Event Date : Wednesday, May 18, 1955
Event Type : Death
Municipality : Matlock, Bath, Derbyshire, England

A former well known resident of this district passed away recently at Matlock, Bath, Derbyshire, England, in the person of George Washington Stoddart. The late Major Stoddart was born on March 5, 1877, the youngest and last surviving child of Robert Stoddart, and Sarah McConkey Stoddart, his wife. His early education was obtained at Middletown School and later at Bradford. Early in his career he became interested in military affairs and enlisted in the 36th Peel Regiment under the command of Lt.-Col. Tyrwhitt. He trained at Stanley Barracks, Toronto, and Wolsley Barracks, London, and rose to Captain of his Regiment. He offered his services in the South African War but his services were declined because of the small number of enlisted men taken from Canada. On June 4, 1902 he married the late Pearl Wood, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Wood of Bradford. The issue of this marriage are Winston and George Stoddart. He served on the Council of the Village of Bradford and was subsequently Reeve. Under his Reeveship, Hydroelectricity was first installed in Bradford. He constructed a number of houses in the Village, principally on Barrie Street. He was a lover of trees and many of the fine maple trees on the Village streets were planted during his term of office on the Council. On the outbreak of World War I he offered his services. Early in 1915 he went Overseas with the 74th Battalion. He lost a leg during the War, but returned to Canada only in 1919. Mrs. Pearl Wood Stoddart died on March 6, 1926. In 1943 he married Bernice Hardstaffe of Matlock, Bath, England, who survives him, as well as a daughter, Georgina, by his second marriage. In 1938 he went to England, making his home there until his death on May 18 last. He visited this country several times since the end of World War I and was keenly interested in Bradford and vicinity.

Event Date : Friday, November 27, 1953
Event Type : Death

Description : Early last Friday evening a 'phone call from Toronto informed Bradford friends that Herbert J. Mason had suffered a stroke at about 11 a.m. and was still unconscious. Later that evening he passed away.Since a serious illness a few years ago Mr. Mason's friends had noted with sadness that he had not recovered his former vitality, but he retained his ready smile and jovial wit and his apparent high spirits often covered the fact that he was far from a well man. He never slackened the speed at which he lived. His energy seemed limitless and he was going almost constantly. Every Friday afternoon he came to the family home at Brittania Farm and returned to the city Sunday evening, but he loved the farm and often returned during the week. Thursday afternoon he spent here. Friday morning he got into his car in front of the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. Passers-by heard the car horn blowing and going to investigate found him. He was moved to hospital but never regained consciousness.Born in Toronto, Mr. Mason was a veteran of World War I and was one of the Dumbells who entertained Canadian troops overseas, and later entertained the home folk after their return.Widely known in advertising circles, he was the Toronto representative of the Walker Press. Prior to joining Walker Press, he was with Reliance Engravers Ltd.A past governor of Gyro International, he was active in Gyro Club work, and was a member of the Toronto Advertising Club.Mr. Mason first became intimately associated with Bradford following the death of his wife's uncle, Mr. Albert Scanlon, when the family acquired the local properties. Within a few weeks his friendly disposition and jolly good humour had won him the friendship of residents in the town and country. He was at home wherever he went. Presiding with dignity at a club meeting, a joke in the back shop, or a cheery laugh with the housewife in the kitchen were all enjoyed with equal zest. He was Bert" to everyone and he received a glad welcome everywhere because his heart was gay and his friendship sincere.He is survived by his wife the former Margaret Lee.The funeral was held in Toronto on Monday afternoon with services conducted by the former Anglican Church rector here Rev. H. G. Blake. Interment was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery Toronto."

Event Date : Friday, June 17, 1955
Event Type : Death
Municipality : Calgary, Alta.

Description : A West Gwillimbury Township son, and a brother of the Township's Reeve, Dr. Ernest R. Selby passed away at his home in Calgary on Friday last, June 17. Dr. Selby had not been well during the past several months, due to a heart condition, and the message informing his family here of his death was not entirely unexpected. Born on the Selby farm, lot 12,
Concession 9, West Gwillimbury, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Selby, Dr. Selby attended Bowles' school and Bradford High School before taking his medical course at Toronto University. After his graduation he specialized at Gravenhurst Sanitorium, St. Louis, and at the Mount Royal Hospital in Montreal, before going to Calgary where he established a practice. He was in Calgary about two years when early in the First Great War, 1914-1918, he offered his services to his country. At that time western Canada units were not being recruited and Dr. Selby came east and signed as a medical officer. During his term of military service he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and also won several medals for distinctive service. The was over he returned to Calgary and about two years later he married Laura McQueen of that city, who survives him, with their two sons, Dr. Raymond Selby and Bill Selby, both of Calgary. Also surviving are two brothers, Percy and Cyril Selby, both of Bradford; and three sisters, Mrs. Roy Kneeshaw (Mary) of Bradford, Miss Lena Selby, R.N., of Asbury Park, N.J., and Mrs. George Thomas (Stella) of Orange, N.J. Dr. Selby was a member of the Anglican church. He was a Mason, having joined Simcoe Masonic Lodge, No. 79, Bradford, before going to western Canada. He took much interest in the St. John's Ambulance Corps and had an outstanding record in instructing for this Corps. The funeral was from his home in Calgary with interment in that city.