Alumni Notes

Garth Webb (BCom) died May 8 in Burlington, ON, aged 93, on the 67th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day. Most famously known as the founder and driving force behind the creation of the Juno Beach Centre in France, he was also a devoted father (of Susan, Andrew and Peter), grandfather and great-grandfather. As Lieutenant Webb, he landed on Juno Beach in Normandy with the Canadian 14th Field Artillery on the morning of D-Day, June 6, 1944. His unit experienced significant casualties shortly after leaving the beach, but continued their advance that fateful day to begin the liberation of Europe. After the war, Garth resumed his Queen’s Commerce studies. Upon graduation, he embarked on a successful career as a real estate broker and appraiser in Toronto, married Camilla (Cunningham) (BA’44—deceased, 1992) and raised a family. In June 1994, for the 50th anniversary of D-Day, he returned to the beaches of Normandy with many of the veterans from his unit. The group realized there was little for their children and grandchildren to see there in commemoration of the Canadian involvement in World War II. As a result, Garth and his partner Lise Cooper spearheaded an initiative of Canadian WWII veterans, widows and children of veterans to perpetuate the memory of Canada’s wartime contributions, especially the D-Day sacrifices. After years of raising awareness and funds ($10 million), the Juno Beach Centre was officially opened at Courseulles-sur-Mer, France, on the 59th anniversary of D-Day in 2003, with then Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and his French counterpart Jean-Pierre Raffarin in attendance, along with hundreds of veterans. Garth continued to serve on the Centre’s Board as President of the Association until his death. In addition to his many commendations and military medals, he also received the Meritorious Service Cross, presented by the Governor General in 2003 in recognition of his contributions to the Centre. He was honoured by the French government in 2005 with the Legion of Honour Medal and was proud to learn that a new school in Halton Region that opened in September had been named after him. Visit www.junobeach.org to read more tributes, including one from broadcaster and writer Ted Barris.

Barbara Rogers (BCom) died Nov. 8, aged 88, in hospital in Kingston, after a long illness with cancer. She is survived by Arnold, her husband of 64 years; children Gregory (Leianne) and Grant (Joanne); and grandchildren Jason, Kate, Erin and Jonathan. Her interests included finance and community education affairs, travelling, playing bridge and making some 300 dolls for needy children around the world.

Donald Gordon Mathieson (BCom) died May 15 in Kingston, aged 88. Born in Winnipeg, Don returned there following graduation to work at the Great West Life Assurance Co. There he met his wife Dorothy and stayed until his retirement in 1983. A computer pioneer, he became the company’s manager of computer education. As early as 1966, he had predicted the arrival of personal computers, long before such devices existed. He was passionate about his work, loved jazz and was an authority on his favourite musician, Duke Ellington. Retiring to Kingston, Don consulted for a short time with Empire Life before retiring completely and continuing his travels with Dorothy throughout North America and Europe. Predeceased by Dorothy, he is survived by sons Peter (MBA’94) of Kingston, Evan of Vancouver, and grandchildren Heather, Courtney and John.

Helen Emily (McCaffrey) Ramin (BCom) died in Kingston on May 20. Predeceased by her husband Bob, she is survived by her children Jeff, Jane, and Charlie, five grandsons, and one great-grandson. After graduation from Queen’s, Emily travelled in Europe, then worked for IBM, first in Winnipeg, and then in Toronto, where she met Bob. They married in 1952 and moved to the Windsor area, where they lived until Bob’s retirement in 1982. There, Emily was an active member of the University Women’s Club, All Saints’ Anglican Church, the United Way, and the YM/YWCA, where she served on the Board of Directors, including a term as President. Emily played piano and was an active golfer, tennis player and bridge player who also enjoyed skiing, hiking and sailing. An avid reader, she was instrumental in making books available in the communities where she lived.

Preston Reid “Jerry” Cook (BCom) died on Jan. 7, 2009, in Thunder Bay, ON. He was 85. Jerry was a 50-year member of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment: an active serviceman in WWII, Commanding Officer 1962-65, and then Honorary Colonel. He was President of Barnett-McQueen Construction for 35 years and CEO of the Thunder Bay Harbour Commission. Jerry will be dearly missed by his wife Marie (Bain), son Grigor, Sc’72 (Janice, Artsci’72), daughter Gail Johnson (Neil), four grandsons, a great-grandson, and extended family.