Published July 7, 2021
Sharon Abbott
ABBOTT, Sharon Beverly (nee Savoy) – surrounded by her loving family at her home on Tuesday, June 29th, 2021 in her 75th year. Beloved wife of 53+ years to Allan Abbott of Port Dover. Loving mother and nana of Jennifer Abbott-Smith (Gord) of Simcoe, their daughter Brie; Heather Lichtenberger (Cliff) of Colorado Springs, their children Grant & Grace; and Leanne MacDonald (Ian) of New Hamburg, their son Jack. Sharon will be lovingly remembered by her brother Skippy Savoy (Louise) of Salt Lake City.
Due to Covid restrictions, a private family service will be held with interment of ashes at a later date. Those wishing to donate in memory of Sharon are asked to consider the Cancer Support & Resource Program. Donations may be mailed to the Jason Smith Funeral Chapel, 689 Norfolk St. North, Simcoe N3Y 3R3. Personal online condolences at www.smithfuneralchapel.com (519) 426-0199.
Rhea Gemus
GEMUS, Rhea Mae, in her 96th year, passed away on July 2, 2021, at home with family by her side.
She was born to the late Abraham and Lilian (Pitre) Berthiaume, May 23, 1926, in Windsor, Ontario. She was predeceased by her only sibling, Ken. Rhea attended St. Mary’s Academy in Windsor and completed her nursing training at Hotel Dieu Hospital in 1947, in Windsor.
She married the late Lucien Gemus in 1948, they lived together in Montreal in the same home for 52 years before returning to Ontario. Rhea is survived by her two daughters, Sharon Gemus Zullo (Joe) of Ste. Therese, Quebec and Maryan Gemus Hamel (Richard) of Port Dover. Loving grandmother to her five grandchildren, Erika, Andrew (Jodie) and Paul Dancsak, Sarah Zullo (Wassim) and William Zullo, and five beloved great-grandchildren, Coleson, Gabby (Gabrielle), Audrey, Malek and Auston.
Rhea was an elegant, stylish lady who appreciated fine things with simple yet elegant lines. This is probably what drew her to the practice of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, blossoms, branches, leaves and stems to bring out the inner qualities of live materials and express emotion, an art form she studied for many years and derived great pleasure from. She also loved flower gardening, was an avid reader and a devoted fan of the Blue Jays. She remained very interested in world events and current affairs. She loved her cheeses (supplied by Jenny at the Dover Cheese Shop) as well as dark chocolate and an occasional bag of chips.
Special thanks to Elana, Marissa, Natasha, Danielle and all the other wonderful nurses who kept her comfortable during her final journey while supporting the family and enabling us to keep her at home.
A service of remembrance will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Waters Funeral Home, 519-583-1530. For those wishing, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Online donations and or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca
Carol Ludwig
LUDWIG, Carol Ann – At Norfolk General Hospital, Simcoe on July 1, 2021, Carol Ludwig (nee Church) of Port Dover in her 83rd year. Wife of the late Ron Ludwig. Dear mother of Kelly Douglas (Jeff). Cherished grandmother of Cassy (Kevin), Krista (Dylan) and Jamie Bush and great-grandmother of Macy and Quinn. Carol was predeceased by her daughter Caron Bush (survived by son-in-law Doug Bush). She was also predeceased by her parents Mel and Blanche Church and her sister Lois Walker.
A family service will be held at The Ferris Funeral Home, Simcoe with interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Those wishing to remember Carol can make a donation to the Who Did It Club or the Norfolk Hospital Foundation. Online condolences at ferrisfuneral.com.
Harold Sinden
SINDEN, Harold Arthur – of Port Dover, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Saturday, July 3, 2021 in his 87th year. Predeceased by his parents Fred and Ellen. Predeceased by his loving wife Betty (2001). Loving father of Dale (Helen) Sinden of Walsh, the late Gary Sinden (1976), the late Cheryl Ryerse (2004), the late Robert Sinden (2020) (Judy) of Walsh. Dear brother of Bill Sinden of Port Dover and Larry Sinden of Vittoria and the late siblings Bus Sinden, Allan Sinden and Hazel Sullivan. Proud grandfather of Dwayne (Nicole) Ryerse, Nathan Ryerse, Amanda Sinden (Jesse), Jeremy Sinden, Austin Sinden, Jessica Sinden, Kelsey Sinden, Matt, Ashley and great-grandfather of Lucan, Madison, Skyelar and Harlan. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Harold was born and raised in Vittoria. He met his wife Betty and moved to Port Dover. He began working at Misner’s Fertilizer Mill and retired out of Tobac Curing Plant as a welder. Harold was a very knowledgeable, patient family man. The type of person that could talk to anyone about anything. He was a Volkswagen enthusiast and a great backyard mechanic. His family will remember him best as a loving, strong, caring man that put everyone else first with a smile on his face.
Friends and family are invited for visitation at Thompson Waters Funeral Home, 102 First Ave., Port Dover (519) 583-1530 on Thursday, July 8, 2021 from noon to 2 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at 2:30 pm. Interment Woodhouse United Church Cemetery. The Reverend Brian Elder officiating.
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions anyone wishing to attend visitation or the service must contact the funeral home to register. For those wishing to donate, please consider Simcoe and District Humane Society or the Breast Cancer Society of Canada would be greatly appreciated. Online donations and / or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca
Published July 14, 2021
Paul Mitchell Colman
COLMAN, Paul Mitchell – Passed away peacefully on July 3, 2021 at Sunnybrook Hospital at the age of 87.
Paul was born December 21, 1933, the only child of Garnet & Millis Colman in Port Dover, Ontario. Survived by his wife, Mary Ann Borden, son James Robert, (wife) Diana, daughter Sharon Marie, (partner) Harvey and grandson Taylor, and his son Paul Gregory, (wife), Lee. Paul will also be missed by Mary Ann’s sons, Stewart and long-time partner Ray, and Trevor, (wife) Heather and their daughter Julia.
Paul grew up in Port Dover, leaving to attend Ryerson Institute of Technology in Toronto, graduating with a diploma in Electronics. This led to a varied career including proudly working on the Avro Arrow, prior to spending 24 years at IBM. Paul enjoyed his career at Big Blue, making many friends whom he has maintained until this day.
Paul dated his high school sweetheart, Shirley England, also from Port Dover. Never one to rush, after a whirlwind seven year romance, he married Shirley in 1957.
Paul loved his children, though the antics of the three sometimes left him feeling he was the proprietor of a zoo. He often threatened, but never succeeded in posting the sign attesting to that fact.
After Shirley died in 1991, Paul dated, and at a blistering pace for him, two years later married Mary Ann Borden, also an ex-IBMer. With this union they formed today’s blended family who value and enjoy each other immensely.
Skiing was a favourite activity along with playing bridge, travel and attending theatre. If a photograph was called for, making people stand for interminable lengths of time before the picture would be “just right” was another favourite pastime.
In recent years he unfailingly enjoyed meeting friends over coffee as a way of staying in touch. He was a long-time, active member of his church. Among other services Paul enjoyed helping with the newsletters. Paul was also a faithful volunteer with Meals-On-Wheels for close to 25 years.
In his heart Paul never really left Port Dover. He was always happy to return to stay in touch with familiar places, faces and family. An ongoing tradition was Port Dover’s July 1st Grand Calithumpian Parade. He has seen his last and we will miss him dearly.
A visitation was held at Morley Bedford Funeral Home, 159 Eglinton Ave. W, Toronto, on Friday, July 9, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
Due to COVID restrictions a funeral will be held for the family at a later date.
Published July 21 2021
Bruce Carmichael
CARMICHAEL, Bruce after a brief illness passed away at Brantford General Hospital on Friday, July 16, 2021 in his 73rd year. Dear partner of Janice Cassels. Loving father and grandfather to Trisha (Chad Haight) and their son Trevor of Niagara Falls. Loving stepfather and grandfather to Lesley Cassels (Francois Grondin) and their children, Danielle and Alivia of Montreal. Sadly missed by his brother Brian (Sharon Nickmann-Brascoe) Carmichael of Kitchener-Waterloo and sisters Bonny (Bruce) Rochford of Kitchener-Waterloo, Mary Margaret MacKenzie (Yvon Claude) of Simcoe and Donna (Paul) Mauthe also of Simcoe. Predeceased by his parents Leonard and Lillian, sisters Maureen and Cheryl, and brother-in-law Rob Mackenzie. He will be sadly missed by his many nieces and nephews.
Bruce was passionate about golfing and boating. He enjoyed reading and loved to play pranks on his friends and family. He was also very loving to his dogs Penelope, King, Alfie and Ralfie. He also liked building on big projects even though he worked as a Manager for the Ministry of Finance until his retirement. He was always the voice of reason and a mentor to his loved ones. Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Waters Funeral Home, Port Dover 519-583-1530.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Greens At Renton, 969 Concession 14 Townsend, Simcoe, ON N3Y 4K3 on Sunday, August 1, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. All are welcome to drop in. For those wishing, donations to Stedmans Community Hospice or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Online donations and or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca
John Miller
MILLER – John Miller passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Stedman Community Hospice in Brantford, with his loving wife Sid (Cindy) and his amazing daughter Logan. He was loved by many and will be sadly missed, especially by his mother-in-law Cecile Walton, Lorrie and George Oystryk, Scott and Tammy Brown, Wendie Milner and Sarah MacDonald. John was predeceased by his parents Harold and Evelyn Miller and his sister Lois Webster.
John was an incredible talented creator and designer for over 50 years at the Sandalmaker and had an exciting life travelling and meeting so many wonderful people. Thank you to all the special people who helped us through John’s journey. All services will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Thompson Waters Funeral Home, Port Dover 519-583-1530.
In lieu of flowers donations to Stedman Community Hospice Brantford or the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated. Online donations and or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca
The Sandalmaker has left the building!
Leslie Joan Roberts
August 24, 1944 – July 7, 2021
Leslie passed away peacefully at the Juravinski Hospital on July 7, 2021 surrounded by loved ones. She was predeceased by her parents Clark and Marjorie Roberts, her sister Mary Ann Gail and, her partner, Ron Mercier. She will be greatly missed by her loving and devoted spouse of many years, Harry Giroux and his son, Corbin. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her brothers: Lawrence Dick (Jean) of White Rock, BC, Alan (Pat) Roberts of Winnipeg; sister Pat (Andy) Miles of Winnipeg; nieces and nephews: Adam & Lynsey Roberts, White Rock, BC, Dan & Pam Roberts and Matthew & Mark Miles of Winnipeg & Amy Melnychuk of Calgary.
She was born in Winnipeg and grew up on a farm near Portage la Prairie, MB, attending a one room country school, Nairn, and Portage Collegiate Institute. She completed an Arts degree at the University of Manitoba before travelling to Europe and Israel. On her return from Europe, she chose nursing as a career and was fortunate to attend one of the first 2-year diploma programs at Red Deer College in Alberta. In 1979, she completed the interdisciplinary Masters of Health Sciences program at McMaster University in Hamilton, ON. She worked as a general duty nurse in several hospitals, Public Health Nurse with First Nations in northern British Columbia, a nurse educator at Red Deer College, University of Calgary and McMaster University, a clinical nurse specialist at the Chest and Allergy Unit in Hamilton and in management at Scarborough Centenary Hospital and Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, MB. Following up on her interests in helping others, she chose to become involved with bereavement counselling as the final stage of her career.
Giving back to the community was a major interest for Leslie which she did by participating on boards, executives, and committees of many voluntary organizations: Canadian, Manitoba and Ontario Lung Associations and the Respiratory Nurses Interest Group: Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, the Manitoba Registered Nurses Association, and the Canadian Nurses Association, Manitoba Kidney Foundation, Fort Garry Historical Society, John Howard Society of Manitoba, and Ruperts’ Land Caregiver Services as well as participating in the activities of her church.
Leslie’s love of travel and visiting friends took her to all the provinces of Canada as well as the Yukon, Europe, British Isles, the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Mexico and much of the USA.
Together Leslie and Harry built a new home in Port Dover and enjoyed making new friends. They travelled extensively during this time to the Western Canadian provinces visiting family and friends, Mexico, Panama, South Africa, Iceland, Europe and the British Isles and parts of the USA.
A Celebration of her Life has been held at Bayview Gardens Funeral Home. Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association and / or The Alzheimers Society of Canada.
Kelly Winger
WINGER, Kelly Louise – In her 55th year, beloved daughter of Allan & Carol, dear sister to Scott (Annmarie), Steven (Nancy) and aunt to Megan, Jenna & Nicole. Also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins in Ontario, Manitoba and USA.
Kelly will be sorrily missed by her house mates and greatly missed by the frontline staff. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Community Living Access, Lynn Valley Rail Trail Association or the NGH ICU.
The Family will honour Kelly’s life with a visitation at the Hyde & Mott Chapel, R. H. B. Anderson Funeral Homes, 60 Main St. S., Hagersville on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 10 a.m. where a Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Graveside Service to follow at the Greenwood Cemetery, Springvale. www.rhbanderson.com
Published July 28, 2021
John Blakemore
BLAKEMORE, John R. December 14, 1942 – July 20, 2021 Passed away at Norfolk General Hospital surrounded by his loving family on July 20, 2021. John’s partner for life, Elizabeth, will forever miss him. They met in an encounter at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Port Dover and married in 1967. They went on to create a beautiful life together, raising three children, John William (Suzanne) Blakemore, David (Jocelyn) Blakemore, and MaryBeth (Khair) Blakemore. John was ecstatic to be the first man in his family to meet his grandchildren. Anyone who saw John with his grandsons or heard him speak about them, understood that they were the lights of his life. Jonah, Isaiah, Jude, and Mason will live richer lives for having been lucky enough to call him Grandpa. He leaves behind his brother Lawrence (Daphne) Blakemore. John was loved and will be missed by friends and extended family. John was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Jennie Blakemore.
After attending Mohawk College and joining Bell Telephone for a year, John realized that teaching was his true calling. He studied at the Hamilton Teacher’s College and later McMaster University. He then began what would be a long and accomplished career with the Norfolk and Grand Erie Boards of Education, first as an elementary teacher, then a vice-principal, and finally retiring as principal of Port Dover Public School, the very first school he attended. John was a devoted educator who strove to inspire curiosity and a love of learning in his students.
In addition to teaching, John was very generous with his time and loved giving back to his community in countless ways. He was a proud member and past president of the Port Dover Lions Club and frequently volunteered at Lakewood Elementary and other community groups. John was someone who walked the walk and has truly left this world better than he found it.
John was a man of many talents and his gentle and quiet demeanor belied his zest for life and adventure. He was an avid photographer and picture framer, spending countless hours in the darkroom and framing photos of his favourite subjects, the Port Dover pier and the landscapes of Norfolk County. Over the years he could be found sailing, camping, fishing, cycling, travelling, and playing his drums. When he did stop to sit, it was often with a book in his hands. John will be forever remembered in our laughter, family gatherings, music, and new adventures.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Thompson Waters Funeral Home, Port Dover 519-583-1530. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, all Services were private. The Service will be available to view at https://www.facebook.com/StPaulsDover. In lieu of flowers, for those wishing, donations to St. Paul’s Anglican Church (Camp Huron) would be greatly appreciated. Online donations and/or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca
Alice Knechtel
KNECHTEL, Alice Jean (Gamble) – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alice Jean (Gamble) Knechtel on Friday, July 23, 2021, peacefully in her sleep at the age of 89. She is predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Don Knechtel (2013). Alice is predeceased by her parents Arthur and Isabelle Gamble. Alice will be sadly missed by her children Robin (Tom) Strachan, Todd (Patti) Knechtel and Kent (Janet) Knechtel. Loving grandmother of Jenohn (Tony), Melanie (Francois), Troy, Tyler (Shawnna), Jessica (Barrett) and Nick. Also survived by great-grandchildren Anjelica, Alexia, Aidan, Sophia, Olivier, Coral and Emma. Also survived by her sister Betty (Chuck) Powell.
Alice was a long-time resident of Port Dover and was well known for her involvement in a variety of community events. Alice and Don celebrated many family dinners at the Norfolk Hotel in Port Dover which was owned and operated by the Gamble family from 1907 to 1971.
We would like to thank Dr. Kursell and the nurses and staff on the first floor at Cedarwood Village for their support and care to Alice. Cremation has taken place. Serenity Burial & Cremation Services Inc., 361 Main Street, Port Dover (226) 290-9093 have been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.serenityburialandcremation.com
Derry Powell
POWELL, Derwyn (Derry) of Port Dover passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, July 22, 2021, in his 72nd year. Beloved husband of Ora Jean (Lewis) celebrating 51 years of marriage on July 22. Devoted father of Deryc and loving grandfather to Maitland and Paxton. Dear brother to Jake and Tammy Powell, daughter Sarah and grandson Daxton, brother-in-law to Anne Law, Uncle to Chad Law, his daughter Jennifer, grandson Ryder Neal Law, Staci and Tibor Kelemen and their daughters Lexi and Jillian, Karen and Dennis Koluk and their sons Lewis and Brett, Kate and Bill Martin and their son Curtis. Derry will be sadly missed by his special, very best friends Samee and Claire. Predeceased by his parents Jack and Lois Powell, in-laws Elmer and Alice Lewis and brothers-in-law Paul Lewis and Carl Law.
Derry followed in his father’s footsteps and was fishing on the lake at a young age in his Tilbury to help keep the family fish store (Bay Fish Co.) supplied with fish. He ended his fishing career with his own tug the Deryc John. He then went on and managed Lewis’ Foodland for a few years and then onto being a Welder Fitter holding many different tickets including welding on high pressure vessels.
After he retired, he enjoyed spending time with his fishermen friends at the basin in the mornings for coffee. Derry’s family would like to thank Dr. Hadi, Wendy, Kim, Kelly and Dr. Cheng for their care and compassion throughout Derry’s illness. A special thanks to Charlene, Natasha, Elana, Nicole and Merissa for the nursing care you provided, so we could keep Derry at home while he made his journey to his special place. You all are truly Angels among us!
Arrangements have been entrusted to Thompson Waters Funeral Home, Port Dover 519-583-1530. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, all Services will be private. For those wishing, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Haldimand/Norfolk would be greatly appreciated. Online donations and/or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca
Don Steinhoff
STEINHOFF, Don – Passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at the Hamilton General Hospital. Mr. Don Steinhoff of Simcoe in his 75th year. Predeceased by his parents Howard and Eleanor Steinhoff. Beloved husband of Irene for 50 years. Loving father and grandpa to Adam Steinhoff (Katrina) and their children Courtney, Clayton and Payton and Brenda Hamilton (Chris) and their daughter Harley. Dear brother to Gord Steinhoff (Pat) and Ruth Duran (Gerardo). Don will be sadly missed by his in-laws, relatives and friends.
Don was retired from Canvil. He enjoyed gardening, supporting anything that involved his grandchildren and always ready to lend a hand.
In keeping with Don’s wishes a private visitation and service will be held at the Ferris Funeral Home, 214 Norfolk St. S., Simcoe (519-426-1314). Face masks are required. Reverend Brian Elder officiating. Cremation to follow. If so desired, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.ferrisfuneral.com
