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The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of Robert (Bob) Nash Clarke, OLS #1160 Bob was born May 8, 1931, in Toronto and died April 28, 2023, also in Toronto. He died peacefully in his room after a good night’s sleep. Bob was pre-deceased by his wife of 55 years, Anne Gwendolyn (Gwen) Turner, his parents Charles and Olive Clarke, and his brother and sister, Bruce Clarke and Barbara Sebben. Bob was father to Susan (Roger Clarke), Bob (Marina McLean, div.), Charles (Sue Adams, div.) and Chris (Martha Rafuse); grandfather (Grumpy, Buppa, and Grandpa) to McKenzie, Bronwyn and Kieran Clarke; Sarah (Bryden Klein), Robin (Nicole) and Patrick Clarke; and Blake (Lara), Hayden (dec.), and Riley Clarke. Great-grandfather to Kynleigh Clarke; and to Maddox and Harper Klein. Bob grew up in north Toronto, where he attended Earl Haig Secondary School and played on its football team. At 18, he enlisted in the Canadian Army to fight in the Korean War. In 2003, his family celebrated the 50th anniversary with him. Since then, but most especially in recent years he enjoyed telling war stories and reading on the topic. He would happily talk about the topic with anyone who would listen. After the war, Bob met the love of his life, Gwen, who was studying for her Master’s degree in English at Queens University. He studied to became an Ontario Land Surveyor, and had his own practice most of his career. They married after she graduated, and had a wonderful marriage. Bob loved and respected Gwen, and spent the remainder of his days talking about her intellect and accomplishments. They celebrated their fiftieth anniversary in 2004 with a party at their cottage. Bob and Gwen spent a lifetime together, raising their four children, finding enjoyment watching their sons play sports, sailing their boat at NYC, and travelling. They moved to Italy for six months when Gwen first retired, and shortly after their return moved permanently to their cottage in Muskoka. When the grandkids came along, they enjoyed spending time with them and didn’t let distance dissuade them from visiting Charles and his family in Missouri regularly. When his wife died in 2009, Bob accepted an invitation from the Korean government to visit there, where his contribution during the Korean War was celebrated. It was a highlight in his life, marred only by Mom’s absence. From that point on he embraced life in Muskoka independently where he met daily for coffee with a group of friends (Coffee Club), met regularly with the Lion’s Club, exercised at the fitness club, and enjoyed the company of his neighbours. Covid put a crimp in his social life unfortunately, and he hated the isolation. Family members visited him there often, bringing meals and sitting outside with him, even in winter. Unfortunately he also had to celebrate his 90th birthday in this way, and Thanksgiving that year as well, but we made sure he didn’t miss any occasion. Bob was pragmatic about his life in the last few years, accepting age and illness with more grace than most, and a fair bit of humour. When greeted, he either responded with “Marvellous!”, “Better than the alternative!” or “Living the Dream!” He managed to live independently in his home until his 90th year, and only recently moved to Amica Retirement Home in Toronto. The family would especially like to acknowledge the wonderful care he received at Amica from all the staff. Of particular note was the lovely Remembrance Day service last year that was well attended by the residents; he was invited to speak, with Kieran by his side in his dress uniform. He enjoyed his mealtimes there with his friends, and his monthly men’s breakfast group. He enjoyed his lovely suite with its view of the trees, sitting out on balcony surrounded by the potted garden and outdoor dining at the Residence weather permitting. No service is planned at this time, but please raise a glass in Bob’s honour. A Celebration of Life is planned for mid June. Bob would have appreciated donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada (www.muscle.ca).
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The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of Ignatius (Naish) McHugh, OLS #1154.
Ignatius (Naish) McHugh, youngest son of William and Mary McHugh (nee Jordan), passed away peacefully in Toronto on Monday, March 27, 2023. Beloved husband of Sheila. In 1950, Naish met Sheila in the N. E. of England, where they both resided. They subsequently married and immigrated to Canada in 1957. Having been a Surveyor in Coal Mining in England, he obtained similar positions in Gold and Uranium mines in Northern Ontario. Coming to Toronto in 1959, Naish later qualified as an Ontario Land Surveyor with the Corporation of the City of Toronto, with whom he remained for almost 35 years. He was appointed the city's first Industrial Manager to implement the city council's policy of maintaining its large industrial sector. He was proud to have had a major role in the development of the CN Tower, which has become a significant landmark in Toronto and a world tourist attraction. Subsequently, with the embryonic film industry emerging in the mid-'70s, the City Council appointed him the city's first Film Commissioner to assist and encourage film and television production in the city. By the time he retired in 1992, Toronto was established as the third largest film and television production centre in North America, after Los Angeles and New York, worth over a billion dollars annually. Once they retired, Naish and his wife spent most of their winters in Sarasota, Florida, where they were active in the Audubon and Littoral Societies. Together they enjoyed ballroom dancing, square dancing and Scottish country dancing, and were joint founders of Glenview Scottish Country Dance Club in Toronto. He and his wife were keen hikers from England's Moors and Fells in Durham and Northumberland to the Canadian Rockies and from the English Lake District to the Volcanic Mountains of New Zealand. Meanwhile, they built a pine-log chalet in Haliburton where they spent many summers and also enjoyed winter activities of snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing. The cottage was also a place for entertaining their many friends and family members, too, when they visited from England. Of course, they both regularly visited their families and friends 'over ome.' Naish was also an avid birdwatcher and he and Sheila compiled a life list of over 2,350 species from their extensive travels around the world. May he rest in peace. A private funeral service and interment was held. The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of Hendrick (Henk) Flim, OLS #1006 Hendrick (Henk) Flim passed away February 28, 2023. Henk was born on June 7, 1931, into the small farming community of Nijverdal, The Netherlands. After the war the Flim family emigrated to Canada, moving to Whitby, Ontario where he met Flora van Zanten who became his dear wife of over 64 years. Henk and Flora had 6 children. Henk obtained his commission, acquiring the practice of D.H. Trollope, O.L.S., in 1960. After a few years the company became H. Flim Limited. He ran the practice until 1996 when he sold it to his son Al Flim. Henk loved his work, and after retirement remained engaged in the profession vicariously through Al Flim and his grandson Reuben Mc Rae who would follow in his footsteps as land surveyors. Henk gave his family the gift of their lives, a 10 acre hobby farm where they could raise farm animals. He loved puttering around on the property and planted many trees, instilling a work ethic that was important to him. Henk was full of fun and liked to promote a sense of mischief among his children and grandchildren. Asked near the end of his life if he had any advice to give he said, “Two things, love God and help others.” He had a deep sense of compassion for the lonely and suffering. He will be deeply missed. A funeral service was held at 12:00pm Saturday, March 4th at Zion Christian Reformed Church in Oshawa. The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of Harvey Morris Smith, OLS #1091 Harvey passed away on February 1, 2023 in his 87th year. Predeceased by his first wife, Delores. He went peacefully surrounded by his family. He is survived by his beloved wife Malou. Loving father to his children Keely, Morley and Darren. Cherished by his grandchildren Brian, Kyle, Brett and Gage. Harvey worked as an Ontario Land Surveyor and was proud to say it eventually working for the city of Hamilton for 25 years. He will be greatly missed by all of his many friends. He was a kind man who was always willing to share a pint or two. He loved golfing, especially with his grandson Brian. He had the best smile. He was fun loving and had a great sense of humor. He always said, "You might get a bite but I'll get a nibble". Special thanks to the nurses and doctors at the General Hospital. Also a special thanks to John & Tammy who were supportive of Harvey and his family. A celebration of life will be held in June (date, time and place to be determined). Please send any donations to The Heart & Stroke Foundation. The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of Ross Ivan Burton, OLS #1034
Ross Ivan Burton had passed away on December 25th, 2022. Ross loved being a Land Surveyor and spoke highly of his peers and the Association. He served in the Archival and Historical Committee during his retirement years. He always spoke of his decades of memories as a surveyor such as the places he had been and the monuments he had seen. Even though he had wished for his children to follow in his path to surveying, and they tried, he was nevertheless pleased that they paved their own path. Ross will be missed by his family, his friends, and his associates. A donation in Ross' memory can be made to a charitable organization of choice. The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of Raymond (Ray) Armand Schan, OLS #1090
Raymond (Ray) Armand Schan passed away peacefully on December 17th, 2022 at the age of 84 after a valiant battle with dementia. Ray was an Ontario and Canada Land Surveyor with Ontario Hydro. He was a highly skilled individual with a strong work ethic and a proud commitment to his craft. As he would often say to his family while travelling in northern Ontario, “see that tower over there? My crew worked on that.” When Ray was not working at Hydro, he could always be found working at home, out in his garage that he built or in his basement workshop; puttering, planning projects, or creating items. He was an avid historian, an individual always interested in learning something new and a loving husband, father and grandfather. Ray is survived by his wife Judy and children Kristen teBokkel and Kerri Joslin together with their families. In remembrance, the family requests that any charitable donations be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada, or Grove Park Home Long Term Care Facility in Barrie. The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of J. Don MacMillan, OLS #1246 John Donald “Don” MacMillan passed away on Wednesday, December 28th, 2022 at Listowel Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. He was born in Proton Township, Ontario on September 25th, 1937, the eldest son of John Wallace “Jack” MacMillan and Lyda MacMillan (Pryde). He grew up on the family farm in Normanby Township, Ontario and attended Mount Forest District high school where he was a WOSSAA 400 meter champion and played on the school’s WOSSA championship football team (1950 – 1954). He graduated with a Honors Diploma and moved to Toronto to work for the Township of Toronto (City of Mississauga) Engineering Department. He also continued his football career with the semi-pro football team, the Lake Shore Bears. He met Mary Elizabeth (Nicholls) in 1959 and they were married in Dundalk, Ontario in November of 1963. He began articling as an Ontario Land Surveyor (OLS) for Bowman Black and Shoemaker in Guelph, Ontario in 1965 and became a licensed OLS in 1969. He began his own land survey practice in Listowel in 1973 and has enjoyed a successful career serving the surrounding area. Don enjoyed many sports but had a special fondness for hockey and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was also an avid bass player and favored many country music artists. Don was also highly involved in collecting antique farm tractors and enjoyed many events throughout the season. He was an active member of the Listowel NCO club and the Atwood Presbyterian Church. As well, Don was very engaged with the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors. Don is the father of Derek MacMillan (Christine) of Brussels Ontario, Darcy MacMillan (Danielle) of Virginia, Julie Johnstone (Scott) of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Dwight MacMillan (Tricia) of Listowel Ontario. Don is also the proud grandfather of Sarah (Wes) of Newry Ontario, Jessica (Kevin) of Trenton Ontario, Alicia (Cody) of Kingston Ontario, Kaitlyn of Moose Jaw Saskatchewan, Aubrey of Boston, Massachusetts, Kirstie of Medicine Hat Alberta, Kathryn of New York City, Dustin of Brussels Ontario and Dayton of Listowel Ontario. He was also extremely fond of his great grandchildren Fierren, Brixton and Brinley. Don has been called home to join his parents Lyda and Jack as well as his brother Doug. A celebration of Life Service will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Listowel in the spring when it is convenient to gather. Arrangements entrusted, with confidence, to Listowel Community Family Funeral Home. Memorial remembrances to Listowel Memorial Hospital Foundation, 255 Elizabeth Street, East, Listowel, Ontario N4W 2P5 would be appreciated. Condolences & donation information available at www.listowelfuneralhome.com The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of Frank Charles Wilson, OLS 1043. It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Frank Charles Wilson, at Trillium Villa in Sarnia, in his 91st year on June 28, 2022. Husband to the late Sandra Wilson (nee Laird). He leaves behind his children Jim (Shawna), Carolyn Thompson (Brian), Andrea Deschene, and Frank. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren. Son of the late James Edgar and Margaret Wilson. Predeceased by his 5 brothers and 2 sisters, and survived by his sister in law Marlene and brother in law Arden. He will be missed by his nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service was held at Greenwood Cemetery. A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday October 15, 2022 from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Elks Lodge (216 Bay Street). A special thank you to the staff of Trillium Villa. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of William Vacy Blackie, OLS #1048 It is with a heavy heart that we announce the peaceful passing of William Vacy "Bill" Blackie on Friday, June 24, 2022. A dearly loved husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by the love of his life Eleanore (nee Rosborough), his three children Susan (Bernard), Bruce (Debbie) and Dennis (Karen), his grandchildren Marielle, Vanessa, Neil, Keith, Meghan and Hannah, as well as his nine great-grandchildren. Bill was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, to Minnie Lyle and George Blackie, where he grew up alongside his cousin Noelle. He graduated with an engineering degree from the University of Cape Town in 1950 and began his career as a land surveyor. He immigrated to Canada in 1954 to work in Legal Surveys with the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys. Bill often shared stories from the early days of his career surveying the northern boundary of Saskatchewan and living in winter camps with the team. He later became Surveyor General of Canada Lands and continued in the role for many years before retiring from the federal government in 1985. Bill was then appointed Executive Director of the Canadian Institute of Surveying until his full retirement in 1989. Bill's retirement years were shared with his beloved wife Eleanore, travelling, gardening, volunteering in the community, visiting family and friends, and enjoying time with his grandchildren who adored him. He was a light to the world, always ready to lend a calming voice or helping hand with warmth and kindness. His gentle spirit and beautiful mind touched the lives of many, and he will be in our hearts forever. A celebration of life was held at Pinecrest Remembrance Services, 2500 Baseline Rd, Ottawa on Saturday, July 23 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations to the Ottawa Food Bank, The Ottawa Mission or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.colefuneralservices.com The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of Roxana Maia Niculae OLS #1833 Roxana Niculae passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 26th, 2022, after a courageous and resolute battle with cancer. Roxana was loving wife to husband Dragos Niculae, and a devoted mother to Claudiu Andrei Niculae and Livia Angela Niculae. She was an only child, predeceased by her parents, Elena and Toni Dusescu in Bucharest Romania. Roxana was proud of her professional accomplishments. She arrived, as a surveyor, from Romania with her young family in 1994 and enrolled in Erindale when it was apparent that her Romanian credentials weren’t sufficient to become an OLS. She articled to Ron Stewart, OLS, CLS, and received her commission in 1999. Roxana was an Examiner of Surveys for ServiceOntario since 2002. Roxana was a well-known and well-respected land surveyor, and a truly kind person, with a huge heart. She could be focused and determined - a perfectionist - when necessary. She would eagerly engage anyone in a lively debate about anything survey-related. She loved entertaining, gardening, travelling and all animals. And Roxana derived great joy creating various artistic works. Many young surveyors benefited from Roxana’s commitment to uphold the educational standards of the profession. She always availed herself to students, especially those in the articling process; be it with feedback as a monitor, instruction in the professional course, as an examiner for the oral examinations, or on a one-to-one basis. She was never too busy. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2022 between 2pm - 5pm at The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 459 located at 150 Mostar Street, Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A 0Y2. Free parking available on the premises. Due to LCBO regulations, only a cash bar will be available. Please RSVP at [email protected] Roxana will be lovingly remembered by her many friends and relatives. She is dearly missed and will not be forgotten |
If you have information on a fellow AOLS member who has recently passed away please let us know by sending us an email to [email protected]. Archives
February 2024
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