In Memoriam

Remembering Queen's alumni.

Those Who Have Passed

Sharing memories of friends, faculty, and colleagues - In Memoriam helps you honour those who have recently passed.

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  • Anne Atkinson, In Memoriam

    1960s

    Anne Atkinson

    – BA'60

    Fall 2024

    Anne Atkinson passed away peacefully on July 15, 2024, after complications from a stroke.

    Born May 4, 1938, Anne was a force to be reckoned with, and embraced every life-challenge with grace and positivity. Impacted by polio at an early age, she made a lifestyle out of beating the odds. She was the eldest of five and held the role of responsible older sister to her four younger siblings, who grew from a “shenanigans crew” to truly devoted friends of Anne's in their adult years.

    A proud graduate of Queen’s, Anne embraced her experience there, not only the academia but also by her participation in many extra curricular activities, including her role as chief editor of the Queen’s yearbook. She was an ongoing participant in alumni activities until her passing, and cultivated life-long friendships with her Queen’s peers.

    During her time at university she met John, the love of her life and world travelling companion. They married in 1960 and began their adventures together, raising two daughters, entering successful business ventures, and discovering many far away lands.

    Anne was a passionate volunteer and leader; being married to a physician at the Ottawa Civic Hospital led her to many roles in the hospital and healthcare fields over the years. Her positions ranged from president of the local, provincial, and federal auxiliaries to nurse recruiter for the Ottawa Civic Hospital.

    The consummate entrepreneur, Anne started two businesses: she co-founded Elan Associates, with her friend Judy, an Ottawa planning company hosting many galas over the years; she also owned (with John) JAHCP, a medical management firm, which worked across the country changing how medicine was delivered in the ‘90s.

    Anne contributed to the Hanne Howard fund in Kenya and loved receiving letters from the children she supported at the orphanage and school. She enjoyed visiting parts of Africa and meeting the school children she was corresponding with; watching them grow up, become educated, and lead successful lives was such a delight for her.

    Anne and John shared a fondness for animals, which resulted in them having many four-legged family members over the years – she adored these companions! Her pets played an important role in her life, especially in her senior years.

    A clever lady, Anne was an avid bridge player, a serious scrabble competitor, and a current events enthusiast. Scrabble was a regular activity she engaged in with her daughters, which truly was a blood sport.

    She authored a cook book and was extremely proud and passionate about this project. Eating In was inspired by her desire to assist her widowed friends make their way around the kitchen, trying to teach themselves how to cook.

    She was a master of the English language, and could be an intimidating conversationalist. Anne engaged in many social activities and events where a stimulating discussion was always the highlight for her.

    Her fondness for her siblings and their families led her to participate in family reunions, events, and out of town visits. Anne's upcoming summer focus was to attend a nephew's wedding in Michigan with her adored brothers. She was overjoyed with her plan to attend!

    Her travels led her far and wide, but a place she held dear in her heart was Biddeford Pool, Maine. Anne had a community of friends there, and for 63 years it was her “happy place” and her second home.

    Anne's passion for living life to the fullest was demonstrated by her upcoming travel plans to Hawaii and Maine, and last year's cruise from Italy to the Canary Islands and back across the Atlantic. Anne endeared herself to many of her daughters' friends while in Georgian Bay at Allison's, and during Beth's gatherings in her Manotick home. Her absence will be deeply felt by these friends.

    Anne is survived by her two daughters, Allison Atkinson (Fred), Elizabeth (Beth) Atkinson (Rob); her cherished siblings, David and Judy Horton, Ted Horton and Hanne, Jeff and Donna Horton, and their respective families; her treasured grandsons, Jake Atkinson (Meghan, Ainsley, and Mason), Monty, and Basil White. She leaves behind many close friends that were considered family: Laurie Liberty, Jean Wellington, Muriel and Jim Cregan, Derk Duermeyer and her affectionate cat Ginger. She was predeceased by her parents, Marjorie and Edward Horton; her biological mother, Anne MacSween; sister, Mary Duncan; and her beloved husband and life partner, John.

  • Morris Richardson, In Memoriam

    1950s

    Morris Richardson

    – BA/BPHE’51

    Fall 2024

    It is with heavy hearts that the family of Lorne "Morris" Richardson announces his passing, peacefully and surrounded by love, on June 29, 2024, following a brief illness. He remained proud and lived independently at 96 years. 

    Morris was the beloved husband of the late Isabel Richardson; and cherished father of Sheila (deceased) Janet, Ian (Sandra), Mark (Joanne), and Sandra. He will be remembered as "Pops" or "Poppa" to Alex (Erin), Daniel (Carissa), Jessica (Lucas), Erik (Monica), Jake (Arlene), and Scott (Vanessa). He was looking forward to a family wedding and meeting his first great-grandchild. 

    Morris was a loving and devoted father who took great pride in his family and will be remembered as a pillar of strength for family and friends, and for his generosity, guidance, and wit. Dad always had our backs and leaves us with wonderful memories. 

    Born in Peterborough to Lorne and Eva Richardson, Morris grew up alongside his sister, Shirley (deceased); and brothers, George (deceased) and Donald. He graduated from Queen's, where he excelled as the star quarterback on the football team. ‘Moe’ Richardson was best known as quarterback of the Gaels in ‘51, but played running back and other positions prior to his last year in ’51. He was a letterman in those days. 

    His passion for education led him to a distinguished career as a teacher and as the General Secretary of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation, where he was a strong advocate for educators, leaving a legacy for countless students. 

    A dedicated member of Westway United Church since 1963, Morris enjoyed his community among cherished friends, especially Jean Calvert (deceased). 

    Away from his professional and community commitments, Morris found joy and relaxation at the family cottage on Kasshabog Lake. There, surrounded by his extended family, he enjoyed all the pleasures the lake offers, enjoying a rum and coke and watching the wondrous world go by. Morris enjoyed playing cards with family and friends and cheering on the Blue Jays. 

  • 1950s

    Prof. Emeritus Robert Horwood

    – BA’55, MSc’60

    Fall 2024

    Robert Horwood (Bert), 92, passed peacefully on June 13, 2024.

    He was born in Ottawa in 1932, to his father Arthur, his mother Mabel. He is predeceased by his wife, Marilyn (Lyn), and his sister, Martha (Martie).

    He received his Bachelor’s degree (honours biology and chemistry) from Queen’s in 1955, followed by his Master of Science degree in 1960.

    He met and married the love of his life, Marilyn (Lyn) Gage, in 1956, and Bert and Lyn welcomed their daughter, Jane, in 1957.

    In 1968, Bert began his appointment to the Faculty of Education at Queen’s. He remained there for 24 years, being promoted to full professor, teaching science and outdoor and experiential education.

    He had a life-long passion for music and the arts. He and Lyn enjoyed the theatre, attending Stratford Festival twice a year and the full season at the Thousand Islands Playhouse. In the final years of his life, he loved playing the alto recorder with family and friends.

    Bert adored being in nature. He enjoyed running and swimming, and loved canoeing in spring, summer and fall, and cross-country skiing in winter. He changed from using his camera to using water colours to record his impressions of the land.

    Bert pondered religious teachings throughout his life. He explored systems consistent with the natural order, finally embracing the Quaker faith.

    Bert held so much love for his family. He is survived by his daughter, Jane (Mus'80, Ed'81) (Robert); four grandchildren: Kevin (Tara), Scott, Sarah (Mike), Diane (Steven); and his four great-grandchildren: Evelyn, Emmett, Violet, and Allison. Bert will be sincerely missed by his loving family and many good friends.

  • Robert Kenneth (Bob) Johnston , In Memoriam

    1960s

    Robert Kenneth (Bob) Johnston 

    – BSc'63

    Summer 2024

    Bob passed away at a Sydney, Australia, hospital after a lengthy illness. Bob was predeceased by parents, Ken (1967) and Dorothy (Gallaugher) (2007); and brother, Paul (2022). He will be greatly missed by sisters, Janis (Gerald Johnson) of Charlottetown, and Audrey Thompson of Port Perry. Bob was loved and will be missed by his children, Caryl (Rod McNeil) of Oshawa, and Steve (Elise) and Kate (Mark Headon) of Sydney, Australia. Bob was a very proud grandpa and will be lovingly remembered by Nina and Ryan Johnston. He will also be missed by his nieces, nephews, and extended family.

    Bob attended Kenner CVI, Queen’s (electrical engineering) and the University of Alberta (MBA). He enjoyed basketball, football, skiing, sailing, flying, golfing, astronomy, trading futures, and eventually even cricket. He liked to build things, which included: half an airplane, before he moved to Australia, a car, model train layouts, and model planes.

    Rest in peace, Bob.

  • 1980s

    Georgie Rooke (nee Thorne) 

    – BA’82 

    Summer 2024

    Georgie Rooke passed away on May 13, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer. A life with Stephen (Artsci’84) of 43 years, loving mother of Michael (Amanda), Amy (Graham), Leah (Tyler), and Meaghan (Navin). Proud Grammy of Logan, Edwin, Amelia, Charlotte, Evelyn, Harvey, and Baby Laine.

  • Dr. Roland Skrastins, In Memoriam

    1970s

    Dr. Roland Skrastins

    – MD’79

    Summer 2024

    Peacefully, after a prolonged illness, our beloved Roland passed away on May 21, 2024, at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital, Toronto, surrounded by his family.

    Roland’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was an amazing and loving husband, best friend and soulmate to Frances, his wife of almost 40 years. Roland was a completely devoted father from the start: soothing colicky infants, while watching west coast Blue Jays games in the middle of the night; chaperoning kindergarten field trips; telling the best bedtime stories; chauffeuring last-minute drives to school; logging many steps walking the dog; and playing endless games of one-on-one basketball or hockey. As his children grew up, he was immensely proud of their accomplishments and successes in life. Family vacations – in particular visiting his sister- and brother-in-law and their family in Australia – were treasured memories. The recent arrivals of his grandchildren – Georgia in 2021 and Noah in 2023 – were especially magical for Roland, who loved them beyond measure.

    Born to immigrant Latvian parents and raised in the east end of Toronto, Roland spoke Latvian first, eventually learning English “in the gutter,” as he described it. He enjoyed a carefree childhood of bike-riding, ball hockey, and cheering on the Maple Leafs. He attended Riverdale Collegiate Institute in Toronto, and obtained his BSc from the University of Toronto. In 1979, Roland completed medical school at Queen’s, followed by post-graduate training in Internal Medicine in Kingston and Respirology in Toronto. Along his life’s journey, Roland acquired many friends, several of whom also became close family friends.

    Roland joined the medical staff at Toronto East General Hospital (now Michael Garron Hospital) as a general internist and respirologist in 1985. Roland was very happy to return to east Toronto to practice medicine, giving back to the community where he was raised. A well-loved and gifted physician, he was known for his kind, caring, and gentle nature, able to quickly put his patients at ease. During his 35 years of practice at TEGH/MGH, Roland was a key contributor to the development of a comprehensive in-patient and out-patient respirology service, including the Progressive Weaning Centre (now the Prolonged-Ventilation Weaning Centre). With his sense of humour and quick wit, Roland never missed an opportunity to provide his colleagues, friends, or family with groan-worthy but clever puns and “dad jokes.”

    Roland will be greatly missed by his wife, Dr. Frances Jamieson; and their children, Peter (Daniela Agnoletto and their daughter Georgia), Emily (Artsci’11, MSc’13) (Daniel Cappell and their son Noah) and Olivia (Max Moffat). Predeceased by his father, Harold Skrastins, and survived by his mother, Rita Skrastins; his sister-in-law, Patricia Fabok (Ivor) of Thirroul, Australia; his nieces, Michelle and Nicola Fabok; and his faithful canine companion, Hudson.  The family is grateful for the wonderful care Roland received throughout his illness.