BX June 9, 1948

Barrister, Former Mayor, R.J. Waterous Died Today

Reginald Joseph (Reg) Waterous, QC, director of human material resources with the National War Service Department during the Second World War, and former mayor of Brantford, died in the Brantford General Hospital this morning.

A native of Brantford, he was prominent in legal, military and public service here for many years.  He was created a King’s Counsel in 1935.

Mr. Waterous, who was 58 years old, was a son of Julius E. Waterous and Annie VanNorman Waterous.  He attended public school and Collegiate Institute here before going to the University of Toronto and to the study of law at Osgoode Hall.

Mr. Waterous entered the practice of law here soon after being called to the bar in 1921, first practicing by himself, then with E.R. Read, QC, and later forming the firm of Waterous, Wallace and Hagey, now known as Waterous and Will.

A son, Richard Norman Haun Waterous, this year completed his law course at Osgoode Hall and is entering the firm.

His grandfather, the late George VanNorman, was the first Crown Attorney of Brant County.

Always interested in military affairs, from BCI cadet days, Mr. Waterous enlisted early in the First World War and became an officer in the RCA overseas.

On his return to the city he continued his interest through the 54th battery, rising to command with the rank of major.  Under his command the 54th became Canada’s top artillery unit, twice winning the Governor-General’s Trophy at Petawawa.

Later the unit was split to form the nucleus for the 54th and 69th batteries.

The 54th was the first unit to leave Brantford in the Second World War.  It was then commanded by Major A.L.S. Nash, MM.

Mr. Waterous was a member of the Canadian Artillery Unit, Brantford Branch of the Canadian Legion, the 56th Regimental, RCA, Officers’ Mess, an honorary member of the Brantford Gunners Club and the Navy Club.

Mr. Waterous first entered public service as an alderman, serving Ward 5 in 1924 and 1925.  He was elected mayor in 1938 and continued in that office until September 1940, when he accepted his important post with the federal government.

Many Changes
During his term as mayor many changes took place.  Brantford expanded greatly.  He located the site and secured No. 5 SFTS on the Burford road, turning the first sod for what became a noted training school for the development of war pilots.

Mr. Waterous was also mayor during the visit of King George and Queen Elizabeth to Brantford in 1939.

A member of Grace Anglican Church, Mr. Waterous was latterly an adherent of Holy Trinity Anglican Church.  He was a past president of the Brantford Kiwanis Club, a past president of The Brantford Liberal Association, a member of the Brantford club and of the Brantford Curling Club.

Surviving are his widow the former Marion Brittain, three daughters, Mrs. E.H. (Beverly) Thring and Mrs. Philip (Alice Mary) Linden, both of Toronto, and Miss Nancy VanNorman Waterous, Brantford two sons Richard Norman Haun Waterous, Brantford, and Reginald Joseph Waterous, Toronto; four grandchildren and one brother Julius Bertram Waterous, Cooksville.

Mr. Waterous is resting at his home, 167 Eagle Avenue, until Saturday morning.  The funeral will be conducted from Thorpe Brothers’ Funeral Home Saturday at 2 p.m.  Interment will be in Farringdon Cemetery.

Mayor reg. Cooper said today that Mr. Waterous would long be remembered for his service to the city as an alderman and as mayor.

“Those who served with him knew him as a sincere and conscientious representative,” Mayor Cooper said.  “While I did not work with Reg in public life, I found him good-natured and pleasant to do business with.  His early passing will be regretted by his many friends.

BX June 14, 1948

Last Rites Held for Ex-Mayor

Last rites were held Saturday afternoon for Reginald J. Waterous, QC, former mayor of Brantford, who also played an active part in this community’s military, legal and public life.

The impressive service, held at Thorpe Brothers’ Funeral Home, was conducted by Rev. T.D. Painting, Rector of Holy Trinity Anglican Church assisted by Rev. R.C.S. Crysdale, Minister of Colborne United Church.

Included in the large gathering were representatives of the military services, the 54th Battery of which Mr. Waterous was a former commanding officer, the Canadian Legion, the mayor and members of the City Council and other municipal officers, the Brant Law Association and the Brantford Liberal Association.  A profusion of floral tributes also evinced the esteem in which Mr. Waterous was held in community and public life.

The honorary pallbearers were Mayor Reg. Cooper, Senator W. Ross Macdonald, QC, J.D. Hankinson, Thomas Hawley, Dr. C. Haines, A.G. Hitchon, K.V. Bunnell, Bert Trickey, Lt.-Col. J.C. Whitwill, Col. G. Inch of Hamilton, Sheriff G.D. Campbell, E.R. Read, George T. Gordon, MPP, Judge D.J. Cowan, Andrew Donaldson, W.D. Putnam, R.W. Reville, A.L. Spence and J.A.D. Slemin, Q.C.

The active pallbearers were Charles Waterous, Norman Waterous, Richard Waterous, Reginald Waterous, Philip Linden and Gordon Will.

Interment was in Farringdon Cemetery.