Death Notices August 2015

Published August 26th

Olive Gillam
GILLAM, Olive Mae passed away quietly surrounded by the love of her family on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Much loved daughter of Carlee Ryerse and Tyler Gillam, dear granddaughter of David and Wendy Gillam and Eric and Kris Ryerse. Friends were invited to meet with family to share their loss on Friday, August 21, 2015 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Thompson Waters Funeral Home, 102 First Ave., Port Dover, 519-583-1530. A funeral Service to honour Olive’s precious life was held following visitation at 4 p.m. in the funeral home Chapel. The Reverend Jeff Smith officiated. For those wishing, donations to McMaster Children’s Hospital or Ronald McDonald House Charities Hamilton would be appreciated. Online donations and or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca

Clayton Keyes
KEYES, Clayton Randell “Randy” (1958-2015). It is with great sadness we announce the sudden and tragic death of Clayton “Randy” Keyes on Monday, August 17, 2015. Clayton is survived by his loving wife Yvonne Marie, dear children James, (wife Lisa), Glen (wife Antonetta), Lisa (husband Ian Shantz), and Jeff. Proud grandfather of Julia, Mark, Jackson, Liam and Hudson. Clayton leaves behind his mother Barbara Keyes, sisters; Lyn, Joann, Colleen, Sherry, Luanne, Sandra and Wanda, brothers; Richard, Dan, Stacey as well as many nieces and nephews from Ontario, British Columbia and Louisiana. Predeceased by his father Clayton Emerson. Clayton’s passing has been deeply felt by so many family and friends who loved him dearly. He will always be remembered for his overwhelming love and selflessness, his wonderful and heartwarming personality, strong will and tender compassion for those he cared for. He was a true family man and there was nothing he loved more. Our lives are better for having loved him, and have changed forever now that he is no longer with us. Friends were invited to share their memories of Clayton with family on Saturday, August 22, 2015 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Thompson Waters Funeral Home, 102 First Ave., Port Dover, 519-583-1530. A Funeral Service was held in Clayton’s memory following visitation in the funeral home Chapel at 3 p.m. Reverend Jeff Smith officiated. For those wishing, donations to the Norfolk General Hospital would be greatly appreciated. Online donations and or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca

Garry Wills
WILLS, Garry Stanley – suddenly at his home on Friday, August 14, 2015 in his 58th year. Cherished father of Adam Wills of Hamilton and Dustin Wills of Port Dover. Lovingly remembered by his siblings Bill (Louise), the late Bryan (Darlene), the late Ivan (Kathy), Mike (Teresa), Ted (Patty), Percy (Judy) and the late Alan. Sadly missed by many nieces, nephews and extended family. Friends were invited to share their memories of Garry with his family at the Jason Smith Funeral Chapel, 689 Norfolk St. N. Simcoe for visitation on Monday, August 24, 2015 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. A memorial service followed in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. with Chaplain Erna Hibbs officiating. Private interment: at a later date. Those wishing to donate in memory of Garry are asked to consider the Canadian Hearing Society. Personal online condolences at www.smithfuneralchapel.com, 519-426-0199.

Published August 19th

Colin Campbell
Colin Douglas Campbell. May 13, 1923 – August 14, 2015. Colin died at the Cedarwood Village, Simcoe, Ontario after a battle with Cancer he couldn’t win. He was a son, brother, soldier, husband and father. To his family, he was much more and we want to tell you about him. Colin was born in Port Dover in pre-depression Canada to John (Jack) and Florence (Stevens) Campbell. He had a sister Iola (Misener). His parents and sister have passed away some time ago. Prior to World War II, the Campbell’s moved to Simcoe. Gunner Campbell of the 54th Canadian Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, 2nd Canadian LAA Regiment served in England, North Africa, Italy, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany from 1939 to 1945. [If you do the arithmetic, you will discover that he wasn’t 18 years old — the minimum age when he enlisted.] He came back with the medals but most importantly, he came back alive after surviving being torpedoed in the Mediterranean Sea during the invasion of Sicily in 1943. Upon his discharge, Colin married his school sweetheart Genevra (Deedie) Madgett of Port Dover. With the help of his father, he built the family home on Oak Street in Simcoe and finished it with oak floors and chestnut trim. It wasn’t long before a son Colin Richard (Simcoe) was born. A daughter Linda Louise (Stouffville, Ontario) was born a year later. He and his father were contractors that built many buildings in Norfolk County with a concentration of homes in the Gibson and Beckett subdivisions in west Simcoe. The two of them would build the entire home with the exception of the work of the trades. When the construction in the cold affected his health, he began working in the shipping department of Canwirco, Gilbertson Drive; now known as Essex Group Canada Inc. He retired from Canwirco in 1983 and travelled with Genevra (Deedie) extensively. All during his adult life our father enjoyed gardening. He wasn’t satisfied with growing vegetables, fruits and flowers just for his family. He expanded to the neighbourhood (setting up daughter Linda in her own retail business), the local soup kitchen and as far away as Toronto. It was a natural progression that in his retirement, he became a cook and renewed his baking skills. Along with gardening, he travelled to Toronto to watch the Blue Jays, was a big fan of the Maple Leafs and enjoyed photography and fishing. Colin Campbell was also a long-term member of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church and served as an elder. Friends were invited to call at The Ferris Funeral Home, 214 Norfolk St. S., Simcoe on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Service will be held at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Simcoe on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in the family plot at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial donations to St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, the local food bank or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences at www.ferrisfuneral.com

Donald Ford
FORD, Donald Edward – formerly of Port Dover, passed away at Alexandra Hospital, Ingersoll on Thursday, July 16, 2015. Visitation and Funeral services were held at Brock & Visser Funeral Home in Thamesford, ON.

Mary Logger
LOGGER, Mary (nee Andrews) – passed away peacefully at the Norfolk General Hospital, Simcoe on Monday, August 10, 2015. Mary is survived by her children, Gerry, Chris, Marianne, Elizabeth, daughter-in-law Wendy, her grandchildren, Nancy (Joe), Jeff (Sarah), Jennifer (Alex), Brittany (John), and her great-grandchildren, Owen, Devynn, Andrea, Evan and Alexander. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Gerald and daughter Nancy. To honour Mary, raise a glass of rye and ginger in good cheer … Cin Cin Mary!!! Any donations can be made to the charity of your choice. Special thanks to nurse Diane on E3 of NGH for her most kind support. In accordance with Mary’s wishes, a private family service and cremation have already taken place. Be at peace Mom/Nana. Much Love!

Published August 12th

Lee Dunbar
DUNBAR – With great sadness we announce the passing of Leroy S. Dunbar (Lee), 86, of Oshawa, Ontario at St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish, Nova Scotia on July 29, 2015 with his family at his side. Beloved husband of Shirley (Pyke) for 60 years; loving father of Ron, Glenn and Rob; cherished grandpa of James, Luke, Rory, Kole and Jack; dear brother of Richard (Mary) and Hope of Antigonish, Joan (Archie) of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and Marilyn of Santa Monica, California. Predeceased by son Kenneth, brother Cyril and sister Shirley. Cremation has taken place and interment will follow at a later date in Port Dover, Ontario. At Lee’s request there will be no funeral service.

Spencer Gamble
GAMBLE, Spencer Keith Robert passed away at home on Sunday, August 2, 2015 in his 26th year. Loving son of Wayne and Carolyn, dear brother of Caitlyn and cherished grandson of Laura Jean Gamble and Doug Upper. Predeceased by his grandparents Robert and Edythe Craig and Keith Gamble. Spencer enjoyed playing x-box, hockey, soccer and golf. Spencer was a welder, employed at Skyjack in Guelph. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. The family invited all family and friends to share their memories of Spencer on Friday, August 7, 2015 from 2 – 4 p.m. and from 7 – 9 p.m. at Thompson Waters Funeral Home, 102 First Ave., Port Dover, 519-583-1530. A Memorial Service to celebrate Spencer’s life was held on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 3 p.m., at Grace United Church, corner of St. George and Chapman Streets, Port Dover. Reverend Jeff Smith officiated. For those wishing, and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Simcoe and District Humane Society or the Canadian Mental Health Association would be greatly appreciated. Online donations and or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca

Terry Parkinson
PARKINSON, Terry – Passed away after a brief illness on Monday, August 10, 2015 at Norfolk General Hospital in his 74th year. Loving husband of Shirley, dear father of Michael and Bradley of Port Dover. Sadly missed by his sisters Sharon Parkinson (Phil Colwill) of Merrickville and Patrice Clarkson (Brent Davie) of Lisle. Terry liked to watch Nascar races, had a fascination of fishing boats and tugs and enjoyed meeting with friends at the Dover Dairy Bar. Friends are invited to share their memories of Terry on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Thompson Waters Funeral Home, First Ave., Port Dover, 519-583-1530. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Terry’s memory on Thursday, August 13, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, corner of Market and St. George Streets, Port Dover. Father Kendall Reimer officiating. For those wishing, donations to the Simcoe and District Humane Society would be greatly appreciated. Online donations and or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca.

Paul Pitre
PITRE, John Paul – Peacefully at his home in his 59th year. Beloved father of Pachence (Adam) and Mathew (Paula). Grandfather of Isabelle and Myles. Paul was raised by his mother Aleitha and his late father Edger in Capreol, Ontario. He was an avid outdoorsman as a younger man and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He later moved to Port Dover and was employed at Stelco for 27 years. He made many friends while there and was known for his comical ways and good nature. Paul was dearly loved by his children and his grandchildren, whose faces always lit up when grandpa would dig deep into his pockets to satisfy their candy cravings. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Helen Young
YOUNG, Helen Irene (nee Fonger) – surrounded by her loving family, after a nine-year cancer battle on Sunday, August 9, 2015 at the Norfolk General Hospital, age 80. Formerly of Port Dover, Helen was the only child of the late Charles and Evelyn (Meldrum). Loved wife of the late Douglas (2007). Cherished mom of Debbie (Yves) Dumais, the late Bruce (2002), Don (Monica) and Dale (Kiry). Dear grandma of Deanna Littler (Mark), Nathan Feere (Amy), Eric Feere and Connor Young Morand. Grandma Helen to Hailey, Nolan, Andre, Leah, Aidan, Keara, Kurtis and “Ruby”, her granddog. Survived by many numerous friends from around the world. Helen was church secretary for Old Windham Church for 35 years. She was also a proud member of the Old Windham United Church and choir for over 50 years, an assistant organist, life member of the UCW, over 50-year member of Norfolk Women’s Institute (Marburg), charter member of the Vittoria Community Choir, over 50-year exhibitor at the Norfolk County Fair, and former square dancer. Also known as “the cookbook lady” as she and Debbie donated over $11,000 to the Juravinski Foundation towards the building of the new Breast Assessment Centre. She enjoyed knitting teddy bears, Izzy dolls and playing cards. Friends are invited to share their memories of Helen at the Jason Smith Funeral Chapel, 689 Norfolk St. North, Simcoe for visitation on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A celebration of Helen’s life will be held at Old Windham United Church, 30 Glendale Cres., Simcoe on Thursday, August 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Paul Currie officiating. Private family interment: Port Dover Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to donate in Helen’s memory are asked to consider the Norfolk County Fair – “Helen Young Pickle Award” or the Old Windham United Church. Personal online condolences at www.smithfuneralchapel.com 519-426-0199.
“Keep a song in your heart!”


Published August 5th

Edward Poirier
POIRIER, Edward Joseph passed away quietly at home on Friday July 31, 2015 in his 73rd year. Dear husband of Gloria, loving father of Michael Poirier and fiancé Lotus, Jeffrey Poirier all of Hamilton and Michelle Poirier Provo wife of Ted Provo of Port Dover. Devoted grandfather of Ryan Provo, Justin Provo, Courtney Provo, Alex Poirier and Halie Poirier of Hamilton. Ed will be forever remembered by his siblings Richard Poirier with wife Marjorie of Edmonton, Louis Poirier with wife Diane of Stoney Creek, John Poirier with wife Carol of Hamilton, Diane Poirier Weyermann and husband Ueli of Port Dover, Linda Poirier MacDonald of Belleville and Sherry Poirier of Windsor. Predeceased by his parents John and Rita, brother Gus and sister-in-law Dawn. Ed was a retired member of the International Brotherhood of Ironworkers Local 736 Hamilton. Ed’s love of woodworking, creating beautiful wooden boxes, vessels and bowls. His love of the earth is apparent in his beautiful gardens. His wife Gloria, children, grandchildren and many friends will miss him deeply and miss his smile the most. All who knew him are invited to meet with family to share their memories of Ed on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 9 a.m. at St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church, 17 Lynn Park Rd., Port Dover. A Mass of Christian burial will be held following the visitation at 10am. Father David Butler Celebrant. All arrangements entrusted to Thompson Waters Funeral Home, 102 First Ave. Port Dover, 519-583-1530. In lieu of flowers for those wishing to make a donation in Ed’s memory the family will purchase a small wheelchair to be donated to the Silver Lake Rebekah Lodge Branch #150. Online donations and or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca

Roy White
WHITE, Roy Thomas – of Port Dover, formerly of Hamilton, passed away at the Norfolk General Hospital on Saturday, July 25, 2015 in his 52nd year. Beloved son of Roy White Sr. and step-son to Judy White. Father to Deneige, Selina and Orion. Brother of Mary (Wayne Johnson), Linda (John Evely), Stephen, and step-brother Jason, and was pre-deceased by his mother Nanette (McNeil) White. Cremation and a service has already taken place at the Bay Gardens Funeral Home in Hamilton on Friday, July 31, 2015. Roy will be fondly remembered by all his relatives and many friends. Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

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