Following
a serious operation on Saturday last, the death took place at the
Norfolk General hospital yesterday afternoon of Alfred Thomas Hitchcock,
one of Simcoe's most popular citizens, in his 45th year. His passing
came with shocking suddenness to a wide circle of friends, as only a few
were aware of the serious nature of his brief illness.
The son of Mr.
and Mrs. A. M. Hitchcock, Talbot street south, he was born in Eng-land
44 years ago and came to Canada with his parents as a young man. For
many years both before and after the Great War, he was a member of the
Canadian National Express office staff in the employ of Mr. R. W.
Wallace. He went overseas with the 133rd Battalion in the year 1916, and
served for the duration of the war. Upon his return he resumed his
former occupation which he followed until two years ago, when he became
a member of the Reformer staff. He was also associated with the firm of
Martin Brothers as accountant.
He was a
prominent member of Simcoe Baptist Church and took a keen interest in
many phases of its activity, especially the BYPU, whose members will
surely miss his valued assistance. Likewise he will be missed in the
Simcoe Lions Club of which he had been a member for the past year, and
in Simcoe Lodge I.O.O.F. to which he had belonged for many years. An
accomplished elocutionist his services were in wide demand by various
organizations in Simcoe and district.
Besides his
parents and his widow who was formerly [Rena] Slaght, he leaves one
sister, Mrs. Bruce Thompson and one aunt Mrs. A. Outerberg of Simcoe all
of whom have the deepest sympathy of the community in their great loss.
The funeral will
be held on Saturday afternoon with service at the home, 574 Norfolk
street north at 2 o'clock and interment in Oakwood cemetery.
