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Horace Edgar (Roy) Tilbe

June 8, 2003

TILBE, Horace Edgar (Roy)

It is with deep sadness that Roy’s family announce his death on June 8th, 2003.

Roy was born in London, UK in 1921. He attended Colfe’s Grammar School and on completion of his studies, he entered an Engineering Apprenticeship with Vickers Armstrong. As one of the first students to participate in the then, new concept of co-op programs, he also studied for his BSc in Mechanical Engineering at London University. However, in 1942, he joined the RAF and received his pilot training in Yorkton, Sask. under the Commonwealth Training Program. He then served with Number 8 Squadron Coastal Command based in Ceylon (Sri Lanka). In 1946, he was able to return to the UK to receive his apprenticeship papers and complete his Honour’s degree. Roy’s engineering experience related almost entirely to the peaceful use of nuclear energy for the production of electricity. In 1949, Roy immigrated to Canada and worked with AECL and CGE. He headed the research and development team for the fueling of the NPD reactor and for the prototype of the CANDU reactors. In 1961, he returned to the UK as manager of research and development for the Fuel Element Group of UKAEA at Dounraey, Scotland. After holding various managerial positions in the UK and Europe, he returned to Canada in 1974 joining WP London & Associates of Niagara Falls, Ontario to establish and develop a nuclear division. In 1976, the company was licensed to market the CANDECON decontamination process for AECL and successfully decontaminated reactors worldwide, using with great pride, the Canadian technology. In 1986, Roy finally retired as President and CEO of both London Nuclear Ltd., Niagara Falls, Ontario and London Nuclear Services, Niagara Falls, New York. He settled with his family in Qualicum Beach, but could not sit still for long. Because of his great love and belief in our young people, he became heavily involved with the school district. Through his suggestion, the Mentor Program in the schools was established and he also pushed hard for an Apprenticeship Program. Roy was also one of the first members of the Scientists in the Schools program. Roy was director of the Canadian Nuclear Association, Member of the British Nuclear Energy Society, Chairman of the Niagara Finger Lake, NY section of the American Nuclear Society, Board Member of the Organization of CANDU Industries, and he sat on the Advisory Boards of both the Rochester Institute of Technology, NY and the University of Toronto (Centre of Nuclear Engineering). He was also a member of the Mid-Island Section of the Science Council of British Columbia.

His family loved him dearly and he will be missed by Sally, his wife; children Richard (Nicola) UK, Andrée (Michael) Toronto, Peter (Linda) Fla, David UK, Patricia (Tony) UK, Simon (Vancouver), and Christopher (China); eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A private funeral service took place on June 12th, ministered by Roy’s son Peter, cremation followed.

Anyone wishing to remember Roy is asked to make a donation to the Princess Margaret Hospital, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, M5G 2M9.

“Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well.”

YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM 248-5859

in care of arrangements



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