Anna Pannebecker

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Holm
• Eby ID Number: 00087-5126
• Residence: 1862, Puslinch Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Anna Pannebecker, "was born in 1842. She is married to Daniel Holm. They reside on lot No. 6, Concession 3, Puslinch Township, Wellington County, near Hespeler. Their family consists of eight children"

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

_________________

HOLM, HANNAH (or ANNA, Nee Panabaker)

On Saturday, August 21, 1925, one of the oldest residents of Waterloo Township, Mrs. Daniel Holm. She was born on the farm on which she died, nearly 83 years ago, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Panabaker, one of the pioneers of the district. Sixty-three years ago, she married Mr. Holm and for this long span of life, proved a worthy helpmeet. Loved and revered by all who knew her, Mrs. Holm lived a most useful life in the community. She was a Mennonite in religion. A family of four sons and three daughters, besides her aged husband, survive: Isaiah, Elias, Archie, Walter, Mrs. Levi Panabaker, Agnes and Angeline. With the exception of Archie, who lives in Guelph, the family reside in or near Hespeler. Up till nine years ago, when Mr. and Mrs. Holm retired from farming and came to make their home with their son, Walter, they resided on the 9^th concession. The funeral was on Tuesday afternoon to Wanner's Cemetery. Rev. Snider and Rev. H. L. Merner officiated.

- Information from the death certificate: Of lot 3, rear concession 3, Puslinch. Died of apoplexy.

A Celebration of Lives Obituaries of Puslinch Township, Wellington Co., Ontario Vol 1, Anna Jackson & Marjorie Clark
Used with kind permission of Marjorie Clark

Anna married Daniel Holm 14 Oct 1862, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Daniel (son of Rev. Neils Peter Holm and Susannah Cober) was born 24 Mar 1838, Puslinch Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada; died 8 Sep 1925, Puslinch Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried 10 Sep 1925, Wanner Mennonite Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00023-1714.1
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

HESPELER FARMER SLAIN BY MAD COW

Isaiah Holm, 70. Trampled By Animal In Yard; Child Escapes

Hespeler, June 17. Trampled by a maddened cow at his farm in Puslinch township yesterday, Isaiah Holm, 70, died last night in Galt Hospital. Accompanied by his five-year-old grandson, Mr. Holm was leading the animal, which was followed by a day-old calf, to the barn. Suddenly the enraged cow attacked him, The youngster scrambled to safety, while Mr. Holm, was flung to the ground and mauled. Help was secured by the grandson. Medical examination revealed a fractured leg, three fractured ribs, a broken nose and possible internal injuries. The deceased was born in Puslinch township and was a son of the late Daniel Holm. He farmed on the back road between Hespeler and Galt and for some years resided on a farm at Speedsville. He was a member of Hespeler United Church and for some years was on the board. He was twice married, His first wife was the late Caroline Clemens. He is survived by his second wife, Annie Elsie Gingrich and four grandchildren, Mrs. Harry Reeves, Toronto; Cecil Holm on the old homestead, Puslinch township; Bessie, nurse at the Freeport Sanatorium and Jennie, nurse at Homewood Sanatorium, Guelph. There are three brothers and three sisters, Elias and Walter Holm, Puslinch township; Archie Holm, Guelph; Mrs. Levi Panabaker, Hespeler; Misses Agnes and Angeline Holm, on the old homestead, Puslinch. One brother, Cyrus, predeceased him. The funeral will he held at 2: 30 p.m., Friday in Wanner's Cemetery, Fisher Mills.

Kitchener Daily Record 17 Jun 1936 pg 1

Isaiah married Caroline "Carrie" Clemens 14 Mar 1894, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Caroline (daughter of John S. Clemens and Rebecca Snyder) was born 30 Sep 1863, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 24 Jan 1900, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Wanner Mennonite Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Isaiah married Annie Elsie Gingrich 8 Feb 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Annie (daughter of Jacob S. Gingrich and Louisa Bergy) was born 22 Sep 1868, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 23 Feb 1947, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Wanner Mennonite Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00087-5126.2

Other Events:

• Name: Veronica Panabaker
• Eby ID Number: 00087-5126.4
• Residence: 1891, Grey Twp., Huron Co., Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1911, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1946, Maple St., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

PANNABAKER, VERONICA (Nee Holm)

At her residence on Maple St. in Hespeler, a well known resident and one of Hespeler's most respected citizens, on Thursday night, February 7, 1946, following a short illness, in her 79^th year. Wife of the late Levi Panabaker. She was a member of Hespeler United Church and was an active member of the Ladies' Aid and the Women's Missionary Society. She also took a prominent part in other affairs throughout the community. Born in Puslinch Township, she was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Holm, one of the pioneer families, but lived most of her life in Hespeler. Her husband predeceased her in 1942. Survived by two daughters and three sons, Mrs. Lester Rife of California; Mrs. Stan Organ of St. Catharines; David W. of Hespeler; Harold of Calgary; John of Preston; two brothers and three sisters, Walter Holm of Puslinch; Archie Holm of Guelph; Agnes and Angeline Holm, both of Puslinch. Her body rested at her residence. The funeral was held on Sat. , Feb. 9 at 3: 30 from the Stager and Co. Funeral Home. Interment Hespeler Cemetery.

A Celebration of Lives Obituaries of Puslinch Township, Wellington Co., Ontario Vol 2 Anna Jackson & Marjorie Clark

Veronica married Levi Wanner Panabaker 24 Mar 1891, Grey Twp., Huron Co., Ontario, Canada. Levi (son of David Panabaker and Catherine S. Wanner) was born 15 Nov 1855, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 15 Jun 1940, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , New Hope Cemetery, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00087-5126.5

Notes:

HOLM, ELIAS

In his 76^th year, early on Monday evening, September 24, 1945, at the Guelph General Hospital, following a lengthy illness. He was a native and lifelong resident of Puslinch Township. His parents were the late Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Holm. He attended Hespeler United Church and was well-known locally. Surviving are his wife, Sarah Darby; two brothers, Walter and Archie, both of Puslinch; and three sisters, Mrs. Levi Panabaker of Hespeler; and the Misses Agnes and Angeline Holm of Puslinch. The funeral service at Stager's Funeral Home in Hespeler on Thurs., Sept. 27 at 2, was largely attended by relatives and friends. Rev. George Kersey conducted the service, assisted by Rev. Kenny. Burial in Hespeler Cemetery. Pallbearers: Earl Holm of Galt; Ralph Holm of Puslinch; Ferdie Holm, Neil Darby and Donald Friendship of Guelph; Ross Calling of Toronto.

A Celebration of Lives Obituaries of Puslinch Township, Wellington Co., Ontario Vol 1, Anna Jackson & Marjorie Clark
Used with kind permission of Marjorie Clark

Elias married Sarah Agnes Darby 25 Apr 1911, Guelph City, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada. Sarah was born 15 Mar 1873, Guelph Township, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada; died 25 May 1946, Guelph City, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , New Hope Cemetery, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00087-5126.6

Notes:

HOLM, AGNES

On Wednesday evening, April 19, 1961, at the Eventide Home in Galt, in her 90^th year, formerly of R. R. #2, Hespeler. Daughter of the late Daniel Holm and Anna Panabaker. Aunt of Evelyn (Mrs. Gordon Couling) and Fred Holm, both of Guelph. Miss Holm had been a resident at Eventide Home for four years. She was born on October 4, 1871 in Puslinch Township and lived there all of her life. She was a seamstress. Miss Holm was a member of Hespeler United Church. She was the last surviving member of the Holm family. Service at the Stager-Nelson Funeral Home, 23 Galt St. in Hespeler on Sat., Apr. 22 at 2: 30. Rev. Dr. E. B. Eddy of Hespeler United Church officiated. Pallbearers: Clarence Cunnington, Ralph Holm, Ernest Holm, and James Purdy, all of Hespeler; Roy Holm of Preston; and Stanley Harnack of Puslinch. Interment Wanner Mennonite Cemetery at Beaverdale, R. R. #1, Hespeler.

A Celebration of Lives Obituaries of Puslinch Township, Wellington Co., Ontario Vol 1, Anna Jackson & Marjorie Clark
Used with kind permission of Marjorie Clark

Other Events:

• Name: Archie Holm
• Eby ID Number: 00056-3845.9

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00087-5126.8

Notes:

HOLM, ANGELINE

Of Puslinch, on Thursday night, December 20, 1956, at Hespeler (or at 117 Grange St. in Guelph - two differing reports), in her 80^th year. Miss Holm was born October 8, 1877 in Puslinch Township. She was a member of the Hespeler United Church and the Women's Missionary Society and belonged to the Puslinch Lake Women's Institute. She received her schooling at S. S. #11, Puslinch. Miss Holm was the daughter of the late Daniel Holm and Hannah (or Anna) Panabecker. She is survived by a sister, Miss Agnes Holm and a brother, Walter Holm, both of R. R. #1, Hespeler. Service at the Stager Funeral Home, 23 Galt St. in Hespeler, on Mon., Dec. 24 at 2, conducted by Rev. J. M. Butler of Hespeler United Church. Pallbearers: John Panabaker and Alvin Holm of Preston; Ralph Holm and Isaac Wismer of Galt; Cecil Holm of R. R. #1, Hespeler; and Elton Holm of R. R. #5, Galt. Interment Wanner's Cemetery, R. R. #1, Hespeler.

A Celebration of Lives Obituaries of Puslinch Township, Wellington Co., Ontario Vol 1, Anna Jackson & Marjorie Clark
Used with kind permission of Marjorie Clark

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00087-5126.9
• Residence: 1957, RR1, Hespeler, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Walter Holm Dies At London

Well known district resident, Walter Holm. RR 1. Hespeler, died on Wednesday at Victoria hospital, London. where he had been a patient for the past several weeks. He was in his 76th year.

Mr. Holm was born in Pus1inch township and had lived in this district all his life. He was a son of the late Daniel Holm and the former Anna Panabaker. Mr. Holm had farmed actively until January 1953. when he sold the farm and moved out on the River road.

As a member of the Hespeler United church. Mr. Holm was an honorary elder, and was active in many organizations. He was very well known and had a wide circle of friends. Mr. Holm was predeceased by his wife, the former Margaret Cooper. on the 10th of this month. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Harvey Dennis (Irene), of Milton, and a son, Ralph Holm of Galt. There are two grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Miss Agnes Holm of Galt.

Deceased is resting at the Stager funeral home. Galt street, where 'funeral service will be conduct4d on Saturday, June 1, at 2.30 p.m. Interment will follow in the Hespeler cemetery.

______________

HOLM, WALTER

At Victoria Hospital in London, on Wednesday, May 29, 1957, in 76^th year. Husband of the late Margaret Cooper. Father of Irene (Mrs. Harvey Dennis) of Milton and Ralph of Galt. The funeral service, at the Stager Funeral Home on Galt St. in Hespeler on Sat., June 1^st at 2: 30, was largely attended. Rev. J. M. Butler, minister of Hespeler United Church officiated. Pallbearers, all of whom are honorary elders of the United Church, were Clarence Cunnington, Harvey Gingrich, Edward MacPherson, George Miller, Norman Rea and Fred Stager. Interment Hespeler Cemetery.

-Information from the death certificate of Margaret Holm: Stillborn on July 1, 1921. Daughter of Walter Holm and Margaret Cooper of R. R. #6, Guelph, (lot 3, concession 3, Puslinch).

A Celebration of Lives Obituaries of Puslinch Township, Wellington Co., Ontario Vol 1, Anna Jackson & Marjorie Clark
Used with kind permission of Marjorie Clark

Walter married Margaret Cooper 1 Sep 1920, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Margaret (daughter of William Cooper and Mary Carline Schaumberg) was born Jun 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 10 May 1957; was buried , New Hope Cemetery, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Carrie Elizabeth Reeve
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-203663
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Carrie married Harry Cooper Reeve 3 Sep 1924. Harry (son of John Reeve and Helen Armstrong) was born Mar 1900, Guelph Township, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada; died 13 Jan 1995, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Memory Gardens Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-203664
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1987, 283 Winston Blvd, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

HOLM, CECIL ERNEST

At St. Luke's Place in Cambridge, on Monday, April 10, 1989, in his 87^th year. Husband of the late Irene Brubacher (1987). Father of Harold "Harry" and his wife, June of R. R. #22, Cambridge; Ernest and his wife, Audrey of R. R. #3, Owen Sound. Brother of Bessie (Mrs. Bert Rixon) of Florida; Jennie (Mrs. Ed. Mitchelson) of Niagara Falls; and the late Carrie. Also survived by a brother-in-law, Harry Reeve of Cambridge; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mr. Holm farmed all his life. He was a lifelong member of St. Luke's United Church and served for many years on the board of trustees. Nelson Funeral Home, 1766 Franklin Blvd. in Cambridge. Service in St. Luke's United Church on Wed., Apr. 12 at 2. Interment New Hope Cemetery.

-Information from the marriage certificate of Carrie Elizabeth Holm: Born c. 1900, daughter of Isaiah Holm and Carrie Clemens. She married Harry Cooper Reeve on Sept. 3, 1924.

A Celebration of Lives Obituaries of Puslinch Township, Wellington Co., Ontario Vol 1, Anna Jackson & Marjorie Clark
Used with kind permission of Marjorie Clark

Cecil — Irene Brubacher. Irene (daughter of Christian Brubacher and Mary Rahm) was born May 1903, , Ontario, Canada; died 29 Oct 1987, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , New Hope Cemetery, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-203665
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1989, , Florida, USA

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-203667
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1989, Niagara Falls, Welland Co., Ontario, Canada

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-48625
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Butcher, Shop
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1974, 198 Maple St., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1979, 1624 Franklin Blvd., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

PANABAKER. David W.

On January 30, 1979, at the South Waterloo Memorial Hospital, Cambridge, David W. Panabaker of 1624 Franklin Blvd., Cambridge, in his 88th year. Predeceased by his wife, the former Gertrude Parker. He is survived by several nieces and nephews. Resting from this evening, January 31, at the Nelson Funeral Home, 1766 Franklin Blvd., Cambridge, from 7 p.m. Funeral service at St. Luke's United Church, Cambridge, Friday, February 2, 1979, at 2 p.m. Interment to follow in Preston cemetery.

Kitchener-Waterloo Record 31 Jan 1979 pg 27

David married Mary Gertrude Parker 2 Aug 1916, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Thomas J. Parker and Margaret Ann Fenn) was born 8 Nov 1891, Fergus, Nichol Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada; died 10 Oct 1974, Freeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Military: WW1
• Name: Walter Cornelius Pannebecker
• Residence: Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-48626
• Military: 1914, WW1; WW1, Lance Corporal, 111th South Waterloo Battalion
• Military: 1914, WW1; WW1, Service #730317
• Misfortune: 1918; killed in WW1
• Misfortune: 1918; Killed in WW1

Notes:

Military:
Panabaker, Walter Cornelius Lance Corporal. Enlisted with 111th Battalion of South Waterloo. He was killed in action October 1, 1918 He was the son of Mr. Levi Panabaker of Hespeler, Ontario. He enlisted at Hespeler, January 4, 1916.

Kitchener Public Library - Soldier Information Card Collection - World War One

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Catherine Ptolemy
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-48627
• Occupation: 1911, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Knitter, Woolen Mill
• Residence: 1911, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

Mrs. D. A. Ptolemy

Hespeler - Funeral services are being held this afternoon from the Stager and Co. Funeral Home for Mrs. D. A. Ptolemy, 42, formerly Anne C. Pannabaker who died Monday evening at her home here.

A daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Pannabaker deceased was born in Hespeler, and was a graduate of the Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital. Following her marriage, she resided in California for several years, returning with her husband five years ago.

Surviving are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Levi Panabaker, her husband, one son, David, at home, two sisters, Mrs. Lester Rife of Wawa, Penna., and Mrs. S. Organ, Hespeler, three brothers, David W., of Hespeler, Harold of Calgary, Alta., and Jun of Kitchener.

The Waterloo Chronicle Feb 3 1939 pg 3

Anna married Lieut David Allan Pitblado Ptolemy Aft 1911. David was born 26 Sep 1881, , Manitoba, Canada; died 3 Oct 1949, Edmonton, , Alberta, Canada; was buried , Beechmount Cemetery, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Military: WW1
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-48628
• Residence: 1911, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1928, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; teacher
• Residence: 1946, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Other Events:

• Name: John Russell Pannebecker
• Residence: Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-381873
• Residence: 1911, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Military: 1914, WW1; WW1, Private, 111th Battalion
• Military: 1914, WW1; WW1, Service #730752
• Occupation: 1925, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Grocer
• Residence: 1978, 646 Moore St., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

PANABAKER, John R.

Of 646 Moore St., Cambridge (P), at the South Waterloo Memorial Hospital, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 1978, John R. Panabaker, beloved husband of Velma, Dear father of John H. of Kitchener, Robert T. of London. Also survived by eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mr. Panabaker was predeceased by his first wife, Violet Steel in 1961. Survived also by one brother, David of Cambridge and predeceased by two brothers and three sisters. Mr. Panabaker was born in Hespeler and lived in Cambridge all his life, retired from B.F. Goodrich, Canada Ltd. Veteran of the First World War, served with the 111th Battalion. Resting at the Barthel-Stager Funeral Home, 566 Queenston Rd., Cambridge (P), for funeral service, Friday, at 2 p.m. Interment in Park Lawn cemetery.

Kitchener-Waterloo Record 13 Dec 1978 pg 33

John — Velma. [Group Sheet]

John married Violet Victoria Steel 11 Nov 1925, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Violet (daughter of Harry W. Steel and Emily Sibley) was born 1897, Montreal, Ile De Montreal, Quebec; died 1961; was buried , Parklawn Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Florence Ethel Organ
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-48634
• Residence: 1911, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1946, St. Catharines, Welland, Ontario, Canada

Florence married Stanley Thomas Organ Aft 1911. Stanley was born Abt 1901; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Douglas — Marion. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-339500
• Residence: 1954, 20 Gildner St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1978, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Obituary: Former McMaster chancellor John Panabaker was 'generous and kind'
Waterloo resident was devoted to university for more than seven decades

John Panabaker, who served as the 14th chancellor of McMaster University, is being remembered as "generous and kind" and for his longtime devotion to the university.

The respected Canadian businessperson and Order of Canada recipient \emdash who died Feb. 5 at age 94 in Waterloo \emdash was involved with the university for seven decades, starting when he came to the university as a student in 1946.

He was active in the school's debating society and in producing many publications from the McMaster Students Union. In 1968, he joined the board of governors and served on it for 12 years, including the last two as chair.

He became chancellor in 1986, taking over from former academic and top civil servant Allan Leal. Panabaker served for six years and was succeeded by diplomat James Taylor.

Panabaker, a former president of the Mutual Life Assurance Company of Canada, also made many financial donations to McMaster and founded the John H. Panabaker Trust Fund and the Panabaker Digitization Trust. He served on the board of the school's art gallery and helped build it into the McMaster Museum of Art.

"Dr. Panabaker was a steadfast, thoughtful and articulate McMaster leader from his days as a student to his time as chair of the board of governors, then as chancellor and beyond," McMaster president David Farrar said in a statement.

"His relationship with our university began in the shadow of the Second World War and endured for more than three quarters of a century. The impact of his volunteer efforts and philanthropy will extend at least that long again, I am sure."

Carol Podedworny, director and chief curator of the art museum, called Panabaker's impact monumental.

"While his initial and significant financial contribution to the museum has long supported our operations, more recently his continued vision and generosity enabled the museum to digitize our entire permanent collection \emdash a task many institutions are only beginning to undertake," she said in a statement. "John was a thoughtful, supportive, generous and kind donor."

In 1981, Panabaker received an honorary doctor of laws degree from McMaster and, a year later, he was inducted into the McMaster Alumni Gallery. He received the McMaster Students Union Alumni Association Lifetime Leadership Award in 1997 and the McMaster Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award in 2011. He was presented with many other honours, including the Order of Canada in 1990 and the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award in 2014.

Panabaker was born July 31, 1928. He grew up in Preston and graduated from Preston High School. He was one of the first to be inducted into that school's hall of fame in 2005.

While he was going to McMaster, he went to work part-time for Mutual Life, which is based in Waterloo and was founded in 1870. Panabaker graduated from McMaster with a bachelor of arts in 1950 and received the Chancellor's Gold Medal. He obtained his masters in economics in 1954 from the university.

Panabaker eventually went to work full-time for Mutual Life in 1954 and rose up the corporate ladder. He became executive vice-president in 1969, president and CEO in 1973, chair and CEO in 1982 and chair in 1985. He retired in 1989.

Panabaker served as a director on many other company boards, including Maple Leaf Mills and Bell Canada. He served as head of the Corporate-Higher Education Forum, which was founded in 1983 to foster more co-operation between businesses and universities and to boost financial support for post-secondary schools.

Panabaker was involved with such groups as the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation, Waterloo Public Library Board, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra Association and the Freeport Hospital in Kitchener.

Panabaker is survived by his children, David, James, Leslie, Doran and Ian, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Janet, who died at 98 in 2022. He is also predeceased by his brother Robert.


Daniel Nolan can be reached at dannolanwrites@gmail.com

"Obituary: Former Mcmaster Chancellor John Panabaker Was 'Generous And Kind'". 2023. Therecord.Com. https://www.therecord.com/ths/news/hamilton-region/2023/03/09/obituary-former-mcmaster-chancellor-john-panabaker-was-generous-and-kind.html.

John married Janet Mary Dickson 24 Apr 1954, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Janet (daughter of David Galloway Dickson and Bessie Hounam) was born 11 Apr 1924, Blair (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 16 May 2022, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]