Memorials
Helen Backhouse ( nee Boyce) (1931-2024)
Helen was born in Timmins, Ontario. She visited England in about 1954. She met her husband, John there and they married in 1956. In 1959 she returned to Canada with her husband and their daughter. The family grew with the addition of a daughter and a son. Finally in 1972 the family moved to Calgary and settled at 1608 50th Ave SW until Helen and John moved closer to their daughter in 2021. Helen was deeply involved in the community as a dedicated volunteer with Calgary Unitarian congregation, Guiding and Alberta Family Histories Society. Her interest in genealogy finally paid off with certificates for Loyalists George Schryver and John Pickle in 2018. More details
In 2023 we have lost two of our members.
John Terray (1941-2023)
John taught Mathematics at Mount Royal University from 1975-2000. He received his BS from Youngstown State University in Ohio, his MS from Purdue University and his PhD from University of Calgary. John did not have Loyalist ancestors but attended Calgary meetings regularly with his wife of 54 years Sharon, who did have Loyalist ancestors. He passed away on August 16, 2023. His obituary can be found in the Calgary Herald.
Joyce Leuthy (1931-2023)
As a science teacher in the Calgary school system, Joyce was committed to mentoring and inspiring junior high girls to pursue careers in science and co-founded both the Alberta Women’s Science Network and Operation Minerva. More details…
Joyce was a former genealogist for Calgary Branch UELAC. She passed away on January 6, 2023.
Her Loyalist ancestor was Caleb Wood UEL, who immigrated to New Brunswick. She received her Loyalist certificate in 2010.
See the Loyalist Directory entry for Caleb Wood which includes the Story of the family line from Caleb Wood to Joyce Luethy
Verna (MacKay) Reid (1928-2022)
Academic, teacher, artist, wife, and mother, Verna was a member of a transitional generation of women, occupying the space between the traditional world of their mothers and the postmodern world of their daughters and granddaughters. Verna received a BA Honours – Philosophy (English or History) from the University of Toronto, Victoria College in 1950 where she found her studies with literary critic and literary theorist, Northrop Frye, to be most influential.
Her Loyalist ancestors were Peter Brouse Sr. and John Holmes. Her ancestor story was published by Linda McLelland in the book published for UELAC centennial. Verna’s history is in the Loyalist Directory, in the record for Peter Brouse Sr and is repeated in the record for John Holmes. Verna passed away on October 4, 2022. More on her life can be found at Arbor Memorial.
George Tapley (1942-2022)
George served as branch Treasurer from 2011 to 2019. He was given a certificate of appreciation in October 2021. ( See Fall 2021 Newsletter). George was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick and moved to Calgary a few years after earning a MBA to work for the City. He retired in 2004. Over his years in Calgary he was heavily involved in the Masons and held a number of positions. His Loyalist ancestor was Henry Belyea, although he was not able to completely prove the connection due to lack of information on early generations. He died on January 1, 2022 and his obituary was in the Calgary Herald.
Shona Wards (-2021)
Shona joined the Calgary Branch after 2010 and regularly attended meetings and helped where possible. She was instrumental in the placement of a plaque and burr oak on the Alberta Legislative grounds in Edmonton in 2007. The plaque was upgraded in 2010. Shona’s Loyalist ancestor was Daniel Keith from New Brunswick. Her certificate was obtained in 2001. She died on August 10, 2021. Her obituary was in the Edmonton Journal. A summary of her life is linked here.
Shona has left a number of Loyalist related articles, including clothing, material and books for anyone interested.
