Alumni Notes
Submit your alumni note to Smith Magazine1975
William Thomas, BCom’75, died Jan. 14 at age 69. Bill became a chartered accountant after graduation. In retirement, he loved being outdoors, travelling with his wife, Sheila, and spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by Sheila Thomas, BCom’75; three children, including Janet Thomas, Ed’07; and eight grandchildren.
Susan Waywell, BCom, died on Oct. 6, 2020, at the age of 67. After graduation, Sue earned her designation as a chartered accountant. She set off for Canada’s North in 1979 and spent several years in Whitehorse and Yellowknife. She returned to Kingston in 1989 and joined Collins Blay & Co. (now MNP) as a partner. Sue is survived by her husband, Tom; son Steve; stepdaughters Nadine, Kristen, Marlene, Jessica, Tiffany and Marcjanna; two grandsons; nine step-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren.
1974
Robert Backstrom, BCom, died on Sept. 24, 2019. Bob married his best friend, Debbie, and together they raised three children: Rob (Van), Jennifer (Ian) Ozard and Ron. Bob was a devoted family man, known for his quick wit, dry sense of humour, dedication to work, fierce determination and kindness to others. Bob’s career spanned the manufacturing, healthcare and education fields.