Obituary
"My dad loved history, and I know he was incredibly proud when I began working with the museums. In another life, I think he would have been a history teacher. He was endlessly curious about history and the etymology of words and was an avid reader who always seemed to have another novel on the go. Every week there was a new book he was carrying around and he was never far from a story.
He also loved a good challenge. He never missed an opportunity to pick up a newspaper so he could tackle the crossword puzzles, and he took great pride in completing the especially difficult ones. If he managed to finish one that stumped most people, you could be sure he would tell you about it.
He was a devoted movie buff as well. Whenever he came to visit me at the University of Guelph, he would use the trip as an excuse to stop at the specialty movie store and hunt for hard-to-find films or British television series to add to his collection. He loved discovering new stories and sharing old favourites.
Sports were another great passion in his life. He drove me to countless games, practices, and tournaments, and despite the challenges of his disability, he could often be found pacing the sidelines, cheering me on so enthusiastically that one time he was kicked off the field by the referee... We could still hear him from the parking lot. His support never depended on the score; he was simply always there. Looking back, I realize how much determination, effort, and love those countless hours represented.
He loved football (aka soccer) and was a loyal Tottenham Hotspur supporter, although I like to think I eventually convinced him that Manchester United was worth cheering for too. We spent many weekends watching the Premier League together, and when I was away, our conversations often turned to the latest matches, players, and results.
One of my favourite things we shared was our love of exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake and the wineries along the way. As I got older, he began taking me on those trips, teaching me about wine tasting, the history of the vineyards, and the culture that surrounds winemaking. Those days were never just about the wine—they were about spending time together, learning from one another, and creating memories that I will always treasure.
My dad also had a tremendous sweet tooth. During our holiday baking, he proudly served as the official cookie taste tester, always happy to sample a batch. It was a role he took very seriously.
My dad was also one of the biggest supporters of my love of art and creativity. No matter where we were, he always seemed to spot a craft store and would suggest we stop in "just for a look." More often than not, I would leave with a new art supply, tool, or creative project to experiment with. He genuinely enjoyed seeing what I was working on and encouraged me to keep trying new things. Looking back, those trips were never really about the supplies themselves—they were about his belief in my creativity and his willingness to nurture the things that brought me joy. His support helped shape the person I am today and ultimately led me to a career that combines my love of history, art, and storytelling.
Above all, my dad was a loving father whose encouragement, curiosity, humour, and steadfast support shaped who I am today. He championed my interests, whether that meant standing on the sidelines of a game, driving me to a craft store in search of a new project, sharing a movie recommendation, watching football, exploring wineries, or volunteering to be the official cookie taste tester during holiday baking. He taught me the value of curiosity, lifelong learning, and making time for the things you love. The memories we shared are gifts that I will carry with me always, and I am grateful for every one of them.
Please honour him and I by doing something you love with your loved ones. "
Visitation
Service
Burial / Entombment / Cremation
A private cremation has taken place
