montreal and then back to Ottawa, where he changed careers and taught at Brookfield, Rideau and McArthur High Schools. His nirvana was his beloved cottage on O'Brien Lake, which he used until mobility issues made visiting impossible. He loved nature and the outdoors, and the family room was a recovery room for every injured bird and mammal found in the area. 

Walter passed away on Jan. 25, 2023. He was 90. Walter is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Kathryn Downes (née Thorn); and by his children, Heather (Artsci’87, Meds’91) (David Skarsgard), Karen (BNSc’89) (Peter Heysel), and Stephen (Claire Todd). He was the beloved grandfather of Chris Heysel (Sc’14, MASc’16) (Breanne), Jack Heysel (Sc’16) (Ruby Komisar), Matthew Skarsgard (Sc’18), Fiona Heysel (Sc’20) (Alli Christensen), Peter Skarsgard (Olivia Quinn), Liam Downes, and Sarah Downes. He will be greatly missed by his brother-in-law, Allan Thorn (Patricia, predeceased), and by his many nieces and nephews. 

Walter was predeceased by his parents, Walter Henry and Ruby Downes (née Brown); and his siblings, Vera (Mel Holden), Stanley (Mary), and Ruby (Owen Amundsen), all predeceased. 

Walter was born at home on Sherbrooke Street in Peterborough. Growing up, he was influenced, not only by the scarcity and losses experienced by his working-class neighbourhood during the Depression and the Second World War, but also by the sense of community created during these lean years. Walter’s mother was an accomplished pianist, and his father was a singer and an opera lover. Together, they instilled in Walter an early love of music, and it filled the house during uncertain times. 

David Millward passed away on Jan. 21, 2023. He was the loving father of David and Matthew; the proud grandfather of Hannah and Samuel Millward; and the much-loved, big brother of Jill (George) Groat and Bill Millward. He is survived by many nieces and nephews in the St. Catharines area. He was predeceased by his parents and his older sister Judy. David was the beloved partner of Jean Macdonald of Vero Beach for 42 years.

He was born in St. Catharines, Ont., to William and Margaret Millward. David was a quiet, thoughtful man with a lifelong love of learning. After graduating from Queen’s with a degree in mathematics, David went on to pursue a career in the actuarial field and became a Fellow in the Society of Actuaries. He obtained a master’s degree in taxation and became an EMT. In his younger years, David was active, enjoying skiing and running marathons. 

In his 50s, David went on to receive a Master’s in Anatomy and a Master’s in Public Health, and most impressively, a Doctor of Medicine from New York Medical College. In his 60s, he added a Master’s in Economics. 

David and Jean could often be seen on the tennis court, golf course, or partnering at the bridge table. David was a Gold Life Master bridge player and teacher. 

Christopher George Gray passed away on Dec. 15, 2022. He was 84. He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years Virginia (Beatty), and by his parents Dr. Kenneth Gray and Honor (Tett) Gray. He is survived by his brothers, Douglas (Maureen Callahan) and John (Meds '71); sisters-in-law Ruth (Grant) Gray (ArtSci'74) and Susan Fowlie (George); and several loving nieces and nephews. 

Chris was one of many in his family to attend Queen's, including his grandmother Ethel (Herchmer) Tett (Arts’1901), mother, two aunts, and several cousins. After graduating with a degree in engineering physics, Chris went on to postgraduate studies in theoretical physics at the University of Toronto and McMaster University. In 1969, he was appointed to the Department of Physics at the University of Guelph where, at the time of his death, he retained the position of Professor Emeritus and was still engaged in research, writing, and publishing. He was an accomplished academic, who loved knowledge and learning, and he was elected a Member of the Royal Society of Canada in 1990. As one of his friends commented, Chris died too soon — he had more to do and more books to read. He will be sorely missed.

Robert (Bob) Alva Eveleigh passed away suddenly at his home on Nov. 4, 2019 just three days after his 84th birthday. Beloved husband of Margaret (nee Gourlay); son of the late Dorothy (nee Bowerman) and Harry Eveleigh; brother to Faye and Rexford; father to Margaret (Michael), Janice, Robert, and Stephen; grandfather to Andrew, Simon and Alex; uncle to Paul, Judy, Richard, Susan, Sharon, Heather, and Terry. 

Bob was born in the old Picton Hospital on Hill Street and spent his childhood on a farm in Prince Edward County. He went on to complete a degree in electrical engineering at Queen’s. A fond memory he had of those years was of a university geological expedition to northern Ontario: the bag of rock samples he collected during that trip travelled with him during his life.

He met the Scottish-born love of his life at a church dance in Montreal and the couple was married on a chilly April day at Picton United Church in 1959. The pair remained inseparable for over 60 years, sharing both the joys and the tribulations of raising four strong-willed children. 

His career with Bell Canada saw numerous moves throughout the years: Montreal, Ottawa, New Jersey, and Toronto. The family eventually moved to a farm in Erin, Ont., in the mid ‘70s. During his time in Erin, Bob rediscovered his deep love of farming and would spend many hours in the fields, often conscripting his unsuspecting children into heavy manual labour, which they still remember and complain about to this day. The pair travelled around the world, but his favourite trip was to Devon, England, where he indulged his strong interest in genealogy, tracing many generations of Eveleighs through church records and cemetery walks. Upon his retirement in 1995, Bob and Margaret returned to his roots in Prince Edward County, buying the beautiful but neglected Sills-Hepburn House overlooking Picton harbour. They would spend the next 20 years lovingly restoring the heritage house to its former grandeur. After a long life well-lived, Bob now rests in Cherry Valley Cemetery, his plot fittingly overlooking a Prince Edward County farm field.

Don Daly passed away on October 19, 2022, after living 100 years of life to its fullest. He will be remembered as a beloved husband to Madeleine (nee Thrasher) for 79 years; a devoted father to Eric, Dennis and Maureen; a kind and loving grandfather to Heather, Colleen, Sheelagh, Shanna, Kira, Nola, Jacqueline, and Jonathan; great-grandfather to Elise, Philp, Nathalie, Finley and Maeve; as well as caring older brother to Helen.

Born August 23, 1922 in Edmonton, Alta., Don was the second of five children born to William and Ellen (nee Anderson). Jack was the eldest, followed by Don, Iris, Bill and Helen. He was predeceased by Jack, Iris and Bill. His father had been born in Ireland and Don was proud of his Irish roots and researched the genealogy of the Daly family tree.

Although Don started public school in Calgary, the family moved to Regina when he was in Grade 2 and the balance of his public school and high school were completed in Regina. While studying at Regina College, Don met his love, Madeleine. They were engaged when he moved to Kingston, where he completed his B.A. and B.Com. at Queen’s University in 1943, at the age of 20. Upon graduation, Don joined the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve from May 1943 to September 1945. He served in action on convoy duty on the Canadian East Coast, and was discharged with the rank of Lieutenant. Don spoke to many audiences about his naval experiences and participated in the Memory Project in schools. 

In September 1943, while on leave, he went to Regina and married Madeleine on Sept. 18. After the war, he completed his Masters at Queen’s and then in 1953 graduated with a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Chicago, the top economics department in the U.S. at that time.

Don spent 22 years in Ottawa with the Canadian federal government’s the Economics Branch, Department of Trade and Commerce, the Royal Commission on Money and Banking and with the Economic Council of Canada. In 1969 he moved the family to Toronto and joined the Business School at York University and taught there until retirement. He was active in research, with a focus on studies on Japan. While with the Graduate Business School at York University, Don made nine trips to Japan totaling about nine months of time.

Throughout his life, Don was a regular church attendee actively involved in churches and the community. This included the Emmanuel United Church in Ottawa, Forest Grove United Church in North York, and Holy Trinity Church in Thornhill. He would assume leadership roles, including treasurer, steward, long-range planning committees and Bible study groups. Don and Madeleine were faithful in church attendance and support.

Don has always been an avid camper and fisherman. He loved his time at the trailer in Haliburton and at the Franklin Fishing Club in Mount Albert, where he was on the Board of Directors for seven years as treasurer, and acted as chairman for one year. He loves to travel and in addition to Japan, he and Madeleine travelled to all 52 U.S. states, as well as many European countries, and Australia and New Zealand. Their children and grandchild have inherited their love of travel and adventure. There are many who have stories of Don’s love of fishing, the outdoors, gardening, cooking, and his devotion to family. Over the years there were many family celebrations – milestone birthdays, anniversaries and family weddings – and Don was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends. He was a loyal and true friend to many. His quiet manner, sense of humour, his constant smile, his generosity and love will be missed by all those who knew him.