Alumni Notes

Norm Bedford, MBA, started an international export company after graduating from Smith, first doing business in the Middle East, then in South America and finally in Southeast Asia. After 20 years of travelling, Norm took a job at Saint Mary’s College of California, where he and a colleague crafted an international business program. He recently retired and now lives with his wife, Norma, BNSc’64, on their farm in Washington state. “My thanks to Queen’s for shaping my life, providing me with an excellent education, and bringing myself and Norma together.”

John Drew, BCom, died on Jan. 22 at age 87. John worked in the finance industry in Toronto and New York at Baker Weeks, Dean Witter Reynolds, Midland Walwyn, and Brown Brothers Harriman. He loved jazz, reading history books, watching the Toronto Blue Jays, and a good political debate. John is survived by his wife, Merle; children Maura, Artsci’87, Clarke and Christopher; and six grandchildren.

John Camilleri-Brennan, MBA, at age 87 moved into a residential home for seniors in Malta, and was soon elected chair of its residents’ association. He was nominated for the Annual Award for Initiatives in Elderly Care, as well as the Award for Active Ageing. Now 88, John only recently resigned from the directorships he'd held in private companies, but continues to be a frequent speaker at the Ageing With Dignity Forum of the President's Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, where he often mentions some aspects of his memorable time at Queen's. A cherished memory is the first snowfall, and first white Christmas, he and his wife, Marion, experienced in Kingston in 1963. He is shown receiving a medal after having competed in several disciplines at an elderly citizens’ sports day held in Malta in October 2016. 

David Williams (MBA) has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Toronto-based Atlantis Systems Corp.

Lawrence Milton (Milt) Hess (BCom) was surrounded by family at his Toronto home when he passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer on April 10. Raised in Winnipeg, Milt was an accomplished athlete who played on the varsity badminton team at Queen’s. It was there that he met the love of his life, Julie, whom he married in 1965. The couple settled in Toronto where, after graduating from University of Toronto Law, Milt began a long and successful career. He was a senior partner at Stikeman Elliott for more than 30 years. Milt was widely respected and enriched the lives of those fortunate to know him. This was no more evident than at Homecoming 2014, when he celebrated his 50th-anniversary reunion with classmates and friends. Milt was a proud alumnus who helped establish the Com’64 Endowment Fund and rallied his class to support this legacy. In addition to his wife Julie (Deacon, Artsci’65), Milt is survived by his children Jeff, BCom’91 (Cathy, BCom'90); Greg (Michaela); Jonathan (Sarah, Artsci’01); and Adam. He also leaves nine grandchildren; siblings and siblings-in-law Rosemary and Stuart Lawrence; Susan Hess; John and Margaret Deacon; and Charles, BCom’72, and Bev (Deacon, Artsci’72); and many nieces and nephews.