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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  • Patrick Joseph McCue, In Memoriam

    1960s

    Patrick Joseph McCue

    鈥 BA鈥62, MBA鈥63

    Summer 2026

    April 25, 1939 鈥 April 21, 2026

    A Golden Gael to the end, Pat passed away in peace, surrounded by his adoring wife and four daughters on April 21, 2026.

    Cherished best friend and loving husband of Nancy, whom he met at a dance at Grant Hall in 1959. Devoted father to Beth (Artsci鈥86; Tom), Linda, Colleen (Artsci鈥93; Victor) and Heather (Kyle).

    Luvin鈥 Gramps to Colleen (Artsci/PHE鈥16, MPA鈥18; Jonah), Patrick (Artsci鈥18, Ed鈥22), Carlo, Helen (Sc鈥29), Michelle, Lily and Rose. Great-Gramps to Finn.

    Pat grew up in Odessa. After a fulfilling career at IBM that afforded him the opportunity to live in several provinces and then at ATI, he returned to Kingston and was rewarded with 25 golden years of retirement at Loon Lane with Nancy.

    Pat played on the Queen鈥檚 Comets football team. He was a proud alumnus and dedicated Golden Gaels season ticket holder. He was a multi-year donor to the Richardson Stadium Revitalization Project. And a regular alumni donor. He volunteered in the Standardized Patient Program Training for Health Sciences. He organized many Homecoming Weekends for his classes.

    Pat was devoted to his family, his faith, his work, and his community, contributing himself generously to causes close to his heart. He was a lifelong volunteer.

    With Pat we received a gift from God, and we will honour this blessing with our lives.

  • John David West, In Memoriam

    1950s

    John David West

    鈥 BSc鈥57

    Summer 2026

    April 28, 1934 鈥 June 14, 2026

    David West passed away peacefully at home in Guelph surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.

    David was the last living member of the Rev. James Keith West and Marion Robinson West (Wood) family. His father passed away in 1987 and his mother in 1984. David was predeceased by his sister, Marion Keith Young (Dan); brother, James Paul West (Heather); and his sister, Nancy Anne Pennock (Dr. Paul).

    David started his family with his marriage to Kathleen Sharon Gee on December 29, 1964. From this union came three wonderful children: Jeffrey Steven with wife Pamela, Jane West (Stevens) and sons Jack Harrison West and Bennett James West; Barry Michael with wife, Reem Atout and their children, Blake Nolan West, Meghan Keely Reta West and Jude Atout; Kerry Lynn Hanslip and husband Rob Hanslip and their daughter Katelynn Rory Hanslip.

    David was born in Hillsdale, Ontario, but spent most of his early life growing up in St. Thomas, Ontario. After graduating from St. Thomas Collegiate Institute in 1953 he attended Queen鈥檚 in Kingston graduating in 1957 with a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering. He then joined the Federal Department of Transport, Air Services Regional Branch in Edmonton. For 38 years he was involved in the design and construction of airports in the Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northwestern Ontario. As a young engineer fresh out of university he was stationed in the Arctic, spending time in Inuvik and Norman Wells, NWT, to support airport construction there and at Tuktoyaktuk.

    In his later years with the government, he was the Senior Departmental Representative and Regional Manager, Buildings and Air Transportation, Public Works Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba. His first role with the Air Services Regional Branch in Edmonton was also key in his personal life, as his colleague, Eric Davison, was responsible for introducing David to Eric鈥檚 sister-in-law, Sharon Gee, who became David鈥檚 wife of nearly 62 years.

    After retiring in 1995, David and Sharon decided to return to his family roots in Ontario and moved into the Village by the Arboretum in Guelph. There, he enjoyed many years of involvement in its residents鈥 association. David served on several committees including the VBARA Executive, Tree Talk newsletter, website committee, and Village Film Society.

    A constant throughout David鈥檚 life was the family cottage at Bruce Beach, Kincardine. The original cottage on the shore of Lake Huron was built in 1936 by David鈥檚 mother and father and has been a gathering place for the West family every summer since then. David, his siblings, and their friends enjoyed beach life throughout their younger years, teens, and as young adults. In the 1970s and '80s, summer gatherings with Grandma Marion and Grandpa Jim, David, his siblings, and their families would number 15 or more, relying on trailers and tents to provide enough sleeping space for all. From the mid-1990s onwards the cottage has been enjoyed by a fourth generation of the West clan. Returning to Ontario after retiring afforded David and Sharon the opportunity to spend even more time at the cottage, enjoying the sandy beach, beautiful blue water, amazing sunsets, and wonderful family gatherings.

    David was known for his quiet, positive attitude, attention to detail, willingness to tackle any project or challenge, loyalty to family and friends, and most of all for his love for family. He will be deeply missed by many.

    David has been cremated and his ashes will be interred in the Kincardine Cemetery.

  • 1980s

    Eric Windeler

    鈥 BComH鈥82, LLD鈥15

    Summer 2026

    August 10, 1960 鈥 May 23, 2026

    Eric left us as he would have wanted: peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, with his favourite tunes playing and following days of visits from treasured friends and family. Despite a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and, more recently, ALS, Eric's true nature shone through right to the end. He was loving and kind, moving through life with purpose, charm, and strength.

    Eric was a gifted athlete and natural leader 鈥 combining both skills in his successful run for head boy at Queen Elizabeth High School in Halifax with a persuasive pitch delivered while juggling. Eric's closest friendships were made at Queen's while earning his Bachelor of Commerce 鈥 and they lasted a lifetime. His discovery of doubles squash expanded his circle of friends and the Badminton & Racquet Club of Toronto became a home away from home. Eric loved to share stories of starting his career at Andersen Consulting (Accenture), where he met the love of his life, Sandra. After Accenture, he became a serial entrepreneur, helping to build and run a number of successful companies.

    Born in Halifax, Eric always embodied the best of Nova Scotian warmth, humour, and resilience. His adventurous life included stops in Calgary, Ottawa, Chicago, and his chosen home in Toronto. Hiking holidays in the Alps became his favourite way to enjoy the world 鈥 tirelessly striding up trails, ideally accompanied by his family and friends. The family cottage in Philips Harbour, Nova Scotia, was his favourite place to relax and connect with his beloved siblings and their families.

    Following the loss of his son, Jack, to suicide in 2010, Eric devoted his energies to a mission that would change the landscape of youth mental health in Canada. Together with Sandra he founded , creating an organization, movement, and network that spanned the country and put young people at the forefront of the conversation about stigma and mental health. He was a real-life hero, whose dedication, empathy, and ability to captivate a crowd touched the lives of countless people and whose vulnerability and imperfections taught us that we all could make the world a better place and be there for each other. He received many accolades for his work, including an honorary degree from Queen's, the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee medal, the Meritorious Service Cross, and the King Charles III Coronation medal.

    In recent years you may have encountered Eric on a long walk around the city, playing or watching a heated doubles squash match or telling his and Jack's stories at a fundraising event. Wherever it was, you were sure to find him with a smile on his face and a spring in his step. The joy that powered his relationships, accomplishments, and adventures stayed with him until the very end.

    Survived by his much-loved and loving wife, Sandra Hanington and his beloved children, Ben (Cynthia) and Julia. Predeceased by his son, Jack; parents, Bill and Jean; dogs, Jazz and Taffy; and deeply missed by his dog, Chester and siblings, Bill (Kathryn), Judy (Dave), Michael (Roberta), Beth, and Roy. We are tremendously grateful for the expert and compassionate care we received over the past weeks 鈥 first at Toronto General Hospital and then in the ICU at Toronto Western Hospital.

    If you'd like to commemorate Eric with a donation, please direct it to his beloved  so that he can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in Canada.

  • Rev. Iain T. M. Macdonald, In Memoriam

    1980s

    Rev. Iain T. M. Macdonald

    鈥 MDiv'80

    Summer 2026

    Rev. Iain T. M. Macdonald, who received his MDiv from Queen's in 1980, died in Halifax, NS on May 14, 2025.

    Iain was born August 14, 1937, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lois E. Miller (MA'70), daughters Christina Macdonald (Ian Sinclair) and Margaret Macdonald (BA'10), grandson Alden Macdonald-Sinclair, sister and brother in the United States, nieces and nephews in Canada and the U.S., and cousins in Scotland.

    Iain's earliest memory as a young child was of being pulled away from a window and carried to shelter under the stairs as bombs fell on Edinburgh, probably in October, 1939. With his mother and infant sister, Iain was evacuated to a small town on the Greater Cumbrae, an island on the west coast of Scotland downriver from Glasgow. There the family lived with the Macdonald grandparents and Iain began school. Iain's war years were scarred with grief at the death one uncle and the serious wounding of another.

    World War II inspired in Iain a life-long interest in military history. In 1947, the Macdonalds immigrated to Canada for a fresh start, moving often as Iain's father sought work and a good home for his family. In all, Iain attended 22 schools. Iain received a BA in psychology from the University of Alberta. He did graduate studies in philosophy at Oxford University in England, where he was a member of St. John's College.

    Back in Canada, after 1969, Iain worked in education, broadcasting and advertising before he answered the call to enter the Christian ministry. He studied theology at Queen's Theological College, often commenting on the excellent program of study he found there. He especially enjoyed the courses in practical theology taught by the late Rev. Robert Mumford, who became a mentor and life-long friend.

    Iain and Lois married in the Queen's Theological College Chapel in 1978. Here's how Iain described those years himself in notes for his own obituary:

    "Upon reaching Kingston in 1977, before starting theology he [Iain] pursued a couple of other passions, utilizing an account on the Queen's computer, developing a statistical analysis of Kingston voting on behalf of the NDP. He tracked down the local NDP president [Lois Miller, a Kingston city councillor and staff member at Queen's] to present his findings and ended up marrying her. Lois was his constant and supporting companion until the end of his life, becoming the mother of their two daughters who were the light of his life."

    After ordination as a United Church minister in 1980, Iain served congregations in Kingston at Zion United, in Toronto and on Manitoulin Island, and in Nova Scotia. He was known as an excellent narrative and Biblical preacher, and a compassionate and reassuring pastor.

    Iain collected and cherished friends. One of his friends and fellow theological student, Rev. Alan Schooley (MDiv'70), delivered the homily at Iain's funeral.

    Iain loved travelling with Lois to visit friends and family throughout North America and the United Kingdom. He voraciously devoured both books and sushi. The last meal he enjoyed was sushi served in his hospital bed.

    Iain adored cats, and he appears in many family pictures reading with a cat peering over his shoulder.

    The funeral for Rev. Iain T. M. Macdonald was held in Fall River, NS with interment in Silver Water, Manitoulin Island, ON, both location where he had served as minister.

     

     

     

     

  • Douglas Fenley Walker, In Memoriam

    1960s

    Douglas Fenley Walker

    鈥 BA鈥69 and LLB鈥72

    Summer 2026

    Douglas Fenley Walker

    1946 鈥 2025

    The world got a little quieter on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, when Doug passed away at home with his wife, Linda, by his side in his 80th year.

    Doug, beloved husband of 55 years to Linda (nee Butt). Loving and devoted father of Shannon and Jess (Julia). Cherished grandfather of Meghan, William, and Henry Ross; and Maxwell, Morgan, and Marshall Walker. Predeceased by his brother, Peter (Sue, predeceased). Survived by his sisters-in-law, Susan Gosevitz (Dr. Bernard), Nancy Bodi (Steve), and Kathy Butt (Reg, predeceased). Remembered lovingly by many nieces and nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends. Son of the late John Walker and Thelma Fry.

    Doug鈥檚 story began in 1946 in Montreal, with childhood memories filled with family, friends, and lots of mischief. At the centre of Doug鈥檚 world was always Linda, the love of his life. Together they built the future they dreamed of, a life rich with family, friends, and laughter, and a home where anyone who walked through the door instantly felt they belonged.

    Doug graduated from Queen鈥檚 Faculty of Law in 1972. To this date, some of his closest friends were his law classmates. In Peterborough, Doug became widely known as a respected lawyer. He practised law the way he lived, with integrity and a belief that people deserved to be treated with kindness.

    Before law, there was football. At Queen鈥檚, he towered at 6鈥7鈥, a defender on the Golden Gaels roster, a man affectionately nicknamed 鈥淭he Tree鈥. The highlight of winning the Vanier Cup in 1968, and that brotherhood bond, has remained a special part of his life. He returned every year to Kingston to catch a game with teammates, wearing his Queen鈥檚 jacket with pride.

    Doug was also devoted to the Peterborough YMCA and served as its board president for a number of years. Doug was a true athlete committed to personal fitness. In his later years, he continued to cycle and savoured walks in nature up until the end, extending that love and gifting these values to his children.

    Doug connected with nature and spent most of his years in the Peterborough area, living in the countryside, where he loved being outside, closing his eyes, and feeling sunshine on his face. He carried that same gentle reverence into his love for animals. Over the years, countless pets filled their home and held a special place in his heart.

    Every day there was always music. His guitar was the instrument through which he expressed himself and found joy. Hundreds of recordings remain, his fingerprints on strings, his voice echoing in rooms that will continue to listen. His books filled spaces between melodies, offering worlds to explore and questions to ponder.

    Doug was a man who lived without ego. He didn鈥檛 need to be the loudest. He didn鈥檛 speak to impress; he spoke to connect. He could sit across from you and leave you changed, thinking about life differently, laughing harder than you meant to or feeling seen in a special way. He was larger-than-life in the gentlest human form, a contented soul whose wisdom felt both ancient and refreshingly present.

    His legacy is woven into the lives of those he leaves behind. It is kindness. It is curiosity. It is gentleness. It is playing guitar just because it feels good. It is walking slowly enough to notice the world. It is showing up for your family, your friends, and your community.

    Doug leaves behind his family and friends, who cannot imagine life without him but who were made better because of him. He was and will always be our everything, our beautiful, big Doug, husband, dad, grandpa, and uncle. We will miss him forever.

  • David Sanborn Scott, In Memoriam

    1950s

    David Sanborn Scott

    鈥 BSc'59, MSc'61

    Summer 2026

    David Sanborn Scott

    1935 鈥 2026

    The family of David Sanborn Scott is heartbroken to announce that he sailed  over the horizon from his home in Victoria, B.C. on Sunday, Feb. 22,  in his 91st year. David鈥檚 wife, Marianne, his four children, five grandchildren, and one-year-old great-granddaughter were at his side surrounding him with love, admiration, and good stories as they bid him farewell, fair winds and following seas.

    One of David鈥檚 favourite phrases was, 鈥淚t鈥檚 perfectly fine!鈥 and this usually referred to some situation or mishap that actually wouldn鈥檛 be perfectly fine to most people. He was an optimist who delighted in life.

    David was born in Quebec City to Gilbert and Alberta Scott, and he spent childhood summers horseback riding, hiking, and sailing at his aunt Bebee鈥檚 cottage, Happy Hollow, in Kamouraska. These Quebec connections fostered a deep affection for la belle province.

    David grew up in Belleville, Ont., where he attended Albert College, excelled in track and swimming, captained the football team and played tenor saxophone. David earned his bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in mechanical engineering at Queen鈥檚 and was an active member of his Science 鈥59 class. He received a PhD in Aeronautical Sciences and Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University and subsequently joined the University of Toronto鈥檚 Department of Mechanical Engineering, teaching there for 23 years. David then moved to the University of Victoria to become the founding director of the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic).

    David was a globally renowned researcher and pioneering visionary of the hydrogen economy 鈥 receiving multiple awards, leadership positions and honorary doctorates. His seminal book, Smelling Land, the Hydrogen Defense Against Climate Catastrophe, has become an important reference in the field.

    After leading IESVic for 10 years, he left a legacy of scholarship in sustainable energy. At both U of T and UVic, David inspired and cared deeply for generations of students, many of whom developed careers in alternative energy. Some also followed his passion for sailing.

    David served as sailing school director and commodore at Ontario鈥檚 Oakville Yacht Squadron, then as commodore at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. His interest in sailing began as he pushed model sailboats around the 鈥渂ig puddle鈥 in Kamouraska, and when his father designed a 16-ft wooden sailboat (the Wee David), he graduated to learning about halyards, sheets, winds and currents. David later taught his young family to sail and navigate. 

    During a sabbatical year they lived aboard a 30-foot sailboat in Lymington, England, and sailed the English Channel. Later, David and Marianne were fortunate to sail 30,000 nautical miles in the waters of B.C., Alaska, French Polynesia, the Baltic and the Atlantic. Their longest voyage took them from Victoria to Bora Bora with a return via Hawaii, for which they received the RVYC award for Blue Water Cruising Achievement. David was also an avid Mini-12 sailor and he was happiest on those Saturdays when his yellow Mini-12, Canary, crossed the finish line with a bullet.

    David had a love of life that was infectious and a curiosity that defined his time on earth, even as he lived with health issues during his final years. He cared deeply for each of his friends and relished the shared discussions and adventures. For all his designations 鈥 professor, chairman, commodore, captain 鈥 we know that the titles David wore most proudly were Pop Scott and PopTop. He was a magical father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

    David is survived by his wife, Marianne; his first wife and mother of his children, Sylvia Scott; his children, Lee (Greg), Sue, Doug (Taryn), and Peter (Alicia); his grandsons, Dylan (Holly), Devin (Jess), Jason (Manjulika), Dashel and Eason; his great-granddaughter, Eloise; and by his nieces and nephews, Beverly, Bryan, Laurie, Heather and David Arthur. David was predeceased by two children, Paul and Elspeth, when they were young; and brother, Malcolm Scott.