Departed Allisonians Summer 2022
Please feel welcome to submit memories of departed Allisonians you have known and loved.
Mary C. Douglas — 1942
William (Bill) R. MacKinnon — 1942
Jacqueline B. (Motyer) Blagrave — 1944
Verna (Robertson) Kent — 1944
Marjorie H. (Swifty) Henderson — 1948
Marie K. (Creaser) Rowe — 1949
Rev. Clifford R. Moase (former Board member) — 1950
Erving Oscar (Ozzie) Hardy — 1950
Mary E. (Davidson) Adams — 1950
Catherine (Thornhill) Steele — 1951
Douglas R. Estabrooks — 1951
Margaret H. (Berry) MacLean — 1951
Aileen L. (Walton) Vincent-Barwood — 1953
Harry R. Currie — 1953
Robert A. Nixon — 1953
Ruth M. (Layton) Ward — 1954
Donald F. MacGowan — 1955
Raymond Sutherland — 1955
Kenneth (Ken) Bagnell — 1956
William (Bill) A. Manuel — 1956
Allison H. Gray — 1957
John C. MacLennan — 1957
Layton S. Fisher — 1957
David A. Darby — 1958
Susanne A. Darby — 1958
Barbara H. (Campbell) Roberts — 1959
Janice M. (McNiven) MacKay — 1959
Dr. Leonard P. Fletcher — 1959
George A. MacKenzie — 1960
Richard J. Bateman — 1960
Peter MacLaren Mellish — 1961
Ashton Blair — 1962
Robert (Bob) L. Selkirk — 1962
Diane J. Murray Barker — 1965
Donald K. McMillan — 1966
Michael A. W. Jones — 1966
Paul R. Sweezey — 1968
Robert (Jim) J. Wilson — 1968
Heather L. (Salton) MacMillan (former staff) — 1971
Lloyd Coffin — 1972
Allison G. Gillis — 1975
David G. Smith — 1977
Cynthia A. Carson — 1979
Darlene C. Warren — 1980
Shirley B. (Barisa) Northrup — 1986
Carolyn M. Rowe-Turner — 1991
Rachael L. Smith — 1991
Matthew P. Tweedie — 2013
Staff
Helen Phinney
Joyce Ferguson
William D. Durant (also a former faculty member)
Friend
Domenic Zappia
Harry Steele
Wayne Davidson
Former faculty
Dr. Kenneth Ozmon, OC (President Emeritus)
Faculty
Dr. Stephen Westcott
JACQUELINE BRUNNING (MOTYER) BLAGRAVE (’44)
Submitted by Mark Blagrave (’77)
Jackie (Class of ’44) made the dangerous trip to Mount A from Bermuda, first by Lady Boat and then by flying boat and train, during the war years. After she married a Canadian naval officer in Bermuda in 1945, she returned with him to Canada and became a Canadian citizen.
The family move to New Brunswick in the 1970s enabled her to renew her acquaintance with her alma mater, and she took delight in visiting her brother Arthur Motyer (’45 and faculty member), and then her sons Mark (’77 and faculty member) and Tim (‘80), her daughter-in-law Sheila (Berridge) (’75), granddaughter Megan Wennberg (’01), grandson Patrick (’05), and granddaughter-in-law Holly (’05), and in attending alumni events until she was well up in her 80s.
ERVING OSCAR HARDY (’50)
Submitted by his family
Erving Oscar “Ozzie” Hardy passed away at age 93, in Halifax. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mollie (Lewis) Hardy, and their six children, 13 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Ozzie was born in 1928 in Summerside, PEI and met the love of his life, Mollie (’49), at Pro while he was completing his Bachelor of Arts. After marrying in 1951, they returned to Sackville for Ozzie to obtain a Bachelor of Education in 1952. He taught for two years at Lockeport Regional High School, then joined the RCAF.
Ozzie enjoyed a long and successful career, achieving the rank of brigadier-general. Upon retirement from the military, he worked at IMP Group in Halifax for several years before founding Hardy Woodcraft, specializing in wood turning. His beautiful creations found their way into galleries and craft shops across Canada, as well as the homes of family members and private collectors. He also enjoyed many happy years with Mollie in their seaside home in Indian Point, Lunenburg County, NS, and travelling the world.
A detailed obituary can be found at and messages of condolence can be sent to rememberingozhardy@gmail.com.
LAYTON FISHER (’57)
Submitted by Gloria Jollymore (’77)
In honouring Layton, it is hard to know whether to recognize his lively intellect, his generosity, or his deep belief in people’s potential. Perhaps these all came together in the unique alchemy that was Layton.
Layton’s life story is one of varied passions and interests — graduation from Mount A in 1957, homes across Canada with his family, a career at the forefront of executive coaching and mentoring, worldwide travel, his sailboat, his motorcycle, the cottage at Pointe-du-Chêne, Sackville, Mount A.
After Layton’s retirement from a 30-year career at Imperial Oil, he became highly involved with his alma mater, serving as one of the founding volunteers and donors for both the Calgary Scholarship and the Class of ’57 Pratt Lectures, as a member of the Pro Alumni Board, and as the founder of the Layton Fisher Internship in Philanthropy in University Advancement. All of which was recognized when he received the University’s highest alumni honour in 2014, the Charles Frederick Allison Award.
While Layton’s alumni involvement was exemplary, his greatest impact was on the people who worked with him in these various initiatives. Layton loved people and he loved ideas. He loved putting the two together in conversation to look at ideas from different perspectives, to open people’s view of themselves so they saw new potential in themselves and the events and circumstances in which they found themselves.
Kathryn Levandier (‘14), Layton Fisher Intern in Philanthropy in 2013–14, said it best:
“The legacy that Layton leaves behind is not Pro, nor is it the culmination of philanthropic gifts he made during his lifetime. Layton’s legacy is the people whose lives he helped to shape. He played a pivotal role in the trajectory of my life and the lives of many others.”
Layton’s parting words to me after one of our chin-wags was often, “do good”. Layton, you done good. And so very many of us are the better for it.
DR. LEONARD P. FLETCHER (’59)
Submitted by Mitalene Fletcher
Funeral tribute delivered by long-time friend and fellow Allisonian, Fayne Bullen (’59) (March 29, 2021): Our friendship was formed during our years in Curaçao (beginning in 1952, working on the Dutch oil refinery) and the four years at Pro. That bond of friendship deepened after marriage and, upon return to Canada, he settled in Waterloo and I in Orillia.
Weekend visits and dinners, theatre shows, Oktoberfest events, and even a get-together in Barbados and in Grenada were occasions of pleasure for us. I had the honour of being invited to the weddings of the three children and the appreciation of knowing them. My appreciation for Hilda’s joyous meals, care, and kindness is notable.
My life has been immeasurably enriched by Leonard and his family. My appreciation is unbounded. You have had a long life of fulfilment and achievement, Leonard, and have contributed to making the world a better place in which to live. As a son of Grenada, you have made us Grenadians proud.
MICHAEL ALAN WESTOVER JONES (’66)
Submitted by Judi Symes, VP Class of 1966
Michael (Mike) Jones was the true Music Man for the Class of 1966. His last public concert was at Pro, a highlight of our 50th Class Reunion. The Parkinson’s disease that later followed and led him to his death was a cruel foe. However, nothing could dim the light he had brought to many of us, both across Canada and in the USA.
While earning a BA in music and psychology, he played jazz in the old gym, worked on The Argosy, and mastered Beethoven — but loved Chopin more. After graduation, he moved into a unique niche in the world of leadership development. Along with the support of his life-long partner, Judy Archer, he blended improvised music with a deep understanding of the human need for a sense of place and home.
His 16 piano recordings are wonderful reminders of his sense of freedom and compassion. His famous question: “Who will play your music if you don’t?” is a testament to his deep listening and creativity. Michael, much loved, much missed.
DAVID G. SMITH (’77)
Submitted by Korona (Reardon) Brophy (’76)
Dave Smith, in my mind, was a giant at Pro. He had already taught at St. Bonaventure’s School in St. John’s, NL, however, he wished to complete his Bachelor of Music degree.
Dave was an older student. He arrived in Sackville with his beautiful wife, Laura, who accepted a nursing position at the Sackville Memorial Hospital. The students in the music building loved and admired Dave. He had a quick wit and a dry sense of humour. He was an asset to us younger students as he helped with our projects and assignments. He also mentored many of us in our field of music and guided us through days of doubt.
Dave played trumpet and saxophone in the Symphonic Band and Jazz Band. He also sang in the choirs and performed regularly throughout his years at Pro.
One could classify Dave Smith as a well-rounded and accomplished teacher/musician, but above all, Dave was a gentleman and loved his family immensely. He was a gourmet cook and had a generous spirit. Dave treated everyone with respect and truly loved his career in teaching — a valued leader in our community. He is deeply missed. Thank you, Dave, for being a part of my life!
DARLENE WARREN (’80)
Submitted by Chris Fraser (’80)
Sadly, we share the news that Darlene Warren, a member of the Class of 1980 Lifetime Executive, passed away on Feb. 7, 2022.
Born in Rexton, NB, Darlene became Dee to many of us at Pro. Great memories abound from the late 1970s and certainly Dee’s constant smile, catchy laugh, and great intellect were ever-present during those times.
Dee was thoughtful, caring, and loved to laugh. At Dee’s eulogy, fellow alumna Valerie Gamache-O’Leary’s (’80) heart-felt words spoke to their life-long friendship.
Val became Dee’s emotional sherpa during her fight with cancer. Among other things during this difficult time, Val was there to help Dee celebrate all of her career achievements as associate university librarian at University of Calgary and, after Dee retired, her accomplishment in setting world and Canadian records in raw powerlifting in her age class. Val also spoke of Dee’s love of family and of the decades-long, very special and loving relationship that Dee and Brian shared.
The “Here We Go MtA — Here We Go” chant will continue for years to come and so will the many great memories we all made with Dee at MtA and beyond. While we will miss Dee, she will remain in our hearts, always.
DR. STEPHEN (STEVE) WESTCOTT — faculty member
Submitted by Phil Cormier (‘08), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Steve Westcott’s influence can be seen all throughout the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, whether it is in his lab or outside of the Pro community. His generosity and support of his students were second to none. Although I saw him very infrequently during the last two years, when I did see him, we would often chat about our rescue cats. While I rescued one, that is nothing compared to the prolific collection of animals that Steve supported.
WILLIAM (BILL) DURANT — Former faculty and staff
Submitted by Bob Hawkes (’72)
Bill Durant was known to countless Tantramar High School and Pro students as a skilled, friendly, and caring teacher. He always seemed to have time for everyone. Bill’s quick wit, accompanied by that unique small smile, could lighten any mood.
For decades Bill served Pro’s Education Department under the joint appointee program. Appointees had ongoing employment with both the school board and the University.
The many condolences collected by Jones Funeral Home helped me relive the ways Bill touched so many over his 35 years of teaching and beyond.
Few have appreciated and supported Sackville more than Bill. In remembering Bill, let us each express kindness, make sure that no one feels excluded, and make our own communities better places, just as Bill did over a life well lived. Paulette and their children Michelle and John are in our thoughts.
Please consider contributing to the William Durant Community Leadership Fund, which is being established in Bill‘s memory in conjunction with the University’s new Community Engaged Learning program, to recognize and support students who are active in their communities (mta.ca/donate).
