THUET
THURBER
THURLOW
THURSTON
THUSS
THUY
THUET o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2008-04-19 published
She was Marshall
McLUHAN's great love ardent defender, supporter
and critic
An aspiring actress from a privileged Texas family, she was swept
off her feet by a young Canadian academic who would lay the cornerstone
of modern media theory. She later edited his first big book
By Lisa FITTERMAN,
Special to The Globe and Mail, Page S11
When she was young, Corinne Lewis
McLUHAN won a Mary Pickford
look-alike contest, but woe betide any person who assumed that
there wasn't much more to her than masses of dark hair, a wide
smile and a disarming southern drawl. For Mrs.
McLUHAN, actress,
English teacher and wife to the unbending, irascible and brilliant
Marshall, looks were just the medium in which she packaged a
sharp intellect, a steely will and enough spirit to elope with
a man who did not impress her upon first introduction.
"He was six-feet, two-inches, thin, with a little moustache,"
she once told a television interviewer. "He was very self-contained
and very British, all with this peculiar Canadian accent. I thought
he was the strangest duck I'd ever met!"
No one in her family, at least, ever envisioned her, a southern
belle from Fort Worth, Texas, falling in mad love with a skinny,
awkward academic from Edmonton with a penchant for poetry. After
all, she was a direct descendant of one of Fort Worth's founders,
while her great-grandfather had been the state's first carriage
manufacturer and her own father, Charles Wallace
LEWIS, provided
a more-than-comfortable living for his family as the chief financial
officer of the local Swift and Company packing plant. From her
father, young Corinne learned to how to shoot and hunt, while
her mother, the feisty Corinne Keller
LEWIS, raised her and older
sister, Carolyn, in the tradition of the Daughters of the American
Revolution, complete with its motto of "God, Home and Country."
In this rarefied world, scholastic excellence was lauded, as
was churchgoing and the pursuit of hobbies such as theatre. In
high school, young Corinne was always a top student but she was
also a key member of the drama club called the Vagabond Players,
both directing and performing in plays such as Seven Keys to
Baldpate, a whodunit by George M. Cohan for which the tagline
was "Mystery writer and blonde… too scared to kiss… in mansion
of fear!" In The Constant Wife, an extramarital farce by W. Somerset
Maugham, she played Martha Culver, a prickly, cynical spinster
who doesn't trust men one bit.
After graduating from high school in 1930, she was offered scholarships
to several universities elsewhere in Texas, but her parents pressed
her to remain in Fort Worth, where she attended Texas Christian
University, completing a degree in general arts and pursuing
her interest in drama. She also won poetry-recitation contests
and honed her talent for public speaking.
Throughout, she had any number of gentleman callers, but she
wasn't at all interested in living what she knew for the rest
of her life. Rather, she decided to pursue her dramatic studies
further, ending up in Pasadena, California, which had a well-regarded
theatre school. There, a meeting with a teacher would change
her life forever: Elsie
McLUHAN,
Marshall's mother and a force
in her own right, had arrived to run a class after directing
at a theatre in Detroit. At once, she decided the younger woman
was the perfect match for her intellectual son, who was coming
to visit her.
"She told me he was very handsome," Mrs.
McLUHAN recalled in
a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation radio documentary. "She invited
me over a lot and generally promoted our togetherness."
As part of their courtship, he would pick her up in Pasadena
and drive to the countryside, where they'd lie on the grass and
read poetry to each other. They hadn't been going together for
very long when Marshall, who was working on his master's degree
at Cambridge University, had to go back. He proposed marriage.
She responded by suggesting that they write to each other for
a while first. "But no, he wanted me to go with him or forget
about it," she would say in another documentary about her husband.
"I wasn't used to this kind of treatment. What made this man
tick?"
In the end, she said yes. On August 4, 1939, they tied the knot
she telegraphed her family the news only after the deed was done.
"Mother knew they'd never accept him," said Stephanie
McLUHAN,
the fourth of the couple's six children. "Her family never particularly
accepted him. Texas and Canada are still pretty different."
The newlyweds honeymooned in prewar Venice, sailing through the
canals with gondoliers singing at the tops of their voices -
until they descended one morning from their hotel room to learn
that war appeared imminent. Their next stop was Paris, but they
soon felt compelled to leave there, too; as Mrs.
McLUHAN quickly
packed, her husband ventured out to get provisions.
"He came with a bottle of Benedictine and a basket of pastries,"
she recalled in the same documentary. "We took the last train
out of Paris and a boat across the Channel, which was crammed
to the gills. We were the only ones with any food or drink on
hand. We arrived in London the night before the war was declared,
and then went down to Cambridge where we stayed for the year."
He got his master's in January, 1940, and though he would begin
his doctoral dissertation soon after, the outbreak of war led
the university to grant him permission to complete it in North
America; it would be granted three years later without him having
to travel back to make a defence. The couple sailed for the United
States, stopping in St. Louis for a year because he had to work
at a local university.
In 1944, they moved to Windsor, Ontario, where Doctor
McLUHAN taught
at Assumption College. Two years later, he joined the faculty
at Saint Michael's College in Toronto. In the 1950s, he began to
give the Communication and Culture seminars that would lead to
the establishment, in 1963, of the Centre for Culture and Technology
the university did so because, by then, Doctor
McLUHAN was so famous
he was receiving tempting offers from other institutions.
Mrs. McLUHAN was her husband's most ardent defender, fan, critic,
editor and love. A staunch patriotism, an even stauncher faith
in God (like Doctor
McLUHAN, she was a convert to Catholicism) and
an impish sense of fun would help guide her throughout her life,
through the raising of six children and through the leaner years
before her husband gained renown. She never renounced her U.S.
citizenship and prayed regularly, while author B.W. Powe, who
first met her in 1978 at a Christmas party at the
McLUHAN home
in Toronto's tony Wychwood Park, recalls that she was in the
kitchen, spiking the punch with lots of alcohol.
"She poured and sang," Mr. Powe wrote in an e-mail. "You must
picture her: tall, elegant, with a Texan drawl and that bright,
broad smile, much laughter in her face. There she was, singing
and pouring in the alcohol so that we, Marshall's grads, would
no doubt happily reel out into the good Christmas night."
The McLUHANs were devoted parents, although Stephanie
McLUHAN
speculates that her mother's experience as a stage director must
have helped, for it was she who did most of the day-to-day raising
of her and her siblings, of listening, disciplining, bandaging
and counselling. Her husband may have popularized terms and phrases
such as "global village" and "the medium is the message" but
he was stymied by the sheer noise of children, sometimes even
retreating to a table in the backyard when weather permitted
so he could work in peace and quiet.
"They expected us to excel," said Stephanie, who now runs the
Canada Institute program for the Washington, D.C.-based Woodrow
Wilson International Center for Scholars. "Mom was a voracious
reader and a real confidante to my father. She edited his first
major book, The Gutenberg Galaxy. Dad was a stellar verbal person
but when he sat down to write, he needed help.
"They had a real partnership in addition to marriage," she continued.
"Dad just adored her."
In 1979, Doctor
McLUHAN suffered a stroke that robbed him of his
ability to speak, read and write. While it broke his wife's heart
that they couldn't continue the intellectual discussions they'd
been having ever since they first met, they continued with their
regular walks around Wychwood Park. She would guide him and he'd
stay fast by her side - just like it had always been.
Corinne Lewis
McLUHAN was born April 11, 1912, in Fort Worth,
Texas She died April 4, 2008, of natural causes at her home in
Toronto. She was 95. She leaves her children: Eric, Mary, Teri,
Stephanie, Elizabeth and Michael. She also leaves grandchildren
Jennifer Colton
THUET,
Emily McLuhan
BOMS, Anna and Andrew
McLUHAN,
Claire and Madeleine McLuhan
MYERS and Arthur, Mark and Gwendolyn
McLUHAN, and her great-grandchildren, Olivia, Charlotte and Gillian.
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THURBER o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2008-02-05 published
SAMPSON/SAMSON,
Douglas
Elliott (1922-2008)
Passed away suddenly at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, British
Columbia on Thursday, January 31, 2008, in his 86th year. Douglas
spent his time between his home in Ottawa and Victoria. He served
in the Second World War and retired from the Navy as a Commander
in 1973. Predeceased by his wife Else in 1988, his parents Ethel
and Edgar SAMPSON/SAMSON, brother Gordon and sister-in-law Joy
LOCKE.
Survived by brother Donald (Betty Anne) of Waterloo, brothers-in-law
Jack LOCKE of Vancouver, Bud
MOXON
(Pauline) of Halifax, and
six nieces and nephews. Sadly missed by Audrey
THURBER of Victoria,
loving companion and friend, her children and spouses, grandchildren
and great-grandchildren. Following his years in the Navy, Douglas
was a consultant to the Department of Supply and Services, P.S. Ross
and Partners, Intercon Consultants, Officer in Charge of the
Naval Benevolent Fund, Auditor for the Royal Canadian Legion
at Bell's Corner. Following Doug's wishes, there will be no visitation
or service. Burial will be in the Beechwood Cemetery, the National
Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces in Ottawa. As expressions
of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
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THURLOW o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2008-02-02 published
THURLOW,
Ruth
Marie
At 88 years of age, passed away peacefully at The Pines Long
Term Care Residence in Bracebridge, Ontario on Tuesday January 29th
with her daughter Mary Jane by her side. She was a loving mother
to Geoff THURLOW, Mary Jane
PHILP and Sally
THURLOW-
WARD, and
Nana to their children Peter and Joanna
THURLOW,
Jamie and Jonathan
PHILP, and Esme and Oliver
WARD. Wife of Lionel
THURLOW.
For
54 years, she put a brave face to the world while she struggled
with the effects of polio. Once the life and soul of the party,
may she now rest in peace. Sadly missed, remembered always, forever
loved. Messages sent to condolences@reynoldsfuneral.com
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THURSTON o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-03-14 published
SHEILS,
Ronald
J.
Of London passed away in his 89th year at London Health Sciences
Centre, Victoria Hospital on Wednesday, March 12, 2008. Beloved
husband of Madeleine B. Sapergia
SHEILS.
Predeceased by his first
wife, Beatrice M. Rawlings
SHEILS (2002.) Only
son of the late
Charles (1962 and Leila Claire (1992)
SHEILS. Father of R. James
SHEILS
(Carol) of Aylmer and
R. Glenn SHEILS of London. Step-father
of D. Taylor
SAPERGIA (Heather) and Daryl T.
SAPERGIA (Tracy),
all of Prince George, British Columbia. Grandfather of Randy
SHEILS
(Toni) of Springfield, Brenda
ACKWORTH (Les) of Southwold
and Barbara
HANSFORD
(Garry) of Dorchester. Step-grandfather
of Sarah SAPERGIA (Dan
WATT), Theresa
SAPERGIA (Andreas
HAHN)
of Prince George, British Columbia, Laura
SAPERGIA
(David
LOEWEN)
of Smithers, British Columbia and Carol
SAPERGIA of Prince George,
British Columbia. Also survived by great-grandchildren Tyler,
Robert and Kelsie
SHEILS,
Brittany and Jessica
ACKWORTH, Kayla
and Jason HANSFORD, great-step-grand_son Thompson
WATT and great-step-granddaughters,
Madeleine WATT and Teeghan
SAPERGIA. Survived also by sisters-in-law
Wilda IRVIN of Barrie, Marie
McFARLAN of London and Alice
McFARLAN
of Clinton and brothers-in-law, Harry
SMALL and David
THURSTON
of London. Sadly missed by many step-nieces and nephews. The
Sheils family operated the family farm Sheils Lane, Dorchester,
for three generations. Ronald's Holstein herd produced milk for
the Silverwoods and London Pure Milk Dairies. He was a member
of the Dorchester Presbyterian Church choir, Past Master of Dorchester
Masonic Blue Lodge, Merrill 344, and Nilestown Masonic Red Chapter,
as well as the Eastern Star. He studied violin at seven years
of age and for many years played with the Wellington Street United
Church Orchestra on Sundays under the direction of James Cressell,
who led the Royal Canadian Regiment Army Band during World War
1. For many years he played for dances in Banner, Nissouri, Dorchester,
Mitchell and Shelbourne. Friends will be received at the Bieman
Funeral Home, Dorchester from 2: 00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m.
on Saturday where the funeral service will be held on Sunday,
March 16, 2008 at 1: 00 p.m. Private interment, Dorchester Union
Cemetery at a later date. Donations to the Charitable Organization
of your choice would be gratefully appreciated and acknowledged.
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THURSTON o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-05-21 published
PHILLIPS,
Thelma
Viola (née
BENJAMIN)
In loving memory of Thelma Viola
PHILLIPS
(BENJAMIN)
March 29,
1919 to May 14, 2008 who passed away at Tillsonburg District
Memorial Hospital at the age of 89 years. Thelma was a long time
resident of Straffordville. Daughter of Mamie and Oscar
BENJAMIN
(both deceased.) Beloved wife of Willard
PHILLIPS (predeceased.)
Loving▼ mother of Sue
THURSTON, her husband Pete
THURSTON (both
deceased). Proud grandmother of Chris (his wife) Brenda, Tim
(his wife) Vicky, Rick (his wife) Joanne, and Penny (her husband)
Terry VUYLSTEKE.
Great-grandmother of Jawni-Lynn, Jayme, Cole,
Ben, Michael, and Makenna. Her brothers and sisters Ilene (predeceased),
and Albert
ARMBRUSTER,
Reitha and Jim
ELLIOT/ELLIOTT (predeceased,)
Donald and Joyce
BENJAMIN (both predeceased,) Bud
BENJAMIN,
Howard
and Bernice
BENJAMIN (predeceased,) Dorothy and Murray
HARRIS
(both predeceased,) Ronald and Sylvia
BENJAMIN,
Shirlene and
John CAMPBELL (predeceased,) Marla
JOHNSTONE, and Lillian
FLAGEL.
She will be remembered as a loving daughter, mother, sister,
grandmother, and great-grandmother. We will miss her free spirit,
caring support and Friendship. Thelma had a long and happy life
she was independent but always enjoyed the company of others.
Thelma was a great woman, and was not afraid to speak her mind.
She will be fondly remembered. Her final resting place will be
at Smuck Cemetery in Bayham Twp. In accordance with her wishes
there will be no funeral or visitation. Ostrander's Funeral Home,
43 Bidwell St. Tillsonburg (519) 842-5221 entrusted with funeral
arrangements. Memorial donations (payable by cheque) may be made
to the Canadian Cancer Society. We would like you to remember
Thelma in your own way. We will remember her always. Thank you
for your caring support. Personal condolences may be made at
www.ostrandersfuneralhome.com
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THURSTON o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-06-23 published
BOX,
David
Edward
Passed away on Friday, June 20, 2008 in his 65th year. Beloved
husband of Sylvia
THURSTON.
Loving▲ father of Karen
SIFTON; Laura
(Jay) BARNETT and Sean (Jessica)
BOX.
Stepfather of Derek (Linda
FORBES)
THURSTON.
Loving grandfather of Charlie, Tom and Sam.
son of Catharine
BOX of London and the late Charlie
BOX.
Brother
of Ellen WALL,
Charles
BOX and Martha
HENRY. Cremation has taken
place. Friends are invited to a reception at the Gilchrist Chapel-McIntyre and
Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph on Wednesday, June 25,
2008 between 7 and 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice
Wellington or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
We invite you to leave your memories and donations online at:
www.gilchristchapel.com.
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THUSS o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-03-20 published
GEERTS,
Gerard
With hearts saddened by loss but overflowing with beautiful memories,
the family of Gerard
GEERTS announce his peaceful passing in
his 72nd year surrounded by his loving family in palliative care
in Bluewater Health, Norman St. Site in Sarnia, on March 18,
2008. Beloved husband of 48 years to Mary
GEERTS (née
HERYGERS.)
Loving father of John and Kathy
GEERTS,
Mary and Kim
BURNS, Anita
and John BERKELMANS,
Jane
THUSS and Richard, Patsy and Tony
VANDENBOGAARD,
and Connie and Jon
BJORNSON. Cherished grandfather of Tammy,
Becky (Sean), Kristina, Kelly, Jeremy, Brian (Maggie), Jody (Chris),
Adam, Alicia, Jessie, Jennifer, Cassy, Kaitlyn, Stephanie, Nick,
Jason, Angela, Justin, Aaron, and Axel. Great-grandfather to
Taya and Aden. He will also be sadly missed by his brothers and
sisters and nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents John
and Antonia
GEERTS.
Resting at the Gilpin Funeral Chapel, Forest
for Visitation on Thursday, March 20, 2008 from 5-8 p.m. Funeral
service on Friday, March 21, 2008 at 11: 00 a.m. Interment at
Arkona
Cemetery with Pastor Jonathan
FERRIER officiating. Memorial
donations to Bluewater Health gratefully acknowledged. Online
condolences at gilpinfuneralchapel.com
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THUY o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-06-16 published
BANNISTER,
Stuart
James
Tragically as the result of a car accident on Friday, June 13th,
2008, Stuart James
BANNISTER, age 29 of Grand Bend. Sadly missed
by his mother Mary Jeffrey and her husband Jim
CHEVALIER, and
his father Gordon
BANNISTER and his wife
Tran Tu
THUY.
Loved
by his grandmother Irma
BANNISTER.
Missed by his brother Kurt
BANNISTER and his partner Lauren
ALEXANDER.
Nephew to Ruth and
Gord PHIPPS, Tom
BANNISTER and Shirley
OICKLE, Pat
O'CONNELLY,
Bill JEFFREY,
Steve and Ann
O'LEARY, Joan and Aldo
ROTONDI. Cousin
to Jody and Erik
DERKZEN,
Jill and Ian
LEGG, Hillary and John
O'DONNELL, Heather
O'LEARY, Mia
ROTONDI, John and Karen
PHIPPS,
Greg PHIPPS, Kelli
IRWIN, Amy
ROBERTS, Matthew
ROBERTS, Kevin
and Cathy LOISELLE and Kerri
LOISELLE.
Many good Friends including
Patrick SCHLEGAL.
Predeceased by his grandparents Ralph and Eileen
JEFFREY and grandfather Lorne
BANNISTER, also by his uncle Ralph
BANNISTER.
Stuart was the joy of his mother's life, an avid Gamer
and Book Reader. He will be sadly missed by his Friends and family.
A Celebration of Stuart's live will be held in the chapel of
the D.J. Robb Funeral Home, (102 N. Victoria Street, Sarnia 519-336-6042)
on Thursday, June 19th, 2008 from 11: 00 a.m. Cremation to follow.
Friends and relatives may visit with the family at the funeral
home on Wednesday evening from the hours of 6: 00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Donations in memory of Stuart's life can be made to N.O.R.M.L.
or to Sick Kids Hospital or to the charity of your choice. (cheques
only please). Messages of condolence may be sent to the family
through djrobbfh@ebtech.net
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