Obituary of Byron Cumming

Byron R. Cumming (June 28, 1915 – December 24, 2012) The son of George and Barbara (Staples) Cumming, Byron was born in Fredericton on June 28, 1915. After graduating from Provincial Normal School, Byron went to the North Shore to head Dalhousie High School’s first Industrial Program. He was shortly joined by his new wife Marguerite (Hawkins). After five years in Dalhousie, the couple moved to Bathurst where Byron remained as head of the Industrial Department for many years, taking on the additional duties of Vice Principal of Bathurst High School until his retirement in 1975. Also during this time, Byron taught night school and was responsible for the Apprenticeship Program conducted in cooperation with the provincial Department of Labour. Byron also served on the Bathurst Town Planning Committee for several years. It was in Bathurst that two daughters, Bonita and Patricia were born. Summers saw the Cumming family locate to the cottage on the banks of the Saint John River outside Fredericton, NB during which time Byron had summer employment for several years with Horsnell’s Machine Shop as a draftsman. A creative and talented artist and craftsperson, Byron produced numerous paintings and sculptures as well as beautiful wood turnings which were displayed for many years, earning prizes at the annual Fredericton Exhibition. Byron is survived by his two daughters, Bonita F.B. (Hallett) and Patricia, son-in-law, Ronald Hallett, and nieces Susan and Janet Hawkins. He was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Marguerite, his brother Walter, sister Jenny, and brother- and sister-in law Robert and Peggy Hawkins. No funeral or visitation at Byron’s request. Donations in memory of Byron R. Cumming may be made to the Chalmers Hospital Foundation, the New Brunswick Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be