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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
FORDYCE, James Edward - Our captain sailed into the sunset on April 7, 2021, just short of his 76th birthday. He leaves behind a loving crew, his wife Michèle, his children Patrick (Amy Stent) and Valérie (Alexander Letchford) and his grandchildren Calum, Ashton and Emilie. He will also be missed by his sister Elspeth Humphries and brother-in-law Graham living in Australia, and his nephews, Christopher, Nick and Tom. J.E. was born and grew up in Ottawa. He attended Trinity College School (TCS), Port Hope for the last two years of high school and then pursued his studies at the University of Toronto. After completing his undergraduate degree at Trinity College, he attended law school at Osgoode Hall, York University. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 1975 and joined the law firm of Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt LLP where he became a Partner in 1980 and practised Corporate, Banking and Natural Resource Law until his retirement in 2001. In 1996, J.E. was invited to join the TCS Board of Governors where he assumed a leadership role in the fields of information technology and infrastructure. He also served as a member of the Board's Executive Committee. Following his retirement from the Board in 2003, he was made a member of the School's Body of Trustees. At the Toronto community level, he served on the Board of SPRINT, Senior Peoples Resources in North Toronto for several years, acting as Chair from 2007 to 2009. For J.E., there were two seasons: skiing and boating. J.E. was a very skilled and beautiful skier. Over the years, he took many ski trips with family and friends in Western Canada and Europe. He made sure that his children also mastered the sport. J.E. was passionate about boating. He received his initial training as a Sea Cadet with the University Naval Training Division, on the Great Lakes in 1963 and overseas in 1964. He raced his Shark Celeste at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club for thirty years before going to the dark side to become the captain of a trawler. His two trawlers, Entre Deux Mers and Adagio I, gave him and the Admiral the opportunity to cruise extensively along the US Atlantic Coast down to Florida, as well as the Bahamas, the St. Lawrence River, the Maritimes and throughout the five Great Lakes. J.E. was a leading member of the Great Lakes Cruising Club, becoming its Commodore for the years 2010 - 2011. In recognition of his seamanship, he was made a Fellow and Medalist of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. J.E. was excellent company when ski boots came off or sails came down. He liked to share his knowledge of wine and food and, like any sailor, he told a good yarn. In his later years, J.E. spent more time at the ancestral family cottage at Maple Grove, a place he enjoyed with family and friends. A celebration of J.E.'s life will take place at a later date. Donations in J.E.'s memory may be made to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care and Bridgepoint Active Health Care. (the Globe and Mail 14 Apr 2021)
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