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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  • Dr. Pamela Frid, In Memoriam

    1980s

    Dr. Pamela Frid聽

    鈥 MD鈥82

    Fall 2024

    Dr. Pamela Frid passed away on July 3, 2024. She is survived by her mother, Karen Simmons (William); sister, Sandra Frid (Artsci鈥83, MSc鈥85, Ed鈥86) (Nevile); sister, Beverly Frid-Burrows (MBA鈥84) (Scott); and niece, Holly Burrows (Artsci鈥18). Pam was the granddaughter of James Curtis Houston (BSc鈥30) who first introduced Pam to a love of Queen鈥檚 and Queen鈥檚 football as a young child in the 1960鈥檚. 

    Pam began her education at Queen鈥檚 in 1976 and graduated from the medical school in 1982. While at Queen鈥檚, Pam was a very proud member of Queen鈥檚 Bands (French horn) for five years and thoroughly enjoyed the tradition of the parade to football games. This love continued throughout her life and her attendance at many homecoming weekends. Pam practiced in her early career in Kingston and was a member of the faculty at Queen's School of Medicine. After moving to London, Ont., Pam spent over 20 years as the medical director at Thames Valley Children鈥檚 Centre, with a cross appointment on the faculty at Western University. Pam received official recognition from the Royal College of Physicians of Canada for her contributions in establishing developmental paediatrics as a medical specialty with its own curriculum and its own qualification exam. She was chair of the national exam committee for several years. 

    After retirement in 2023, Pamela was named as a Professor Emeritus at Western University. Pam loved Queen鈥檚 and Kingston with her whole heart. It had been her intention to spend her retirement years in Kingston, where her family roots extend back to 1784. Her ties to Queen鈥檚 campus included 鈥淕rey House鈥, which was built by her great-great-grandfather, James Maxwell, in 1899 and who also built many of the stately brick homes that now house Queen鈥檚 students. Her ties to Kingston included her grandmother, Doris Bruce, who was born and raised at 420 Albert St. and her great grandfather Robert Bruce, who owned a mercantile department store on Princess Street and who liked to tell stories about his first job as a young lad planting the trees that now shade many of the streets in the University District. 

    Pamela鈥檚 ashes have come home to Kingston, and she is resting in Cataraqui Cemetery, where seven generations of her family are buried. 

  • 1960s

    Carl Rockburne

    鈥 BSc鈥60

    Fall 2024

    Carl 鈥淭he Rocket鈥 Rockburne passed peacefully at home on March 22, 2024, in Cumming, GA. Born in Ottawa, on Sept.7, 1936 to Beatrice (Hicks) and Wilfred Rockburne, he will be dearly missed by his loving wife, dear son, grandchildren and extended family.

    A graduate of Glebe High School, he earned a metallurgical engineering degree from Queen鈥檚. He began a 37-plus years public service career in industry, trade and commerce. Working for the Metric Commission, he was responsible for the construction industry鈥檚 adoption of the metric system.

    He transitioned to The Department of International Affairs as a senior trade commissioner. His career as a diplomat took him around the world, where his wit, humour, and positive energy enabled him to make friends and enjoy the most of each experience. He worked on international trade deals in various countries.

    His most fortuitous posting was to the Canadian Consulate in Buffalo, NY, where he met his beloved Gail, wife of 30-plus years. 

    Carl was a talented cook, winning a contest in Ottawa with his apple muffins. He was an avid athlete, enjoyed camping, the performing arts, and was an unrelenting 鈥淏ills鈥 fan.

    Carl is survived by his wife, Gail Rockburne; son, Jeffrey Rockburne (Aileen Lovering); grandchildren, Charlotte and Alexander Rockburne; brother, David Rockburne; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Eric and Kenneth Rockburne; and former wife, Sheila Gail Peters.

     

  • Wing Lam, In Memoriam

    2010s

    Wing Lam

    鈥 BA鈥16

    Fall 2024

    Wing Lam passed away peacefully at the age of 30 on July 1, 2024. She will be deeply missed by her parents, Peggy and Moses; her siblings, Hei and Yan, who live with their families in Australia; and extended family and friends.

    Born in Hong Kong, Wing and her family moved to Markham in 1997. Wing went to St. Patrick鈥檚 Elementary School and St. Brother Andr茅 Catholic High School. She attended Queen's, where she graduated in 2016 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Health Studies. Later, she obtained an advanced diploma in respiratory therapy from Fanshawe College in 2020. Wing worked passionately as a respiratory therapist in a number of hospitals including: Peterborough Regional Health Center, North York General Hospital, Markham Stouffville Hospital, and Lakeridge Health, where she supported patients until she was no longer able. Outside of work, Wing had been an active volunteer with Y1192 York East Cadet Division of St. John Ambulance Ontario since 2004. 

    Wing was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in January 2022. She underwent aggressive treatment, but the cancer was stronger than the treatments available. Wing鈥檚 strength and resilience were an inspiration to those who knew her. During Wing鈥檚 illness, she found comfort in her hobbies, with a love of nail art, arts and crafts, reading, and video games.  

    Rest in Peace Wing. You will be missed! 

  • Anne Atkinson, In Memoriam

    1960s

    Anne Atkinson

    鈥 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 鈥渟henanigans crew鈥 to truly devoted friends of Anne's in their adult years.

    A proud graduate of Queen鈥檚, 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鈥檚 yearbook. She was an ongoing participant in alumni activities until her passing, and cultivated life-long friendships with her Queen鈥檚 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 鈥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 鈥 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 鈥渉appy place鈥 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

    鈥 BA/BPHE鈥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. 鈥楳oe鈥 Richardson was best known as quarterback of the Gaels in 鈥51, but played running back and other positions prior to his last year in 鈥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

    鈥 BA鈥55, MSc鈥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鈥檚 degree (honours biology and chemistry) from Queen鈥檚 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鈥檚. 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.