Thomas L. Sinclair
dies,
Taught Long in Norfolk Schools
A teacher in Norfolk County
schools for 54 years until his retirement 15 years ago, Thomas L.
Sinclair, 5 London Street, Toronto, died in Our Lady of Mercy Hospital
on Thursday. He was 91 years of age.
Born in Caithness, Scotland,
deceased came to Canada at the age of six with his father, Rev. Dr. T.
Sinclair, a Baptist minister who settled in Huron Township. When Dr.
Sinclair was appointed to a pastorate in Norfolk County, the family
moved to Vittoria.
As a boy Thomas Sinclair
attended school at Vittoria and in 1881 as a youth received his first
teaching appointment, taking charge of Baker's School in
Charlotteville. Following this he taught at Tyrrell, moving after a
year to Forestville, where he remained for 25 years.
In 1915 Mr. Sinclair went back
to his boyhood home, Vittoria, where he continued to teach until 31
Dec 1935, when he retired as principal of the Public School. In the
meantime, Mr. Sinclair had maintained a home in Toronto and he went
there following his retirement.
As a teacher his record was an
unusually successful one and in his last entrance class of six, all
passed their examinations with honors.
Mr. Sinclair was a member of
Vittoria Baptist Church for many years and took a keen interest in all
branches of church activity. His chief interest aside from teaching
and church matters lay in natural history and Indian lore and his
knowledge of the early days of this district was probably unsurpassed.
He was a Past Master of Vittoria Lodge No [250], A. F. and A. M.
Surviving are his wife, the
former Ida Brown, and one son Keith. ...
Rev. W. F. James of Brantford,
formerly of Vittoria, officiated [his funeral]. Mr. James said
although he had not come to know Mr. Sinclair, he was constantly beng
reminded by those who did of deceased's high ideals and sterling
character. Undoubtedly he had left a deep imprint on the community
where he had served so long and faithfully.
Interment was in Hillcrest
Cemetery at Forestville.
