Living

Notes:

SHANNON, Robert Henry 1923 2006
It's hard to believe that one man could solve a problem that has stymied billion-dollar corporations for decades, but Robert Shannon seems to have done just that." Canadian Business, April 1988. Described as an alchemist, a modern-day magician, for the process he developed to extract clean oil from coal, however, Robert, like many great people, had humble beginnings. He was a native of Medicine Hat, Alberta. As a teenager, he volunteered for service in the Royal Canadian Navy serving from 1941 until 1945 attaining the rank of Lieutenant. All who were close to him know that serving his country was the proudest time of his life. With a Business Administration degree from the University of Western Ontario and at an age when most people retire, he worked as a lonely researcher in the basement of his Toronto home and discovered how to obtain refined coal products by combining low-grade hydrocarbons, coal and bitumen in an economical way. At age 65, he was recognized by the US Department of Energy beginning a new stage in his life by becoming the owner of Ontario-Ohio Synthetic Fuels Corp., travelling to most parts of the world. Just weeks before his death, he was asked for advice as he continued to be well known as an inventor of note. In the International Statesmen's Who's Who" 1972, he appeared as the Canadian Manager of Chemical Products, Ethyl Corp.; Exec. Vice-Pres. Viceroy Manufacturing Co. Ltd.; Warden of the County of Halton; Reeve of the town of Burlington, and as Governor and Chairman of Finance at the Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital. Robert was the Energy Advisor to Prime Minister Trudeau for a number of years. Father of a child with learning difficulties, he put all his efforts into creating, in 1966, what became known as the Commission on Emotional and Learning Disorders in Children, sponsored by the Canadian Association for the Mentally Retarded; the Council on Children & Youth; the Education Association; Mental Health Association; the Council for Disabled and the Canadian Welfare Council as well as Dr. Barnardo's, a Christian organization based in the United Kingdom, obtaining financial support for a three-year nation-wide study involving 400 professionals in several disciplines. The result was the publication of One Million Children", the most complete report at that time on children suffering emotional and learning disorders. He was a recipient of the C. Douglas Taylor Award for devoted service to the Cause of the Crippled Child from the Canadian Rehabilitation Council for the Disabled. A man with a fine spirit, in his 70's, he joined the Art Gallery of Ontario, taking lessons on art and traveling with a Gallery group, rediscovering the magnificence of the art he used to admire in his art-book collection and making his own films as sources of great and beautiful experiences which he generously liked to share. In the summer of 2003, he moved to Victoria enjoying what he used to describe as some of the best times of his life. A devoted lover of nature, an endless student and tireless reader, he lived a simple life, gaining the appreciation of his new friends and neighbours who used to see him almost everyday walking along the path, close to the sea, always aware of the beauty of his country which he loved as much as he loved life. He passed away on May 3 at Victoria General Hospital where he received a high quality of professional help accompanied by respect and compassion. His family members are grateful to the doctors and nurses. Robert was predeceased by his wife Adrienne Ann Shannon, and was survived by his beloved Mercedes, his daughters Adrienne White, Pamela Ann and Lisa Lynn, and his sisters Lillian Crosson and Eleanor (Bill) Murphy. At his request, there was no funeral service and his ashes will be scattered on the sea.
-- Published in The Times Colonist from May 20 to May 21, 2006.

Robert married Adrienne Anne White on 24 Dec 1950 in Montréal, Québec, Canada. Adrienne (daughter of Percy Colin Campbell White and Ethel Bell McGill) was born on 7 Jul 1924 in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada; died in Apr 2006. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

HANNON, Adrienne
Adrienne Shannon sounds that attractive note that's heard at the head of the choral group in Voice of Victor on Thursdays, at 8:30 p.m. EST, 9:30 p.m. AST, over the CBC Trans-Canada network. Adrienne sings in French, German, Italian and English. CBC News Features A beautiful song bird has flown away after giving pleasure to Canadians for over 60 years. Adrienne began as a child singing for her mother's bridge club and as soloist with major church choirs. Following graduation in voice, piano and languages from the Royal Conservatory of Music, she entered a career in many forms. She had radio series with CBC, CFRB; sang with a Prom Concert Series conducted by Sir Ernest McMillan; was one of the earliest singers in the Canadian Opera Company. She worked with famous artists such as Lansing Hatfield of the Metropolitan Opera Company; Walter Houston of Hollywood, Alex Templeton; renowned orchestra leader, Percy Faith; prima donnas such as Maggie Teyte, Evelyn Gould and others; Brian Aherne, Ralph Bellamy. Even afer 14 years of Alzeheimers disease, at times she would come forth with hymns and songs at the nursing home. She leaves three daughters, Adrienne and Pamela, two with degrees of Doctor of Musical Arts and darling Lisa; her husband, Robert (Bob) and her brother, Cam White.
-- Published on April 15, 2006

Percy married Ethel Bell McGill on 14 Sep 1915. Ethel (daughter of James McGill and Sarah Ann Munro) was born on 22 Sep 1893 in Almonte, Ontario, Canada; died on 10 Oct 1957 in Burlington, Ontario, Canada; was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Burlington, Regional Municipality of Halton, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The Late James McGill
After a long illness Mr James McGill. of this town, died last Saturday evening, aged 58 years and his death caused genuine sorrow in the circles in which he was best known. The funeral took place on Monday, from his late residence on the island, and was well attended. The services at the house were conducted by Rev G.C. McLean, and the funeral was conducted by Alpha Lodge, I.O.O.F., of which Mr McGill was long a member. Deceased was well and favourably known for nearly thirty years as a resident of Almonte. He was by trade a shoemaker, and had amassed a competence, when he was forced through ill health to give up business about six years ago. He suffered a stroke of paralysis, but recovered partially, and was able to go about the street, although lately his sight almost failed and he had a severe attack of jaundice. He had a second stroke of paralysis lately, which proved fatal, He was born in Pakenham township, where his two brothers, John and Alex, still reside, He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters, His son Ernest was in the Northwest at the time of his death, but returned in time for the funeral. The family have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their bereavement.
-- 1901, Friday October 4, The Almonte Gazette page 4

Birth:
Belfast, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

James married Sarah Ann Munro on 23 Mar 1877 in Almonte, Ontario, Canada. Sarah (daughter of Donald Hilton Munro and Anne Mary Stead) was born on 2 Sep 1849 in Lanark County, Ontario, Canada; died on 2 Jan 1929 in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada; was buried in Hillside Cemetery, Medicine Hat, Cypress County, Alberta, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]