In Memoriam

We are sad to report that Ann Kurdyak died on November 30^th.

She was an enthusiastic Academy member in the past when her health allowed and loved the architecture, art and film workshops. She took a lively interest in all manner of the arts, such as architecture, jewelry and fashion design. Ann trained as a nurse at the University of Toronto and had worked in many facets of the healthcare system during her long career.

Here is a link to the notice of her death in the Toronto Star.

https://www.legacy.com/ca/obituaries/thestar/name/ann-kurdyak-obituary?pid=203399618

Linda Tu

It is with deep sorrow and regret that I am writing this memorial notice for Sue Wessenger, who died on November 22. Sue was an active member of the Academy, involved in committees and workshops, both as a facilitator and participant. She was an inspiration to all who knew her, a wonderful, warm person who charmed everyone who met her.

She charmed me when I met her about four years ago as she first joined the Academy and when we co-facilitated a workshop on fitness and health.  We became fast friends–her enthusiasm was infectious. And she loved hiking, movies, books and jokes–things that I loved too. But it was her bravery that really made her an icon for me–physical ailments were challenges to be overcome and over the course of her life she overcame many. Even as she neared the end, she remained optimistic and strong, concerned more about others than herself. Her wonderful husband John was by her side until the end. She will be sorely missed by many.

by Priscilla Platt

One of our recent members, Dick Holyer, died on Wednesday, September 21.

Dick met his first wife, Nêst, now an Academy member, at the University of Guelph where he earned a PhD in Chemistry. He spent many years teaching at Northern Secondary School where he met his second wife, Marilyn.

While at the Academy, Dick participated in the Web of Science workshop with Marilyn. They often shared stories about their cats, who featured in one of Dick and Marilyn`s presentations.

Linda Tu

It is with sadness that we report to you the death of Harvey Anchel. Harvey died on October 19 after a fairly long illness.

Harvey graduated from McGill University in 1962 and went on to McMaster University to earn a PhD in Neuropsychology. He continued his research as a post-doctoral fellow at the Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles. Returning to McMaster in 1971, he joined the Department of Neurosciences in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Harvey was one of the founders of the Behavioural Medicine Unit at St Joseph’s Hospital, established in 1977 to assess and treat people suffering with chronic disabilities. From 1977 to 2015, Harvey was involved in interdisciplinary rehabilitation services, initially as Director of Clinical Services at the Behavioural Medicine Services and later as the president of two companies he established, MRS Health Services and Matrix Health Services. Throughout his career, Harvey worked hard to help his patients live better, more productive lives.

Harvey brought his hard work and enthusiasm to the Academy. In particular, his contributions to the Economist Readers workshop were always well informed and delivered with great gusto. Both he and his wife, Gillian, participated in other workshops such as the Web of Natural Science.

<https://www.arbormemorial.ca/dbancaster/obituaries/harvey-anchel/93648>

November 1, 2022

Linda Tu

Heather Raff died on July 7^th, many of us remember Heather as a truly lovely woman.

Heather was a member of the Economist Readers workshop and had participated in several other workshops including the Web of Science.  Her background was in English Literature, she had earned degrees from McGill University.  She was a teacher and counselor at high schools in Toronto, Saskatoon, Montreal, Italy and Hong Kong and she also taught at University level, most recently on-line at Queen’s University.

Heather’s participation in workshops was always thoughtful and gracious. Her calm and gentle manor was so very much appreciated in all that she did and said.

Linda Tu

It is with sadness that we have to tell you that Mark Abbott died on August 20^th .

Mark was one of the early members of the Academy and was the first facilitator of the popular workshop, the Economist Readers.   Mark was a lively, bright and forthright member of the Academy, and his wit and wisdom will be missed.  He had many interests outside the Academy, such as opera, wine making and travels with his wife and distinguished academy member, Josie Szczasiuk

Jean died peacefully on June 25^th, she was 96.

It is due to Jean’s extraordinary organizational skills that the Academy has such a robust structure.  She was the board’s secretary for the first ten years of the Academy’s existence and during that time she established the operating procedures and unfailingly supported the members of the board in a quiet, unassuming but firm manner: she did not seek the limelight. She was honoured as the Academy’s first life member.  Jean’s late husband, Ken, was also an Academy member and for many years they hosted a summer picnic for Academy members at their farm in Flamborough.

Jean was an avid reader and belonged to a book club in which there are several other academy members.  I am privileged to be a part of a long-standing small group that met monthly for lunch and stimulating conversation in which Jean’s participation was always most valued.  She told me once that her doctor recommended cultivating younger friends, I was designated as one such friend!

She was always interested in the goings-on of the Academy though lately she had not been active in the Academy due to hearing problems but contributed greatly to the members of her community at her New Horizons residence.

Here is the link to the obituary:

Linda Tu

The Academy has just learned of the passing on December 6^th, 2020, in Kingston, Ontario, of Raymond (Ray) Colledge, husband of long-time Academy member Viki Colledge.

Ray was well known to many of us through their shared activities and we send our sincere sympathy to Viki at this sad time.

Click the link below to view the full obituary.

Obituary of Raymond Colledge | James Reid Funeral Home | Serving Ki…

The Academy lost another of its long-standing members, and a past President, when Dr. Alexander (Sandy) Macpherson died on 12 October following a brief illness.  He was a physician who trained in psychiatry and epidemiology, and became Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health in 1981. He served in that position during the early years of the AIDS epidemic, and also focussed on health promotion, notably anti-smoking strategies and water quality. A fuller appreciation of Sandy, written by Linda Tu, his partner and fellow Academician, will appear in the next Academy Quarterly Review.  In the meantime, his death notice can be found here

photo courtesy of Havergal College 2019

Nancy was unique, a free spirit, intrepid traveler, passionate activist, knowledgeable conversationalist, devoted to her family, gracious host and kind, loyal friend to many.

In the Academy we will remember her active participation over many years, as a facilitator, Board member and engaged member of a wide ranging selection of workshops. These often reflected her particular concern for Indigenous peoples in South America and Canada’s north.

But perhaps we will most remember how often she and Aubrey generously welcomed the Academy to Moylena, their idyllic country retreat near Palgrave. There were so many glorious walks, potluck picnics, cross country ski days, wild flower identification hikes, dips in the pool, even professional concerts in the barn. And who could forget the eclectic outhouse nestled among the trees, adorned with a stained glass window and silver sports trophies!

Thankfully Nancy was able to travel into the mystery, just as she wished, surrounded by love and with her wits intact.

Rest in peace, dear friend.

Click here to view Nancy’s obituary.

Submitted by Gillian Long

It is with sadness that we inform you that Academy member Flo Morson passed away on June 24, 2020. In addition to her active participation as a member in the Academy, Flo lived a life of community service and dedication to others. She will be missed.

Owing to covid concerns, a private family service will be held at Eglinton St. Georges United Church on July 2 at 1 pm. Friends may view the service online live or shortly thereafter at http://esgunited.org/funeral-services-live

Donations, in lieu of flowers, in her memory can be made to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada or any organization supporting the homeless.

Click here to read a full obituary.

We are sad to report that longtime Academy member Judith Schurek has passed away. A treasured friend, a valued colleague and a well-loved and respected member of the Academy family, Judith lived life with generosity and support for others. A 2019 issue of the Academy Quarterly Review contained a profile of Judith’s many accomplishments and contributions. It is reproduced below.

Her Extraordinary Journey

Judith Schurek fled the Hungarian Revolution and studied at U of T. Now she supports scholarships for international students.

Judith Schurek was one year away from earning her mechanical engineering degree when she and her fiancé fled the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. They took refuge in Vienna, where Schurek (BASc 1958) heard about Canadian scholarships that could cover her final year – but that she would have to come to Canada to apply. This clinched their decision about where to go next, and in the winter of 1957 the newlyweds arrived in Toronto. Schurek became one of the first women to earn a mechanical engineering degree at U of T and went on to a successful career as an engineer and entrepreneur. Last year, Schurek, 85, gave more than $1 million to establish two Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships – one named for her, and one named in memory of her husband, Robert – which each cover four years of study for exceptional international students.

Click here to read the entire article as it appears in the April 23, 2019 issue of the University of Toronto Magazine

A virtual service will be held May 22nd at 9am. Please contact website@allto.ca for the Zoom details.