Event Date : Friday, February 12, 1954
Event Type : Death
Description : One of the district's most elderly, well known, and highly respected residents, Mr. John Henry Lee, passed away on Friday, February 12. About a year ago his health began to fail. He spent six weeks in Southampton hospital where expert medical opinion was sought. In September he returned to Bradford where, at the home of his son, Mr. Seward Lee, he was cared for through a long illness by his granddaughter, Miss Charlotte Lee, while his family and his old friends came and went. The week before his death he was removed to Newmarket hospital where he passed away in his sleep early Friday morning. Born almost 93 years ago on Lot 3, Concession 11, West Gwillimbury, a son of Samuel Lee, who was also born on the same farm, and of Alice Burns of Mount Pleasant corner, who was of Scotch descent from Nova Scotia, John Lee was the third generation of Lee on that farm, his Irish grandfather having come from County Derry to settle there. In 1887 he married the late Charlotte Hodgson and they took up residence on the 12th concession of West Gwillimbury. With their family of nine they resided there until 1916 when they moved to the farm north of Bradford where their son, Seward Lee, now resides. In 1928, when their son married, Mr. and Mrs. Lee moved to Bradford. In 1937 Mr. and Mrs. Lee celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a complete family circle. Three years later, in 1940, after Mrs. Lee's death, he returned to make his home on the farm where he was a favourite with old and young alike, remaining mentally keen to the last. For 74 years the late Mr. Lee was a member of L.O.L. No. 209, Newton Robinson, and during that long period of years he never missed an Orangemen's walk. He was also a member of the Black Preceptory. He had been at times District Master and County Master of the Orange Lodge. Several decades ago he was associated with the public life of the township and county. He and his family were also a vital part of the little Anglican Church at Pinkerton for many years. Orangeman Conservative and Anglican to these three convictions he remained staunch. Mr. Lee is survived by one son Seward of Bradford; eight daughters Mrs. Thos. Brown (Flossie) of Bradford; Mrs. R. Watt (Minnie) of Raymore Sask.; Mrs. J. Fraser (Luella) of Port Elgin Ont.; Mrs. E. Fennell (Isabelle) of Bradford; Mrs. J. Hamilton (Christine) of Ormond Florida; Mrs. P. Haller (Mina) of Ann Arbor Mich.; Mrs. Morrow (Clara) of Murillo Ont.; Mrs. K. Jack (Henrietta) of Clarkson Ont.; 28 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; and one brother Christopher Lee of Bradford. A brother Sam and sisters Misses Jennie and Agnes predeceased him during recent years. All members of his family were here for his funeral with the exception of Mrs. Watt who visited her father last fall. The funeral service was taken by his rector Rev. W. Johnson on Monday afternoon and interment was in St. Paul's Cemetery. The pallbearers were members of L.O.L. No 209 namely John Robinson, Robt. Webber, John Parks, Ben Steers, and D. K. Harvey.
