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LAIRD o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2005-03-31 published
MATHERS, Alice Pearl (McLEOD)
At Chateau Gardens Nursing Home Parkhill, on Tuesday, March 29, 2005. Alice P. (McLEOD) MATHERS of Parkhill, 83rd year. Beloved wife of the late Alfred "Alf" MATHERS (March 18, 2005.) Dear mother of Shirley and Harry WESTACOTT of Parkhill, Gerald and Cathy MATHERS of Clandeboye, Joyce MATHERS of London, Beverley and Adam PASTERNAK of Parkhill, Rob and Deborah NEVIN of Appin, Kevin NEVIN of Strathroy. Also survived by 7 grandchildren and 8 greatgrandchildren. Sister of Fern DEW of forest. Predeceased by sisters Iva LAIRD, Helen COMBES, brothers Arthur, Frank, and Orval McLEOD and Melvin YOUNG. Resting at the M. Box and son Funeral Home, Parkhill where the funeral service will be conducted on Friday, April 1 at 1: 00 p.m. Visitation Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Pastor Corey PICKENS and Pastor Bruce FULLER will officiate. Interment in Parkhill Cemetery. Donations to the Chateau Gardens Nursing Home Memorial Fund would be appreciated. Share a memory of send condolences to www.boxfuneralhome.ca M. Box and son will plant a tree in memory of Mrs. MATHERS at the Ausable-Bayfield Conservation Parkhill.

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LAIRD o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2005-04-12 published
ROSS, Frank A.
Peacefully with his three daughters at his side at London Health Sciences Centre - Westminster Campus on Sunday, April 10th, 2005, Frank A. ROSS of London in his 75th year. Frank was predeceased by his loving wife of 51 years, Evelyn D. (THOMPSON/THOMSON/TOMPSON/TOMSON) ROSS (2003.) Cherished father of Beth PUSTAI and her husband Paul of London, Susan ROSS of Stratford, and Sandi LAIRD and her husband Darrell of London. Predeceased by his parents Marion and Melville ROSS and his brother Frederick ROSS. Proud " Grandpa" of Joshua PRINGLE of Ottawa, Glen KEELING and his wife Dani, and James KEELING of Stratford, Dustin, Tori and Ethan LAIRD of London. Loved great-grandpa of Sierra and Phoenix KEELING of Stratford.
Frank was born in Saint John, New Brunswick on June 7th, 1930. He was active in the London community for many years serving many organizations including the Canadian Mental Health Association, London Board of Education, London City Council Board of Control and the Board of Governors at University of Western Ontario. Frank was a 50 year member of Union Lodge No. 380 Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons Friends will be received by the family from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Thursday, April 14th, 2005 at 11: 00 a.m. with Reverend David R. CARROTHERS of Colborne Street United Church officiating. Cremation to follow with a private family inurnment at Oakland of Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, 747 Baseline Road East, London, Ontario, N6C 2R6 or to the Mission Services of London, 415 Hamilton Road, London, Ontario, N5Z 1S1. (Online condolences accepted at www.amgeorgefh.on.ca).

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LAIRD o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2005-04-23 published
ATMORE, John L.
In loving memory of an only brother, John L., who passed away April 23, 2001.
Sadly missed and remembered always by sister Marjorie LAIRD and family.

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LAIRD o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2005-05-24 published
LAIRD, Betty Jean (formerly NICOL, née MORROW)
Peacefully at the Bobier Villa, Dutton on Saturday, May 21st, 2005, Betty Jean LAIRD, formerly of Kitchener, in her 73rd year. Born in Grenfell, Saskatchewan, predeceased by her father, Harold MORROW and husband Harry NICOL, Betty is dearly loved and will be sadly missed by her husband Jack of Dutton, mother Kay DAVIES, children Evan NICOL (Darlene), Leslee NICOL (Don), Dwayne NICOL (Sherri), grandchildren Stephanie (Scott), Brandace (Rob) and Shawn. Also missed by her sister Audrey STEFFLER (Pete) and their children Darrell (Kathy) and Brenda (Ron), brother-in-law Bill LAIRD (Alice) and their children Cindy (Lorne,) Debbie (Joe) and Kim (Jeff) and her great nieces and nephew. Cremation. Friends are invited to a celebration of Betty's life at the Grace Anglican Parish Hall, West Lorne on Wednesday, May 25th from 1: 00 to 3:00 p.m. If desired donations to the Bobier Villa (Dutton) or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Padfield Funeral Home, Rodney (519) 785-0810.

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LAIRD o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2005-07-02 published
LAIRD, Bill▼
In memory of a loving husband and father and my best friend Bill, who passed away 6 years ago July 3, 1999.
Bill you are always on my mind,
No matter what I do,
I have so many fond memories,
Of special times with you.
You did so many things for the kids and I,
Your heart was kind and true,
And when I needed you,
I could always rely on you.
To me you were the best,
What more is there to say,
Except to wish you were here with me.
God has you in His hands,
I have you in my heart always,
You are our Angel now.
Deeply missed and loved forever Ruth, Rod, Liam, Hayden, James, John, and Brianne.

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LAIRD o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2005-07-03 published
LAIRD, Bill▲
In memory of a dear friend, Bill, who passed away July 3, 1999.
Memories of you, each and every day we think of you,
Always a tear or two
But on the long weekends they were meant for you.
Friends remember the days of getting on their Harleys
And heading off on a long ride -
All the fun, all the laughing, a lot of hugs, a lot of visiting, a drink or two (Gibbies),
Always having a good time,
These are our memories of you.
Thank you for the memories. Loving you always and forever in our hearts.
Ride free Bill. Sadly missed and never forgotten, Peter, Nancy, Troy, Paul and Justin THOMAS.

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LAIRD o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2005-07-10 published
LAIRD, Bertha▼
In memory of a beloved mother and grandmother, Bertha, who passed away 2 years ago, July 10, 2003.
"We all love you"
Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by Barb, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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LAIRD o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2005-07-10 published
LAIRD, Bertha▲
In memory of a dear Mom, Bertha, who passed away July 10, 2003.
Mom: I remember love each time I think of you.
Always remembered by your daughter Betty and your grandchildren.

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LAIRD o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2005-09-25 published
ALLEN, Bonnie (née SUTTON)
Peacefully at the London Health Sciences Centre-Victoria Hospital, on Friday September 23, 2005, Bonnie ALLEN (SUTTON) of London in her 77th year. Beloved wife to Jim for 54 years. Loving mother to JoAnne (Scott) LAIRD and sweet Nanny to Kayla. Beloved sister to Norma (Paul) LONG and sister-in-law to Helen SUTTON. Sadly missed by her dear Friends Marion and Bruce. Bonnie is predeceased by her son Jeffrey, her brother Stanton and her parents Frank and Amy SUTTON. Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. on Sunday September 25th, 2005 at the Westview Funeral Chapel where the service will be held on Monday at 1: 30 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that you consider the "Make A Wish" Foundation or the Leukemia Research Fund for charitable contributions.

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LAIRD o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2005-02-07 published
LAIRD, Robert▼ Warring▼ " Big▼ Rob▼"
"Larger than life" Passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on Friday, February 4, 2005, in his 55th year, following a brief, sudden illness. Beloved husband and best friend of Mary for the past 31 years. Cherished and devoted father of Robbie and his wife Gillian, Colin and Heather. son of the late Bill and Trudy LAIRD; nephew of Edward and Frances BEST. Special son-in-law of Bill and the late Helen IRWIN. Dear brother of Bill and the late Kathie AVERY. Wonderful▼ brother-in-law to Peggy, Jane, Don, Teresa and Ross. Loving "Uncle Rob" to Laird, Tricia, Shannon, Will, Meaghan, Kirsten, Graeme, Tessa, Keith, D'Arcy and Marian. Dedicated teacher (Henry Hudson S.P.S.), friend, mentor, volunteer and neighbour. Expert gravy and backyard-rink maker. Rob had a wonderful, larger-than-life sense of humour and a passion for his wife, kids, Friends, family and community. He loved photography, gardening, golf, woodworking, and the occasional beer. Thank you to the gentle and caring staff at North York General Hospital who cared for Rob and all his visitors. Friends and family will be received at Jerrett Funeral Home - North York Chapel, 6191 Yonge Street (2 lights south of Steeles), on Monday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. A celebration of Big Rob's life will be held on Tuesday at Saint John's York Mills Anglican (19 Don Ridge Drive, North York), at 10: 30 a.m. Cremation. Donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

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LAIRD o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2005-06-14 published
KUSZMANIUK, Catherine Anne (née LAIRD)
On Thursday, Catherine Anne Kuszmaniuk, of St. Albert, passed away peacefully at home June, 9, 2005 at the age of 74 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Harvey, of forty-two years; her children: John (Valerie) and Catherine (Mike) CAHOON grandchildren: Natasha, Mitchell, Mercedes, and John; sister Jane NAUGLER; nephew Sandy NAUGLER; and by many other relatives and Friends. She was predeceased by her parents Alfred McMaster LAIRD and Mercedes Anita LAIRD. A Celebration of Catherine's Life will be held at St. Albert Funeral Home on Friday, June 17, 2005 at 3: 00 p.m. with Denise WENZEL officiating. Friends who so wish may make memorial donations directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Provincial Office, 1400, 10405 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 3N4.

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LAIRD o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2005-08-06 published
TURNBULL, Louise▼ Barbara▼ (née LAIRD)
Suddenly, in her 86th year, on Friday, August 5th, 2005 as a result of a stroke suffered in her Thornhill home. Beloved wife of the late Ernest Rodd TURNBULL (1985.) Loving mother of Ian and his wife Susan and Rodd and his wife Hilary. Grandmother of John, Katherine, Elizabeth and Janet and sister of Joan LAIRD, Doreen LAIRD and the late Marjorie PALMER (1997.) She will also be greatly missed by her many close Friends, former colleagues and students, all of whom the family thanks for their support. Friends may call on Tuesday, August 9th, from 7-9 p.m. at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home (6150 Yonge Street, at Goulding, south of Steeles). Funeral Service will be held at the Chapel on Wednesday, August 10th, 2005 at 11 o'clock followed by a reception at the funeral home. Private family interment, Mount Pleasant Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Condolences -
www.rskane.ca. R.S. Kane 416-221-1159

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LAIRD o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-02-06 published
LAIRD, Robert▲▼ Warring▲▼ " Big▲▼ Rob▲▼"
"Larger than life."Passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on Friday, February 4, 2005 in his 55th year, following a brief, sudden illness. Beloved husband and best friend of Mary for the past 31 years. Cherished and devoted father of Robbie and his wife Gillian, Colin and Heather. son of the late Bill and Trudy LAIRD; nephew of Edward and Frances BEST. Special▼ son-in-law of Bill and the late Helen IRWIN. Dear brother of Bill and the late Kathie AVERY. Wonderful▲▼ brother-in-law to Peggy, Jane, Don, Teresa and Ross. Loving "Uncle Rob" to Laird, Tricia, Shannon, Will, Meaghan, Kirsten, Graeme, Tessa, Keith, D'Arcy and Marian. Dedicated teacher (Henry Hudson S.P.S.), friend, mentor, volunteer and neighbour. Expert gravy and backyard-rink maker. Rob had a wonderful, larger-than-life sense of humour and a passion for his wife, kids, Friends, family and community. He loved photography, gardening, golf, woodworking, and the occasional beer. Thank you to the gentle and caring staff at North York General Hospital who cared for Rob and all his visitors. Friends and family will be received at Jerrett Funeral Home - North York Chapel, 6191 Yonge Street, (2 lights south of Steeles) on Monday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. A celebration of Big Rob's life will be held on Tuesday at Saint John's York Mills Anglican Church, (19 Don Ridge Dr., North York) at 10: 30 a.m. Cremation. Donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

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LAIRD o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-02-07 published
LAIRD, Robert▲ Warring▲ " Big▲ Rob▲"
"Larger than life." Passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on Friday, February 4, 2005 in his 55th year, following a brief, sudden illness. Beloved husband and best friend of Mary for the past 31 years. Cherished and devoted father of Robbie and his wife Gillian, Colin and Heather. son of the late Bill and Trudy LAIRD; nephew of Edward and Frances BEST. Special▲ son-in-law of Bill and the late Helen IRWIN. Dear brother of Bill and the late Kathie AVERY. Wonderful▲ brother-in-law to Peggy, Jane, Don, Teresa and Ross. Loving "Uncle Rob" to Laird, Tricia, Shannon, Will, Meaghan, Kirsten, Graeme, Tessa, Keith, D'Arcy and Marian. Dedicated teacher (Henry Hudson S.P.S.), friend, mentor, volunteer and neighbour. Expert gravy and backyard-rink maker. Rob had a wonderful, larger-than-life sense of humour and a passion for his wife, kids, Friends, family and community. He loved photography, gardening, golf, woodworking, and the occasional beer. Thank you to the gentle and caring staff at North York General Hospital who cared for Rob and all his visitors. Friends and family will be received at Jerrett Funeral Home - North York Chapel, 6191 Yonge Street, (2 lights south of Steeles) on Monday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. A celebration of Big Rob's life will be held on Tuesday at Saint John's York Mills Anglican (19 Don Ridge Dr., North York) at 10: 30 a.m. Cremation. Donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

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LAIRD o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-03-05 published
OKE, Eileen Hanna (formerly EVANS, née WALL)
At Sara Vista Long Term Care Facility, Elmvale, on Friday, March 4, 2005. Eileen WALL, in her 92nd year, beloved wife of the late Samuel OKE and Melville EVANS. Loving mother of Robert (Bob) MYERS, Glenna McKINLEY, Doreen LAIRD, Joyce ANNABLE, William EVANS, and the late Donald, Ross, Laurenty, and Ruth LANTZ. Loved by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Ellen COWIE and the late Robert WALL, Lucy WALL, Margaret WALL, Bridie RICHARDS, and Elizabeth TIMMS. Resting at Rod Abrams Funeral Home, 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham, (905) 936-3477, on Sunday, March 6, 2005 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held in the chapel 2 p.m. Monday, March 7, 2005. Interment Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bolton.

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LAIRD o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-03-14 published
HARKISS, Margaret (née BUSCH)
Peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer, at William Osler Health Centre (Brampton Campus) on March 13, 2005. Beloved wife of Jack. Loving mother of Elaine and her husband Scott LAIRD, John and Jim. Adored grandmother of Adam, Sarah and Jacqueline. Long-time employee of Peel Memorial Hospital Telecommunications Department. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Palliative Care Unit and to her many Friends and family for their support and Friendship. A private family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements in the care of Scott Funeral Home (905-451-1100). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Margaret's memory made to the Palliative Care Unit of William Osler Health Centre (Brampton Campus) would be appreciated by the family.

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LAIRD o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-08-06 published
TURNBULL, Louise▲ Barbara▲ (née LAIRD)
Suddenly, in her 86th year, on Friday August 5th, 2005, as a result of a stroke suffered in her Thornhill home. Beloved wife of the late Ernest Rodd TURNBULL (1985.) Loving mother of Ian and his wife Susan and Rodd and his wife Hilary. Grandmother of John, Katherine, Elizabeth and Janet and sister of Joan LAIRD, Doreen LAIRD and the late Marjorie PALMER (1997.) She will also be greatly missed by her many close Friends, former colleagues and students, all of whom the family thanks for their support. Friends may call on Tuesday August 9th, from 7-9 p.m. at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home (6150 Yonge Street, at Goulding, south of Steeles). Funeral Service will be held at the Chapel on Wednesday, August 10th, 2005 at 11 o'clock followed by a reception at the funeral home. Private Family Interment, Mount Pleasant Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Condolences - www.rskane.ca

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LAIRD o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-12-04 published
WEAVER, Margaret▲ (née LAIRD SANDERSON)
Peacefully, at Scarborough Grace Hospital, on Wednesday, November 30, 2005, in her 91st year. Wife of the late Keith Duncan WEAVER. Lovingly known as Gran by all, she will be missed by her son Peter and Carol, her daughter and son-in-law Susan and Robert BRADBURY; grandchildren Cheryl and Craig BRADBURY and her 'grand-dog' Demon. She will also be missed by the many others whose lives she touched, especially her sisters-in-law Margaret WEAVER, Jessie▲ SHIER, Hélène WEAVER, Helen WEAVER and Jean WHITE/WHYTE. In keeping with Marg's wishes, a graveside service and interment of her 'ashes' will be conducted at Lakeview Cemetery in Meaford on Thursday, December 8th at 11 a.m. followed by a time of remembrances and refreshment at Christ Church Anglican in Meaford. As your expression of sympathy, donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford N4L 1B9 (519-538-1320) to whom arrangements have been entrusted.

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LAIRD o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-12-10 published
HEATER, Steven David
(Sargent, York Regional Police)
Suddenly, in his home in Sutton, on Wednesday, December 7, 2005, in his 55th year. Dearly loved son of the late Margaret and Ronald HEATER of Sutton. Sadly missed by his aunts, Lillian TAILOR/TAYLOR and Ina and Doris LAIRD, all of Toronto. Survived by his brother Lawrence and his sister Kathleen. Steve will be greatly missed by his many Friends. Visitation from the M.W. Becker Funeral Home, 490 The Queensway S., Keswick 1-888-884-4486 on Sunday 2: 00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Funeral Mass from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 129 Metro Road North, Keswick on Monday, December 12, 2005 at 11: 00 a.m., followed by cremation. If desired, donations made to a charity of your choice wold be appreciated.

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LAIRD o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-12-28 published
HORTON, Elaine
Peacefully on December 22, 2005 at Scarborough Grace Hospital. Beloved wife of the late Thomas David HORTON Sr. Cherished mother to Judy FINLAY and her husband Mike, Shellie LAIRD and her husband Dave, and Thomas David Jr. and his wife Lydia. Loving grandmother to Jason, Tim, Julie, Kate, James, Jacqueline and Victoria. A private family service will be held at the Ogden Funeral Home. Donations may be made in memory of Mrs. HORTON to the charity of your choice.

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LAITHWAITE o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2005-01-15 published
LOKER, Jon " Jonathan" (July 22, 1953 - January 15, 2004)
Today is remembered and quietly kept
It brings back memories I'll never forget
You left so suddenly, no time for good bye
Memories of your love will never die
Everyday I speak your name
Without you, Jon, life is just not the same
Like a clown I put on a show
The pain is real even if nobody knows
I'm crying inside and nobody knows it...
But me
Why didn't I say the things I needed to say
How could I let my angel slip away
Now my world is tumblin' down
I can see clearly but you're no where around
My nights are lonely, my days are so sad
I just keep thinkin' about the love that we had
I'm missing you...and nobody knows it...
But me
In our hearts forever, your wife Cheryle HILTON- TAILOR/TAYLOR, children, Jason SCOTT, Chelsea Scott POITIER, Niki Scott LAITHWAITE, grandchildren Trent and Madison LAITHWAITE and Dawson SCOTT.

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LAITIN o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2005-01-22 published
Donald LAITIN, Quaker Elder 1927-2004
He travelled the world with a message of peace
By Carol COOPER, Special to The Globe and Mail, Saturday, January 22, 2005 - Page S7
Aurora, Ontario -- As a Quaker, Donald LAITIN believed in peace. Once, as a member of a delegation of interfaith peace-builders to Jordan, Israel and Palestine, he presented Yasser Arafat's chief of staff with a copy of the painting The Peaceable Kingdom.
The work by the 19th-century Quaker artist Edward Hicks depicts Isaiah's prophesy of a harmonious world, represented by wild animals lying beside domestic ones. For Mr. LAITIN, the painting represented his fervent desire for world peace.
"He just identified with that picture very, very strongly," said Barbara HORVATH, a member of the Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers. "I think he felt it encapsulated the work that he wanted to do in the world. Donald just saw himself as being, or wanting to be, a force for peacefulness and helping reconcile differing people and differing views, as well as diminishing violence."
About 1,200 are active in the Canadian Quaker community, forming in local groups called monthly meetings. Like Mrs. HORVATH, Mr. LAITIN was a long-time member of historic Yonge Street Monthly Meeting in Newmarket, Ontario
Not only did Mr. LAITIN give Mr. Arafat's chief of staff a copy of The Peaceable Kingdom, but also those he met while on international volunteer missions and locally while making interfaith visitations. Mr. LAITIN hoped, as he described it, to "cross barriers" and bring about "unity through diversity." The visits began from his desire to end anti-Semitism and became one that wished to diminish differences between all faiths.
Still, he held the utmost respect for the beliefs of those he visited and had no desire to change them. One such occasion occurred several years ago when he showed up at the Solel Synagogue in Mississauga, Ontario He attended services and developed a Friendship with rabbi Lawrence ENGLANDER. "He was just the gentlest person you would ever want to meet," Rabbi ENGLANDER said. "You would see his face, very peaceful, beaming, friendly, certainly an inviting expression."
Quakers worship without appointed clergy, sitting in silence unless someone is led to speak. During meetings, Mr. LAITIN often spoke passionately about his hope for peace in the Middle East. Afterward, he greeted others with a warm, engulfing handshake and "Hello friend."
Born on Long Island, New York Mr. LAITIN was one of two children born to a Jewish couple, a dentist and a lawyer. When Mr. LAITIN was young, his mother adopted Quakerism and sent him to Quaker schools.
At 18, in 1945, and a student at the New York State College of Agriculture at Cornell University, Mr. LAITIN was drafted. Wrestling with his pacifist faith, Mr. LAITIN chose to serve in the army as a non-combatant, upsetting his mother and many of his Quaker Friends.
Returning to Cornell, he graduated and found a job with a food-processing companies, signing crop contracts with farmers and advising them when to plant. While on the job in rural Illinois, he fell in love with Barbara CRAWFORD, a farmer's daughter. They married in 1954. Mr. LAITIN later found a job with Continental Can and, in 1958, the company decided to move him to Toronto. Mr. LAITIN remained there until his retirement, becoming the director of research.
During the 1960s, he joined Yonge Street Monthly Meeting. He served on many committees and as its clerk during the '70s. According to Quaker practice, clerks, aided by spiritual guidance, facilitate meetings. While clerk, Mr. LAITIN oversaw refurbishment of the Yonge Street Meeting House, a structure built in 1912 by American Quakers.
Mr. LAITIN also served as clerk of Canadian Yearly Meeting, the national body of the Society of Friends. In 1986, he was one of 17 Canadian church leaders who condemned president Ronald Reagan's bid for congressional aid to the contras in Nicaragua. Mr. LAITIN also participated in many humanitarian initiatives. He spent two weeks volunteering in a hospital in the troubled Chiapas state of Mexico, rolling bandages and sorting clothes. In 1988, Mr. LAITIN was part of a delegation that took food and medical supplies to El Salvador.
Closer to home, Mr. LAITIN established the Orangeville Worship Group and served as a lay chaplain to the area's hospital. He and his wife supported a family claiming refugee status, obtaining their release from detention.
During the winter of 2003, with war in Iraq dominating the news, Mr. LAITIN organized several peace vigils in front of the Orangeville Town Hall, sometimes marching alone. Perhaps he was acting on words he had previously spoken during a meeting: "Tyranny thrives on the silence of good people."
Donald Robert LAITIN was born on July 3, 1927, on Long Island, New York He died at home in Mono Township, Ontario, on December 10, 2004, at 77. He leaves his wife, Barbara, children Ann, John and Suzanne, and sister Tobey Register.

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