Julian Frederick Spear passed away suddenly on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010.
Julian was born July 26, 1927 in Plymouth, England. After graduating from Plymouth College in 1945, he served in the British Army from 1946-48.
Upon returning, he became a Professional Civil Engineer and began is career in Plymouth, England.
On Aug. 28, 1954 he married his childhood sweetheart, Mary (Grimes). They lived in Plymouth and Exeter before moving to Canada in 1975 with three daughters.
Julian was a municipal engineer at Ottawa City Hall until 1978 when he relocated with the family to Lindsay, Ont. to become the town engineer. In 1981, the family moved to Fort Frances, Ont., where Julian continued his career as the town engineer.
Upon retiring in 1990, Julian and Mary moved to Huntsville, Ont. to be closer to family. Julian ran in the municipal elections and was first elected in 1990, and served three terms.
Julian was a devoted husband and family was his life. He will be remembered for his dry sense of humour and extreme honesty.
He also enjoyed rowing his wooden boat, fishing, reading and listening to music, spending time with his grandchildren, and walking his dog, Honey.
Julian was a member of Engineers Canada, the Royal Canadian Legion, and All Saints Church.
In Fort Frances, he volunteered with Culturama for nine years. In Huntsville, his volunteer work included nine years on the library board, 10 years with the Muskoka Heritage Village, and six years with the Heritage Committee that worked on the Swing Bridge and placed the Heritage signs at Hoodstown Lock.
He also was a member of the Men’s Breakfast Club at All Saints Church.
Julian is survived by his wife, Mary (Grimes) Spear; his three daughters, Rosemary (Jim Busch) of Sudbury, Diana (Stephen Choles) Hillsdale, and Patricia (Martin Nicolai) Keswick; seven grandchildren, Christopher and Jessica Busch, Cassandra and Ben Choles, and Julian, Olivia, and Meredith Nicolai, and beloved dog, Honey.
He is predeceased by Eliza and Frederick Spear; and siblings, Barbara, John, and Geoffrey.
Julian had a private family burial on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010 at All Saints Cemetery, conducted by Rev. Donald W. Clark.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010 at 11 a.m. at All Saints Church in Huntsville, with a reception to follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for in memoriam donations to the Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary or the Huntsville animal shelter.