Obituary of Courtney Frederick Bond

Retired engineer, family man and friend to many, died peacefully at his home in Brockville on June 4 with his family at his side. He was 73.

Born Courtney Frederick Bond on August 28, 1944, in Ottawa, he was the son of Courtney (Court) Bond and Elisabeth (Beth) Berton Bond. He attended Carleton University, where he earned a BSc in chemistry and a BEng in mechanical engineering.

While at Carleton, he met Elizabeth (Beth) Lillico. They were married July 31, 1970 in Ottawa. They moved to Brockville, where Corky began working as a mechanical engineer at Automatic Electric. He worked in engineering the rest of his career, retiring in 2006.

Within a year of moving to Brockville, he and Beth bought a condemned stone farmhouse on Spicer Road north of Brockville and began a lengthy and loving restoration. There, they raised their children, Rick and Diane. In 2014, after 43 years on the farm, they moved to a new home in Brockville.

Corky loved sailing, crewing on Mike Beverley’s sailboat Mad Dog, every summer for 25 years.

He had a talent for making enduring friendships. He loved helping people with their projects, and people in turn loved helping him with his projects, of which there were many. He enjoyed dinner parties and good times with friends.

While the children were still at home, Corky and Beth took them on a memorable nine month tour of North America. Their love of travel took them on adventures all over the world: Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia, China, Tibet, Russia, India, the Middle East, Egypt, North Africa and South America.

After retirement, they spent winters kayaking, hiking and biking in the southern United States. Eventually, they wintered in a home in Lakeland, Florida, until Corky became unable to travel.

At age 46, Corky was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Determined to hold the symptoms at bay for as long as possible, he led a very active life. He persevered when others might have given up, and packed a great deal of living into his 73 years. In later years, the illness took its toll physically, but Corky remained gentle as ever, retaining his wry sense of humour and his thoughtfulness toward others.

A great wish of Corky’s was to be able to die with dignity, on his own terms. He recently felt the time had come. His decision was quick and firm, and supported by his family. We are humbled by the care and compassion shown to us by Dr. Gerry Ashe. He helped us let go and feel at peace with Corky’s decision. Family and friends arranged a celebration at home on June 2. Many dear friends came to share their fond memories with Corky.

Following his death on June 4, cremation was arranged. The family will scatter his ashes at a later date.

Corky Bond is survived by his wife Beth, son Rick, daughter Diane (Michael Grant), brother Tim Bond (Marc O’Hara), brothers-in-law Rick Lillico (Gail) and Rob Lillico (Colleen Evans), sister-in-law Doris Lillico, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.