Lawson, William Kenneth “Bill”
May 17, 1919 – August 10, 2014
Born in Toronto, Bill’s career as a social worker with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind meant moves to London ON, Ottawa, and Hamilton before his retirement as Personnel Director for Ontario in Toronto, his home town. In retirement Bill used his skills to fundraise for the John Milton Society, he was President from 1997 to 2000 and to maintain ties with retirees from CNIB through planning annual regional luncheons in Ontario. Since the 1970’s he has had an interest in personal computers–joining a local club at the library for those who owned Timex/Sinclair computers. The group finally became quite elite when members filtered to only a few, meeting in each others’ homes. Bill loved to sail when he had the chance, to camp, to read. He’d gladly wash dishes when somebody fed him. He walked every day for the past 30 years, dressed for the weather. Friends always welcomed Bill’s cheery nature and whistle. Following his wife Margaret’s lead, Bill made many friends from around the globe at a weekly conversation group for those learning English as a second language. Bill was predeceased by his dear wife Margaret in 2012. They were married for 69 years. He leaves so many memories for his four children and their families: Bill of Burlington, Peter of Toronto, Wendy of Dundas, and Steve of Auckland NZ, 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. The family values the love and companionship Bill received from his dear friend Letty. A service celebrating Bill’s life will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, 29 Park Street, West, Dundas. Family and friends are welcome on Thursday August 28 at 2 pm.
WARD, Madelaine Shirley – May 28, 1934 (Nottingham, UK) – August 8, 2014 (Hamilton) – A great lady passed away August 8, 2014 at Hamilton General Hospital after complications during heart surgery. Predeceased by her husband of 43 years Alan Ward, sons Robert (infant) and Roy, she is survived by daughters Frances (Philip), Sarah (Nathan), sons Alan (Judy), Ian, beloved pets Teddy and Maisy, grandchildren Tristan (Kat), Melanie (Nick), Adrian, Victoria (Dave), Sandrine, Emma, Rebecca, Trisha and Nicholas, relatives in England, sister Lavelia (Bernard), brother Peter (Judith), nephews Stuart (Gaetana) and Michael (Krystina). As a prolific artist, Madelaine was well known for her many accomplishments. She loved to sing and was a long time member of the choir at St. James. If her heart had been as strong as her spirit, she would have been with us so much longer. Cremation has taken place. Visitation at 11 am before a celebration of her life at noon on Thursday August 14th at St. James Anglican Church, 137 Melville St., Dundas. Donations to St. James in her memory would be greatly appreciated.
Dr. Norman D. Lane – Dr. Norman Douglas Lane passed away peacefully in his sleep in Hamilton, ON, on August 6, 2014 at the age of 94. Norm was a renaissance man, a family man, and a devoted husband to the love of his life, Doris, over their 71 years of marriage. Parents Maude and Harry, brothers Les and Ken and sister Shirley predeceased Norm. He was the proud father of five sons – Douglas (Ann), Brian, Stephen (Brenda), Alan (Robin) and Christopher (Cristina); and nine grandchildren – Michael, Andrea, Carolyn, Dorian, Alyssa, Chloe, Hudson, Amanda and Ryan. Norm was born on Nov. 6, 1919 in Toronto. He earned his PhD in Mathematics from the University of Toronto and was a distinguished professor at McMaster University in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics from 1952 to 1987. Norm was also a world-class canoeist, competing in two Olympic games: London 1948 (Bronze Medalist in the C-1 10,000 M) and Helsinki 1952 (finished 5th). Throughout the 40’s and 50’s, he competed in Canadian and North American canoeing regatta’s, winning numerous championships. Norm was a lifetime member of the Balmy Beach Canoe Club and also an accomplished gymnast. Home away from home was the family cottage on Buck Lake, near Kingston, where since the mid 60’s, the family spent each summer. It became a labour of love as Norm spent many summers finishing the interior, landscaping, canoeing and clearing the shoreline. A Celebration of Norm’s Life will be held at Binkley United Church, 1570 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 1E8, on Monday, August 11, 2014. The visitation will take place at 10:00 AM with a service to follow at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Norman Douglas Lane Bursary Fund, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Reg. Charity # 119035988RR0001.