Ann Catherine Sinclair
Died: October 8, 2013 | Place: University Hospital
Obituary
SINCLAIR, Ann Catherine (nee McHardy-Smith)…..
Peacefully at University Hospital, London, on Tuesday October 8, 2013, Ann Sinclair in her 75th year. Loving mother of, and enormously missed by, A. Murray Sinclair and his wife Cara, Scott C. Sinclair and his wife Danelle, and A. Craig Sinclair and his wife Nydia – all of Vancouver, BC. Cherished grandmother of Ella, Austin, Malcolm, Aidan, Teagan and Camille Sinclair. Also remembered by her former husband Murray M. Sinclair. Predeceased by her brothers John and Allen McHardy-Smith. Ann loved the Canadian north; she spent many of her summers with family and friends at her cabin on Gilmor Island at Cedar Lake in Algonquin Park. Ann also loved canoeing and in the summer of 1982 journeyed over 1500 km down the Mackenzie River. Ann was fascinated by ancient religions and traveled extensively in the Middle East. A dog lover from birth, Ann will be missed by Robin her faithful bearded collie .Friends will be received by the family on Friday, October 18, 2013 from 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A graveside service will be held at Woodland Cemetery, London on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 11am. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Children’s Wish Foundation Ontario Chapter, 360-1101 Kingston Road, Pickering, ON L1V 1B5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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To the Sinclairs, on the loss of Ann
Please accept our most sincere condolences on your tragic loss. Ann was truly a ‘one-of-a-kind’ person, who enriched the lives of many through thoughtful questions, soft answers, and stimulating insights.
It was in the early days of the newly founded Seneca College that Ann and I met. It was a good meeting. Her poise and grace were pleasantly contrasting from the rough edges of the newness of it all. Little did we know that in addition to handling a fast-growing office, Ann could handle a canoe.
The skills she brought to her endeavours served her colleagues and students well; problem solving “Ann style” was a good lesson for all of us. We worked together in many differing environments – the desert outskirts of Cairo, the meanders of Black River, conferences in Québec City and Banff, lakes and rivers of the Arctic watershed, and the sombering chambers of Board Rooms. She was effective in them all.
College days behind us, the lives of Ann, Jean, and Ziba still crossed ~ sometimes enjoying a bonfire together, or sharing our friendships, home visits, taking salt, even a lecture or two. And we all used email.
Ann will be missed by us. She was a very dear person, and very dear to us. We share in your grief.
Very sincerely,
Jean and Ziba Fisher
As first cousins, memories go way back to our grandmother’s home on Rideout Street; Ann lived around the corner, we further away in Montreal. Her Uncle Bob, my father, always had a special spot in his heart for her and I am sorry that we did not stay closer as our adult lives went their ways. She always spoke proudly of her sons and of her grandkids who were above all, the important trips of her life.
My condolences to her family.
Ann was the most influential person in my life. She was so interesting and intelligent. I learned so many amazing things from her. I loved how she loved the north and wilderness as I do. She always gave more of her self to other people. She inspired me to do my art. She taught me the names of many wildflowers and birds whenever we were in nature. I will miss her so much, her beautiful smile and her grace.
I believe anyone who’s ever had the privilege to be a part of her life is fortunate. There will never be another Ann in this world.
I loved her dearly and will miss her greatly.
Bonnie and Cedar (my Retriever)
I am deeply saddened to hear of Ann’s passing. Back at Seneca College Ziba, Frank, Gord and myself called Ann
affectionately “The Old Bat”.
Ann was such a creative, giving person who thrived on travelling and learning. We had so much fun working together …one MILE at a time.
Love always, “Donna Banana”,
Donna Barry
Bob Ransom and I were concerned about Ann we had periodically made contact with her concerning family genealogy. Bob had met her in London a few years back and I have exchanged emails with her over the years. I was in London a few weeks ago and tried to contact her without success and now I know why. My condolences to the family and may she rest in peace.
A second cousin.
Ann is a cousin of my husband Dr John Marnoch Cleghorn M.D. who died prematurely in 1992. Jock and I were most fond of Ann, and even though we lost contact in recent decades she was loved and appreciated by us for her grace, wit, warmth, generosity and love of life.
To her family I send heartfelt condolences and best wishes as you grieve her loss.
A donation to the Children’s Wish Foundation has been given in loving memory of Ann.
Aunt Ann,
You are the salt of the earth and the promise of a new day, complete with four legged creatures in tow!!!?
Your grace, smile, and wit always lit up the room! Dogs wagging and shaking off fresh lake water, all the while, you watching in adoration.
It makes me smile to recall your kind and thoughtful letters to your nephew, my beloved Kent, and me over the years. Kent was just fondly telling me the story of how you came to him one day, took him to the lake, and taught him all about canoes and efficient steering; lessons and love he has never forgotten. I will miss your sweet Canadian cadence in telling your stories and reflections. How fortunate we have been to have you in our lives.
Your sons, along with all the cousins, will carry you close in our hearts, always and forever.
Lovingly, Janice
I remember attending the wedding of Ann and my older cousin Murray (my father George’s nephew) in London when I was quite young, and how beautiful she was. Reading her obituary, I wish I had had the opportunity to know her better; it sounds like we had a lot of common interests including a love of nature and Algonquin Park. I hope she had a happy life and didn’t suffer. She has now joined a great cast of Sinclairs and others.
Aunt Ann and her hearty laugh will be greatly missed. Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy go out to all her family and friends in this time of sadness. Love, Tony, Elizabeth, Max and Alex von Isser
Peg Upton (my mother) and Ann were sister friends and I had the good fortune of joining these ladies on occassion when Peg visited from Victoria, B.C. Always good conversation & much laughter; a privaledge being with these amazing women. Ann will be missed terribly by Peg and myself. We celebrate this beautiful woman and are grateful for her friendship, kindness and generosity. Peg Upton & Joy Thompson
My condolences for the loss of your mother. You were all so important to her.
Ann and I were life long friends as were our parents. We shared good times together in London, Port Stanley, Toronto and Cedar Lake.
Ann in so many ways exemplified grace and elegance and generosity. She was known for her acts of kindness and thoughtfulness.
Through the years we met at Valois and trekked into Cedar Lake…adventures with boats, cottage repairs canoeing and swimming. The best part were the long hours spent on the porch philosophizing,sharing stories, tears and laughter.
Ann was so generous in sharing the cottage with friends, bringing people together to celebrate friendship in a very beautiful place.
Wonderful memories . I will miss you Ann.
Very sorry and surprised to hear that Ann has gone to that “cottage in the sky”. She spoke often and fondly of the grandkids, the boys and the dog, though not always in that order. Our very best wishes to the family.
I was so saddened to hear of Ann’s death. Unfortunately, I was unable to get to London tonight. I worked with Ann at the Heart & Stroke Foundation in the 1980s and through Ann learned the love of cottaging. We started by renting her cabin at Camp Lake and “graduated” to Gilmor Island where we spent time for eleven summers. Then,with great encouragement from Ann bought our own cottage which we still enjoy and think of Ann often. My husband died a few years ago and from Ann I received a very kind and thoughtful letter also filled with wonderful humour. My children and I have such wonderful memories of those summers spent in Algonquin Park, thanks to Ann. I will miss her wisdom, grace and generosity. I am sure it will be a huge loss for all of you but the good memories will sustain you for a long time.
A heartfelt condolence to Ann’s son’s, daughter in-law’s and grand children’s.
I am very thankful for the upportunity to be with Ann.Living with her is a blessing, she’s always positive in life, a teacher,a mother and a friend to me.
We enjoy a car ride to Port Stanley and visit places in town.She’s always happy sharing all her memories about family,her travels in and outside the country,cottage and farm. A smile on her face when she will get a phone call from her family and friends, and when Robin(her dog) does tricks.
One thing I learn from Ann is the expression that we always use when we have to go out “It takes a while to put our acts together”. Never complain about life, instead face it.
I will miss you dearly Ann.