John Hubert Aikman

John Aikman passed away on 22 May 2016 at the age of 74 years from cancer. He was the best friend and beloved husband of Elaine (née Wilson) for 53 years, father of Peter and Mark and his wife Marnie and devoted grandfather to Andrew and Jordan. The son of Jack and Betty Aikman, he was born and raised in Hamilton. He was eldest brother to Doug (Louise), both deceased, and Murray (Ellen). He graduated from the Hamilton Teachers’ College and earned numerous further degrees in Education. As an educator with the former Hamilton Board of Education, he developed and operated the Outdoor Education Program for 20 years and assisted with the development of the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario. In retirement, he continued to work with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board as Manager of the Educational Archives and Heritage Centre, identifying, preserving and sharing the history of education in the Hamilton area. As a leader with Scouts Canada, he initially worked with the 88th Group and worked as Area Commissioner and Deputy Council Commissioner for the Battlefields Council. He was recipient of numerous Scouting awards, including the Bar to the Silver Acorn, Award for Fortitude and the Medal for Meritorious Conduct. He was involved for many years on the Historic Site Committee of the Hamilton Conservation Authority, assisting to preserve the history of the Crooks Hollow Area near Greensville and the Westfield Heritage Village as a board member and vice chair. For the past 25 years, he was the lead blacksmith at the village. As an active Mason, John was a past master of the Ancient Landmarks/Doric Lodge No. 654 as well as a member of the Scottish Rite, 32nd degree. In 2006, he was appointed the Grand Organist for the Grand Lodge of Canada, in Ontario. He and Elaine were charter members of Emmanuel United Church, Hamilton. He served his church in many capacities over the years. His passions included steam railway travels; a highlight was to be able to circumnavigate the world by train. He and Elaine enjoyed their trips to Asia, Britain and throughout North America but their special place was the family cottage on Georgian Bay near Parry Sound. Memorial Visitation at Cresmount Funeral Home, 322 Fennell Avenue East, on Thursday, 26 May 2016 from 2-4 pm, and 7-9 pm. Masonic service will follow at 9 pm. Memorial service is at Emmanuel United Church, 871 Upper Ottawa Street at 11 am on Saturday, 28 May 2016. Memorial donations to Emmanuel United Church, Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice or the HWDSB Foundation - Educational Archives.