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, April 22, 1966
Event Type : Death

Description : William Cyril Selby, whose pioneer ancestors in York County became early settlers in West Gwillimbury, died in York County Hospital on April 22, following a coronary. He was the last surviving member of his family to reside in this area. Born on the 9th Concession of West Gwillimbury, 76 years ago, Mr. Selby served throughout the years of the First World War with heavy artillery. Returning after the war, to the farm of his birth, he made his home there, and that farm his life interest, until 1960, when he purchased a home on Church Street and retired to Bradford. Of a quiet and kindly disposition, he was liked by his neighbours and other friends. He was a member of St. Paul's Anglican Church. The story of the Selby family is one which reminds us of the early history of this area, his great-grandmother having been Isabel Sutherland, a Selkirk settler, and another grandparent being a U.E. Loyalist. Mr. Selby was predeceased by two brothers, Mr. Ernest Selby and Percy, one time reeve of West Gwillimbury, and by a sister, Mrs. Roy Kneeshaw (Mary). Two sisters survive him, namely Mrs. Lena B. Selby of Asbury Park, N.Y., and Mrs. Thomas (Stella) of South Orange N.J. The funeral service was held in St. Paul's Anglican Church, Coulson's Hill, with the services being conducted by his rector, Rev. W. H. Warnica, and interment in St. Paul's Cemetery. The pallbearers were Dr. Selby Kneeshaw, Messrs. Carl Bowles, Keith Bowles, Victor Sloane, John Fennell and Sam Lee. Flower bearers were Messrs. Norman Bowles, J. L. Henderson, Waldy Crossland, Thos. Brown and Seward Lee.

Event Date : Monday, April 25, 1983
Event Type : Death

Description : In his 91st year. Retired Manager of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Resident of Bradford. Husband of the late Margarita Jacobs. Father of Kay Veale of Toronto, Shirley (Mrs. George Kydd) of Uxbridge, Robert of Ottawa, Carol (Mrs. Nelson Brandon) of Perth and predeceased by William. Also survived by eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Visitation and service at the Lathangue & Skwarchuk Funeral Home, Bradford. Interment in Cobourg Cemetery. Donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

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.