It is with broken hearts that my sister and I announce the final curtain call for our biggest and brightest star, Philip Williams.
On September 8th, 2024, unexpectedly but surrounded by family, we lost an amazing Dad and Zaide, the best big brother and brother-in-law, the funniest uncle and great-uncle, the most caring nephew and cousin, the most loyal and truest friend, the kindest little creature lover and a very talented Actor and Photographer amongst many other things. He was larger than life…too big for just a page, but I shall try.
Phil loved to fish. He used to take us out on his boat when we were kids. We would be bored after an hour, but he was happier than ever to sit out there for what seemed like forever, even when nothing was biting. He taught us everything we know about fishing and even shared his favourite spots on Sparrow Lake with us. He had quite a few.
Golf was another passion of his. He was very proud of the fact that he was the youngest member of the Golf Historical Society of Canada. When you didn’t know what to buy him for his birthday, Golf Town gift cards were a safe bet as he already had way too much tackle and fishing gear. Every year he participated in the Big Swing Annual Charity Golf Tournament to raise funds that help support Canadian entertainment professionals through The AFC.
Our dad was the funniest man we knew but he was very serious about his craft. He was an Actor by profession and by heart. He loved performing, whether it be on a stage, in front of a camera or in a sound booth behind a microphone voicing many of the cartoon characters we know and love. He appeared in the feature films: Tommy Boy, Good Will Hunting, Jason X, and John Q amongst others. Yes, we’re bragging because we know he wouldn’t.
He was humble, down to earth and extremely intelligent, often beating me at Wordle every morning and then Quordle and then Octordle just to hit the trifecta.
If there’s anything my sister and I can agree on it’s that our dad always showed up. He showed up for us every time. Skating practices and competitions, school events, birthdays, small celebrations, big celebrations, at 3am when the anxiety kicked in. He was there. He was there to cheer us on, lend a hand, give advice, celebrate, wipe our tears and most importantly to crack some jokes. He showed up for his family and he showed up for his friends, of which he had many. You could always count on him to show up…sometimes “fashionably late”, but show up nonetheless. He was consistent.
Phil was loved by everyone who knew him, well maybe except for the dog owners who let their dogs off leash to chase his squirrels away. I’m sure they could hear him muttering quietly under his breath …. or maybe not so quietly. He loved nature. He would go to the park almost every day (after Starbucks of course) to feed and talk to his “pets”. He could tell Nacho, Rambo and Patchy apart even though they all looked the same to us. He’d make friends with the chipmunks up north and gained the trust of a cardinal he named “little man." He often sent videos of “little man” eating his peanuts and would tell stories of the bush full of sparrows that would see him coming from down the block, our own Dr. Dolittle!
We could go on and on about how amazing our dad Phil was but if you knew him, you already know.
Go Leafs Go!!
The family will be sitting Shiva on Wednesday September 18 and Thursday September 19 from 6-10 at The Atrium, 650 Queens Quay West and would like to welcome anyone who knew him to come and share their stories of Phil. A celebration of life will follow in the next few weeks with more details to come.
In lieu of flowers, Phil would have loved for people who’d like to make a donation to make it to the Ontario Wildlife Foundation.
Forever in our hearts.
CANE, Albert William Cane - December 15, 1932 - September 11, 2024
Peacefully on Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 at Fairview Lodge, Whitby, Albert W. Cane passed away. He will be lovely remembered by his wife of 70 years, June and their children Debbie (Peter), Brian (Caroline) and Glenn (Joanne). He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Kevin (Jess), Greg (Erica), Lindsay (Chris), Michael, Tim and Jamie-Lee (Jeremy). Also cherished his many great grandchildren Kaden, Bennett, John, Joey, Ava, Mya, Nathan and Charlie. Al had so many friends and admirers, he was a fun-loving dancing machine in his day and enjoyed woodworking and just having fun, may he rest in Peace.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 at The Simple Alternative - Pickering, 1057 Brock Road, Pickering at 12:00 pm followed by a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, family wishes donations to Alzheimer's Society or Heart and Stroke.
PEGUTTER, Ernst Alexander Pegutter - February 27, 1930 - September 17, 2024
After a life well-lived, Ernst Alexander Pegutter passed away peacefully, on September 17,2024, surrounded by his family.
Cherished husband of Brigitte (nee Radatus-deceased) for 58 years and loving father to Ernest (Kim), Bernard (Debbie), and Linda (Bob). Opa to 8 grandchildren Kyle (Julie), Matthew (Katrina), Brock (Laurel), Michael (Liz), Kelly (Lucas), Jordan, Rachel (Chris), Kristin (Ethan) and 6 great-grandchildren Mason, James, Brigitte Katrina, Brigitte Linda, Hazel, and Owen.
Ernst is also survived by his sister Gudrun Kirchbacher, and nephew Martin (Claudia) Kirchbacher, who reside in and around Klagenfurt, Austria.
A private family service will take place on Friday. If you’d like to make a donation in memory of Ernst, please consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Message of condolences and shared memories may be left for the family by visiting www.barnesmemorialfuneralhome.com.
SIMPSON, Susan Simpson (Ebsworth-Donkin) - September 10th, 2024
Born in Wokingham, Berkshire, England 1944.
Passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, at the age of 80.
Beloved and devoted wife of Bill for 62 wonderful years, his Sunshine. Best mother in the world to Chloe and Elaine (James). Devoted grandmother (a.k.a. Gma) of Brittney (Michael), Bret (Kelley), Melaney, Kris, and Holly and great-grandmother of Nyomi, Halle, Ethan, Riylee, and Amarra. Dear stepmother of Todd (Marla). Survived by her sister-in-law Shirley.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Lakeridge Health Foundation, Oshawa – Palliative Care Unit.
Thank you for all of your love and support during this difficult time. God Bless you all xo.
A private family service has taken place. For online condolences please go to www.armstrongfh.ca
BELEN, Editha Duran "Lola" Belen - November 1, 1939 - September 14, 2024
Editha Duran Belen (Lola) was a remarkable woman. She graced this world with her presence from November 1, 1939, until her passing on September 14th, 2024. Her life was a testament to love, strength, and grace, and her legacy will forever be etched in our hearts.
Lola was full of warmth and kindness. Her compassion knew no bounds, and she devoted herself to her son Phillip, daughter-in-law Mary and grandsons, Darius and Dante Vitug, with unwavering dedication. As a mother and grandmother, she embodied the essence of nurturing love, always putting others’ needs before her own and offering support and encouragement with a gentle spirit.
Lola’s legacy is not just in the memories we hold dear but in the values she imparted. She taught us the importance of kindness, the strength of perseverance, and the beauty of a loving heart. Through her actions, she showed us how to live with dignity and grace.
Our family said our goodbyes, and we invite you to a visitation and prayer service to allow each of you who knew, and loved her, to celebrate the life she lived and the love she gave.
Though we will miss her dearly, her spirit will continue to guide us and inspire us. Her memory will live on in the way we care for each other, in the stories we share, and in the values she instilled in us.
Thank you Lola, for the incredible impact you’ve had on all our lives. We will carry your love with us always and honor your memory in everything we do.
Rest in peace, and know that you will forever be in our hearts.
GALNA, Marion Evelyn Galna (Ferrier) - February 9, 1934 – September 11, 2024
Marion was born in Perth, Ontario, where her family has been farming since immigrating from Scotland to Canada in the late 1820's.
She graduated from the Brockville School of Nursing in 1954 and her first nursing job was at the Ontario Hospital School where she worked with children with cognitive and physical disabilities. She also worked at both the Brockville General Hospital and the Brockville Psychiatric Hospital. In the early 1970's, when she moved to the Durham Region, Marion worked in Public Health nursing there until her retirement.
After retirement, Marion moved back to the Brockville area to be closer to her cottage. There she was heavily involved with the First Presbyterian Church in Brockville. She was always busy with her tole painting, knitting, rug hooking and gardening.
Marion is predeceased by her parents Alec and Christena, her siblings Arnold, Ivan, Orville and Gladys, and her son, Paul. She is survived by her son, Bruce (Sharon), grandchildren Kate, Alex, Megan and Michael, and her beautiful Doberman, Isis.
A private family service will be held at Scotch Line Cemetery, Perth, Ontario.
BUZZELL, Marjorie Buzzell (Harrison) - September 16th, 2024
Passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, at the age of 91.
Beloved wife of the late Edward for 66 years.
Cherished mother of Bryan (Karen), Craig (Karen), Kevin, the late David (the late Lorna), Eddie (Sherry) and Tammy Foster (Dave).
Adored grandmother of Chuck, Sabrina, Matthew, Kirk, the late Melissa, David, Shawn, the late Jonny, Michael, Jason, Sarah, Rebecca, Lacey, Justin, Tyson and the late Julie. Great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother of many.
Dear sister of Kenny and Gary. Predeceased by her parents Josephine and Gordon Harrison and by her siblings Isabelle, Muriel, Bob, and Velmore.
Will be missed by her best fur friend, Buddy.
Marjorie will be lovingly remembered by all of her family and friends. Her phenomenal cooking and baking, especially her strawberry shortcake and Christmas pudding, will be missed.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home (124 King St. E., Oshawa). A Funeral Service will take place on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel. Interment to follow at Thornton Cemetery.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society. Online condolences may be shared at www.armstrongfh.ca
MCALINDEN, Rita McAlinden - September 7, 1946 – September 15, 2024
Our beautiful mum, Rita McAlinden born September 7, 1946, passed away suddenly on September 15, 2024.
Born in Scotland, Rita was the youngest of eight and is survived by her loving sister, Marjory Rooney and brother Edward Craw.
On October 29, 1966, Rita married the love of her life, Charlie, and their story began. They immigrated to Canada to start building their new life. Always hardworking and dedicated to giving her family a life filled with love, and laughter.
Rita was a loving and devoted mother to Brian (Teresa), Elaine (Ossama), Kevin (Kim), and Andrea (Frank). She was an incredible grandmother to Connor, Liam, Jalil, Rhiannon, Nicolas, Ethan, Hannah, Nolan, Rachael, Julia, and Sophia.
She had worked hard in all aspects of her life and was passionate about her work in sales, a role that suited her charismatic and engaging personality. Rita could start a conversation with anyone, anywhere and had the natural ability to make you feel so comfortable around her, like you had known her forever.
She was kind, generous and thoughtful, always thinking of others, whether it was to lend a helping hand, an ear to listen, be your protector, a cheerleader or advocate. She was the essence of a pure and beautiful soul whose only intention was to love and care for people. She will be remembered for the joy she brought to others throughout her life, especially her children and grandchildren.
Of all the roles in her life, the ones she treasured the most were being a loving mother and ‘Gran’. She was adored by all of us, each having our own place in her heart, and there was always room for us all- she made sure we knew it and felt it too.
Rita will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, her bright light when she entered the room and her comfort food! We could not have asked for a better human to guide us through our lives with such grace and will miss her every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.
A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Oshawa Funeral Home, 847 King Street West, Oshawa, ON L1J2L4.
The Service will be available via Livestream using the following link:
TURNER, Charlie Turner - 4-Dec-1951 - 15-Sep-2024
Peacefully at Ajax/Pickering Hospital on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at the age of 72. Beloved husband of Carol for 47 years. Cherished father of Kimberly (Jason). Loving grandfather of Antonio, Benjamin, Emery and Olivia. Dear brother of Gail (Ian), Susie, Janice, Walter and David and brother in law of Linda (Gerry).
He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Proud volunteer for 50 years of the Canadian Ski Patrol and retired from the Toronto Catholic District School Board as well as a valued member of the Retired Teachers Association of Ontario, District 28 Durham Region. In lieu of flowers, donations to Canadian Ski Patrol would be appreciated.
HOWITT, Angela "Jill" May Howitt - September 16, 2024
Peacefully, with family at her side, on Monday, September 16th, 2024, Jill, in her 88th year. Beloved wife of the late William Howitt. Loving mother of Mark of Oshawa, Gary (Rose) of Edmonton AB, Wayne (Elaine) of Sherwood Park AB, Michele Downie (Brian) of Whitby, Kim Mototsune (Arthur) of Oshawa and Kelly Gainer (John) of Bailieboro. Dearly remembered by her 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law Dennis Lutz and sister-in-law Susan Howitt. Predeceased by her sister Bonnie Lutz.
Funeral arrangements to be finalized. Arrangements entrusted to McINTOSH-ANDERSON-KELLAM FUNERAL HOME LTD., 152 King St. E., Oshawa (905-433-5558). Donations in memory of Jill to Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Online condolences may be shared at makfuneralhome.com