2687 HOPKINS, NIGEL JOHN PhD.
Originally from Saskatchewan, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday April 6, 2014 at the age of 91. Beloved Husband of the late Kathleen Tune and the late Sally Carling. He will be sorely missed by his son John Hopkins (Jill Stoneman), step-daughters and step-son, Louisa Coates, Diana Coates and John Coates. Loving grandfather of David Hopkins and Heather Hopkins.
Predeceased by three brothers Peter, Hugh and George. Nigel’s lawyer father and pharmacist mother arrived from England in the 1920’s to settle in rural Saskatchewan. Nigel was born in Indian Head, grew up in Climax and attended high school in Swift Current.
He entered RMC in 1939, graduating in the War Class of 1941, and then taking a commission with the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm, flying carrier-based Swordfish aircraft. He, his father, and his three brothers all served overseas during the war.
Following the war, Nigel entered McGill University, earning a BSc., MSc. and PhD. in Nuclear Physics. He then joined Atomic Energy of Canada designing Cobalt Therapy machines used for the treatment of cancer. After a year, he moved to the Defence Research Board in the new field of Operations Research where he remained for the rest of his carer, with postings in Boston, Washington, Halifax and Den Hague, in addition to Ottawa.
He was a founding member, and later President of CORS (Canadian Operations Research Society). He retired from the Department of Defence in 1984 as Director of Scientific Intelligence.
In 1945, Nigel married Kathleen (Bobbie) Tune, then widow of his older brother Hugh, who had been killed in action in Italy. Hugh and Bobbie had one son, John. Bobbie died in 1981. In 1983, Nigel married Sally Carling Coates, enjoying a happy marriage that lasted 30 years. They loved their cottage on the Gatineau. In town they enjoyed their many friends, and together had the habit of going out for lunch each day to share one meal, a glass of wine, and in spite of Nigel’s protests, a “gooey” dessert. In his retirement, Nigel co-authored a book with his friends at Orbita Consultants Limited entitled “Numbers You Need”, a handbook of the arithmetic of everyday life. The paperback edition was entitled “Go Figure”. He also took up flying again and was co-owner of a Cessna 172 C-FVBM based at Rockcliffe Airport. Nigel was a warm person who was polite to all. His gentle and quiet personality hid a keen intellect and many accomplishments. He was well-liked, continuing to make friends in his last year living at Colonel By Retirement Resident.
Funeral arrangement entrusted to Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services 280 Beechwood Avenue Ottawa. A Memorial Service and reception will be held at St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church at a later date. For those who wish, memorial contribution in Nigel’s memory to the Prostate Cancer Canada Network Ottawa P.O. Box. 23122 Ottawa Ontario K2A would be appreciated. Source
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Kenneth James “Ken” Mayhew worked at RMCC for 35 years. Ken was was one of those invisible good guys that made the college tick – 24/7. As a member of the grounds-crew and lead hand for a number of years, his behind the scenes work with labour-crews, always ensured major events such as the Spring graduation and Reunion Weekend ran smoothly regardless of the weather.
Ken passed away at the Kingston General Hospital on Saturday, April 12, 2014. His funeral was last Wednesday, April 16th in Kingston. More
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