Deaths | Décès

8368 Larry Travis

Passed away early on the morning of January 29, 2021. No further information was available at press time.

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3035 Jerry Donahue

The Class of RR’52/RMC’54 is mourning the sudden loss of our classmate and friend, 3035 Jerry Donahue, who passed away in his retirement home in Ottawa on the night of Wednesday, February 03, 2021 of heart failure. Jerry entered RMC in the Fall of 1948 with the Class of 1953. He joined our Class after an injury in a West Point game kept him from graduating with his original class. Jerry was a very devoted Gunner, a kind and compassionate gentleman, and a superb athlete. He was the Captain of our RMC hockey team in the 1954 West Point game in which the first penalty ever in that series was called. Obituary to follow. Our sincere sympathies to Jerry’s two daughters and his extended family.  3201 Austen (Aus) Cambon, Class Secretary.

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7382 Thomas Calvin Jennings

Age 76 of Dartmouth, died January 24, 2021. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Dad, our Poppy, our uncle, and our brother. Tom is survived by his son, Chuck (Joanne); his daughter, Jacqueline (Chester); granddaughters, Abigail and Sophie; and his sister, Jo Ann. Tom was predeceased by his beloved wife, Judi. Though born in Florida, Tom grew up a proud Canadian in Hamilton, Ont., and joined the Royal Canadian Navy upon graduation from high school. A graduate of Royal Roads Military College, Tom served on several ships, including HMCS St. Laurent, Qu’Appelle, Skeena, Nipigon, Annapolis, and Iroquois, and worked as a logistics officer with Maritime Command in Halifax and at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. As a sailor, Tom visited countless foreign ports and served his country in various posts, including CFB Lahr in Germany and the Royal Navy College in Greenwich, U.K. There can be no doubt, however, that he was immeasurably proud to call himself a Nova Scotian. In accordance with Tom’s wishes, there will be no funeral or celebration of life, rather his ashes will be buried at sea by the Royal Canadian Navy.In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, The Lung Association Nova Scotia, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences by visiting: www.dartmouthfuneralhome.ca “May you have fair winds and following seas”

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6205 William James (Jim) Robinson
Jim passed away at the Fairview Manor Long Term Care Residence in Almonte, ON on Wednesday January 6, 2021 at the age of 79. He was the loving husband of Gail and dear father of Andrew “Andy” Robinson (Nicole) and James, and proud grandpa of Elia, Seth and Victoria. Jim will be lovingly remembered by his sister Carol (Ernest) and his brother Brian (Leslie). A graveside service will be held at Auld Kirk Cemetery, Almonte at a later date.
For those who wish, a donation to the Almonte General Hospital – Fairview Manor Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Society of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville would be appreciated by the family.

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M0091 John Boyle

Age 65, of Lower West River, Antigonish Co. died on December 19, 2020, in St Martha’s Regional Hospi tal, Antigonish, with his family at his side. He fought a brief, valiant fight with cancer. John was born in Beauly, Antigonish Co., and raised in Heatherton. He was the oldest child of Mary (Smith) West River, and the late John D. Boyle, formerly of Heatherton. His spirit will live on through his wife of 43 years, Annabeth “Annie” (Robinson) and his children. He is survived by his sons: Daniel, Greenwood; William, Peterborough, Ont.; daughters: Jennifer (Matt), Antigonish; Daisy, Kingston, Ont.; brothers: Micheal, Bayfield; Donald (Geraldine), Beauly; Allan (Donna), Fairmont; sisters: Evelyn (Charles), Afton; Margaret, Antigonish; Theresa (Blaise), Antigonish; several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and nephews. Predeceased by his father John (Jake) Boyle whom he adored; sister-in-law, Anne Boyle. John enlisted in the Armed Forces as a teen. He quickly realised he wanted to be an officer and took his commission in 1980. John graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, Ont., as Communications Electronics Engineering for which he received the Governor Generals Award for Academic Excellence, an achievement he was so proud of. He rose quickly through the ranks and served in the Air Force for 23 years beginning in Debert, where he laid a wreath as the youngest Private (19), then St. Jean, Que.; Kingston, Ont.; Barrington; Ottawa, Ont.; Goose Bay, Labrador; and finally as Commanding Officer back in Debert, where he laid a wreath as CO. Upon his retirement he worked until his passing for Nasittug Corp as Contract Program Manager. He was a family man who loved his family with all the passion he possessed, but the Toronto Maple Leafs were a close second. He was heard every year since 1967 to say “This Year”, this year they are going to bring home the cup. He loved his cottage and his friends and if he could mix the two with a case of Blue, he was a happy man. John had a brilliant analytical mind, he was a walking calculator, which he attributed to working with his dad on the milk truck as a teen. John was a kind, gentle, humble, honest man. He wasn’t aware of how great he was. He hated to have a fuss made over him and always put himself last. Everyone who knew John admired and respected him. He had not an enemy in the world. His family and friends will miss him immensely. So a toast to you John, may you rest in peace. Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held in the future once COVID-19 restrictions are completely lifted. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, 112-2719 Gladstone St., Halifax, NS B3K 4W6. Online condolences at: www.clcurry.com

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4142 George Hutson

On Saturday, January 23, 2021 George Hutson, a firm believer in divine intervention, died peacefully in his sleep as he received his final instructions a call to join his maker up in heaven. No doubt it will take a long time for George to get there as he will no doubt want to stop to chat with everybody and every angel he encounters along the way. The middle son of Fred and Mary Hutson, he leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Sally (nee Goulding), daughter Jennifer and son Brian. He was predeceased by his older brother David (Wilma, deceased) and survived by younger brother John (Judith), cousin Michael (Carole), in-laws David Goulding (Donna) and Jane Baier (Bill, deceased).

Born at an early age in Mount Forest, Ontario, in his teenage years he won a scholarship to St. Andrews College. He completed military college, spending time at both Royal Roads in Victoria, B.C. and then graduating from Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario in ’58. It was during his time at R.M.C. in Kingston that he met Sally. He finished his electrical engineering degree at University of Toronto. During his time in R.C.E.M.E. he completed his lifelong dream and received his flying wings for small aircraft and then became a helicopter pilot.

After his military days came to a close, he went on to a distinguished civilian career focused on managing building and grounds maintenance for Simpsons Sears, The North York Board of Education, University of Toronto and lastly serving as Physical Plant Director for Queen’s University. Being such a gifted manager, he earned the respect and admiration of his employees from all levels at each stop along that path.

A natural leader, whatever community organization he became involved with, he was asked to lead in short order. From neighbourhood associations to charities to youth groups to Queen’s retirees, he’d very soon be out front helping in whatever way he could.

George was renowned by one and all for being unfailingly respectful and honourable to anyone he encountered, no matter what their station in life. He treated everyone with the dignity they deserved (even when they didn’t). He was a true Gentleman in every respect.

He was also a gifted handyman as well, renovating homes, building furniture or whatever was needed around the home or neighbourhood. Being the perfectionist that he was, anything he built was lovingly made to last through at least one or two nuclear wars. Ever a lover of exercising, there was barely a day he missed doing some type of workout. However, interrupting his counting of reps was one of the few reliable ways to crack that consistently polite demeanour and get a rise out of him. George’s main sport was curling which he enjoyed right up until health issues intervened.

Much of his retirement was spent battling numerous medical challenges. He made so many come backs, one could no longer describe him as like a cat with nine lives he was more like an entire litter. In the end, he succumbed to complications that eventually arose from the dual ravages of dementia and hemochromatosis, specifically an infection following hip surgery.

If heaven is truly paradise, he’ll finally be able to enjoy unlimited servings of salmon, pizza, chocolate, ice cream and all those other sweet treats he craved before diabetes got in the way. That said, he truly loved pretty much all the food that was placed in front of him. One of his many lines he’d (too) often repeat, “I’ve never met a calorie I didn’t like.” For him, it wasn’t just a line, he loved his food like few others ever have.

George’s family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation for the wonderful team at Providence Care Hospital on Parkside 1 for providing such special care in his final days and months. Cremation has taken place. In due time, when the birds, flowers and warmth returns (and hopefully the world opens up again), a celebration of life will be arranged in George’s honour so family and friends can meet to relive the happy times we all had together. In lieu of flowers, remembrance donations may be directed towards the Canadian Hemocromatosis Society, Richmond, B.C. (www.toomuchiron.ca) or St.Thomas’ Anglican Church at 30 Lakeview Ave., Kingston.

In line with his usual comedic wit, his final words of guidance to all the friends and family he loved was, “Drive carefully, the car you miss may be mine.”

A million times I’ve needed you
A million times I’ve cried,
If love could have saved you
You never would have died.
Things we feel most deeply
Are the hardest things to say,
My dearest one, I loved you,
In a very special way.
If I could have one lifetime wish
One dream that could come true,
I’d pray to God with all my heart
For yesterday and you

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2829 Guy Arsenault

In the morning of January 22nd, 2021, Dr. Guy Arsenault, Husband/Dad/Grandfather/Great Grandfather/Accomplished Gentleman and Professor Emeritus, Royal Military College, Kingston, departed this world with his loving and devoted wife at his side. Guy is survived by his wife Claire, daughter Adèle (Louis), son Charlie (Pam), grandson Nick (Emily), granddaughter Taylor (Magdalen), grandson Benjamin and great granddaughter Rosie. His grandchildren were the joys of his life.

Born in Montreal, Québec, he headed west in 1948 to Royal Roads in British Columbia and then to RMC graduating in 1952. After graduating from RMC he went to the University of Toronto for the completion of his Chemical Engineering degree and then earned a fellowship to complete his PhD at Ohio State in 1958. He then had a fulfilling career pursuing his passions of research and teaching. During his career, he worked for the National Research Council in both Ottawa and Halifax and then at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) in Cambridge MA, before becoming a full professor of Chemistry at RMC in 1977. During his time at M.I.T and RMC he was also a consultant to the Schering Corporation. Due to his expertise in PCB research he found a role as the advisor to the Federal Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources on issues of disposal and transportation.

He was involved in the community. He sat as a member of the Pittsburgh Township Industrial commission to evaluate, purchase and establish the first Township industrial land. In the late 80’s TransCanada Pipeline looked to expropriate land to install a Natural Gas pipeline from Joyceville to the United States. Guy was an important member of the local action of impacted landowners to stop the pipeline successfully fighting the TransCanada Pipeline at the OMB. The pipeline was stopped and diverted to another area.

Retiring from RMC in 1997, Guy was able to pursue his passion for planting and growing trees, renovating his limestone home and enjoying all that nature has to offer on his 100-acre farm. He was an avid reader and would teach himself anything that he wanted to do, or to know how to do. He was never afraid to give something a try!

There will be no funeral services. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the St Vincent de Paul Society, Kingston http://www.svdpkingston.com