George Cihra
After living a big, fulfilling 89 years, George passed away peacefully on the 22nd day of July, 2024 following a brief few days at Toronto Western Hospital, holding the hand of his wife, Mary, and his loving children Michael, Andrea and Robert by his side.
George was predeceased by his father and mother, George and Anna, who emigrated to Canada from Czechoslovakia, and by his brother, Andrew, who died as an infant. George was born in the west end of Toronto and raised on a farm in what is now Mississauga. From his modest roots, he attended Queen Elizabeth Public School and Port Credit High School, followed by a degree in Arts from The University of Toronto and a law degree from Osgoode Hall. In 1962, George joined the Toronto law firm of Borden & Elliot as the 18th member and retired from the successor firm Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in 2007 when the firm numbered more than 800 lawyers. Although he was hired to do corporate work, he was seconded to the litigation department under the mentorship of W.L.N. Somerville QC. In an effort to practice both litigation and corporate law, George gravitated his practice toward bankruptcies of financial institutions particularly where the bankruptcies entailed fraud and asset tracing in foreign jurisdictions. Over the course of almost 50 years, his work took him to the courts of six continents (there are no financial institutions in Antarctica). He practiced from the Toronto office except for a period of 10 years when he was stationed in the firm’s London, UK office. George was appointed a Queen’s Counsel and was a member of the Law Societies in Ontario, Alberta, and England and Wales. He also spent so much time in Luxembourg that eventually the Luxembourg District Court appointed him a Liquidator of a Luxembourg Bank. George served on the boards of a number of public and private companies, and was a member of the Island Country Club in Marco Island and Lambton Golf & Country Club in Toronto.
George was a believer in fate and destiny and referenced the fact that he met and married Mary, whose family also emigrated from Czechoslovakia. It was apparently love at first sight and lasted for over 64 years leading to the birth of their three children, Michael, Andrea and Robert (Alison). They, in turn with their spouses, have produced nine grandchildren which George cherished: Jessica, Dan, Madelaine, Liam, Ginger, Luke, Grace, Will and Georgia. Although George was not a particularly religious person, he served as an advisor to Bishop Rusnak, of the Eparchy of Sts. Cyril and Methodius of Slovaks of the Byzantine Rite in Canada. George enjoyed discussing the probability of duality of the spirit.
An elegant man and the definition of integrity, George was as loving as he was brilliant, and infinitely wise. George traveled the world and built a tremendous career; but as much as anything loved to enjoy an evening cooking then eating great food with a glass of wine, and hosting rich conversations with his family during Sunday night dinner. While George wrote legal briefs, he also wrote poetry, short stories and the most memorable birthday cards one could ever receive. At his core, George was humble, yet expressively proud of his family, who will now miss him dearly and be forever blessed by the gift of his influence. Above all, George adored his wife, Mary, undeniably his best friend for life.
A memorial service for George will be held on Tuesday, July 30 from 1:00-4:00 pm at Lambton Golf & Country Club.
Special thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses at Toronto Western Hospital for their attentive and compassionate care.
For those who wish, donations in George’s memory may be made to the CNIB or UHN Foundation.
GREIDANUS: Leo of Seaforth
Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Stratford General Hospital on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at the age of 77. Cherished husband of Eileen (Spears) for 54 years. Proud dad of Anthony “Tony” and Maureen Greidanus, Steven and Joanne Greidanus, and Krista and Jim Appleby. Adored grandpa of Duncan and Emily, Allysa, Holly, and Brayden and great-grandpa of Blake. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Don and Greta Greidanus, Joane and Jack Koetsier, Gary Haak, Ken and Vangie Spears, Ruth and Carmen Howatt, and Helen Spears and Bill Belrose. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his siblings and their spouses; John and Grace Greidanus, Jim and Teresa Greidanus, Janny and Albert Valkenburg, Corry Haak, Alice and Niel Bakelaar, Bert and Riek Greidanus, and Wilma and Tom Holland and sister-in-law and brother-in-law; Wilma and Claire Vincent.
Leo and his family immigrated to Canada on May 6, 1951, and he was always proud of both his roots in The Netherlands and in Canada. He played baseball, curled, and attended Northside United Church for many years. He most enjoyed watching his grandchildren sporting events and being together as a family, spending time with everyone.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 87 Goderich Street West, SEAFORTH on Thursday, July 25th from 6 – 8 PM.
Leo’s funeral service will be held at Northside United Church, 54 Goderich Street West, SEAFORTH on Friday, July 26th at 1 PM. Cremation to follow with a private family interment at the Clinton Cemetery at a later date.
Donations to the Stratford General Hospital Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
Offer Condolence for the family of GREIDANUS: Leo of Seaforth
Grace Adam
No formal services will be held.
Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to a charity of donor's choice, as tokens of remembrance, in memory of Grace Adam.
Gerard ‘Gerry’ Thomas Haymes
HAYMES , Gerard Thomas 'Gerry' - Passed away peacefully after a brief illness with his family by his side at the St. Catharines General Hospital on Sunday July 21, 2024 at the age of 74. Beloved husband of 49 years to Christine (nee Williamson) and devoted father of Robert Haymes (Sara Levay), Michael (Renee) Haymes, Thomas (Lindsay) Haymes and Matthew (Sarah Filipe) Haymes. Cherished grandfather to Tyler, Jordan, Ethan, Lorne, Jacob, Graham, Neil, Malcolm, Rachel and Ellis. Gerry is survived by his sister Donna Spaetzel as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Thomas and Leona (nee Vinicombe) Haymes and sister Faye Moore. Gerry graduated from Brock University with a Masters degree in Environmental Biology and worked in his field for many years. His job allowed him to travel to all parts of the world which he very much enjoyed. He coached baseball for the GNBA and his pastimes included golfing and fishing. He was a family man and would be described as a very good man, everybody loved Gerry. All are invited to join the family at the PATTERSON FUNERAL HOME, 6062 Main St. Niagara Falls, visiting Wednesday July 24, 2024 from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm. Vigil prayers will be held at 2 pm at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday July 25, 2024 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Church, with the Rite of Committal to follow at Fairview Cemetery. In memory of Gerry, memorial contributions may be made to the MS Society or Niagara Health Foundation (Walker Family Cancer Centre) and would be appreciated by his family.
Glenda Mary Shields
SHIELDS, Glenda Mary
With profound sadness Glenda Shields passed peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday July 16th at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. Glenda is predeceased by both loving husband Jack Shields and later doting partner Bill Howse. Beloved mother of Janie, Mike, and Kevin. Adored Nanny of Becky, Krystle, John, Lisa, and Laura. She is survived by several great grandchildren. Special sister to Helen, Peter, Paul, and Reggie. Predeceased by her parents Ellen and Orville Pigeau as well as siblings, Eddie, Garry, Billy, Bobby, Beano, Betty Ann, and Beatrice. Lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends. Special lifelong friend to Ivan and Gloria Rayner. She was adored by PSWs Mary, Sandra, Mary-Jane, Jenna, and Nicole. As many people called her Glennie, she enjoyed barbeques with family, line dancing, reading outside on the deck, weekly cards with her card ladies, and Friday lunches with friends that was a tradition for almost twenty years. She loved listening to Conway Twitty and her talented brothers (Paul and Bobby) and friends (Ivan) play old country music. She will be deeply missed especially by Janie and Becky who will miss matching pajamas and pizza nights.
Donations can be made to Hearth Place as Glenda appreciated everything the Centre did for her family.
GIANNAKOPOULOS, Konstantinos
Konstantinos Giannakopoulos, 66, of Kirkland Lake, passed away peacefully in his home on July 11, 2024.
Konstantinos, known as “Kostas”, was born on October 6, 1957 in Chrysovitsi, Greece and later emigrated to Canada where he started his career as a self taught restaurant entrepreneur.
It was in Newfoundland that he learned to make pizza, opened his first restaurant and had recruited the love of his life, Anna, to become successful partners in business and in life. Together they shared over 35 years of love and companionship.
Kostas is survived by his children, Sarah Athanasia (Matt), Stash Anastasios (Cheryl) and his grandchildren, Cailyn, Kylee, Gweneth, Grace, and Quinton. He is also survived by his siblings Dimitrios Giannakopoulos (Soula), Eugenia Papaioannou (Spiro), Marina Karras (Billy), and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife Anna, and his parents Athanasia and Anastasios.
Kostas was known for his talent in the kitchen and had a reputation for serving the best food in town. Together he and Anna left their mark on the residents of Kirkland Lake through Mama’s restaurant, a pillar in the community. When he wasn’t in the kitchen, you could find him working on the restaurant. He was a true MacGyver when it came to fixing things on the fly and had a vision like no other. There was no problem too big or small that he couldn't fix with his resourcefulness and creativity.
The restaurant had been home to Kostas and Anna, and stood as a living tribute to their enduring bond and the memories they created together. Now, with his passing, he has been reunited with her. Their love story, marked by resilience and devotion, comes full circle as they are together once more, leaving behind a legacy of love and community.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 6, 2024 at 2 pm at Northern College in Kirkland Lake. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Blanche River Hospital.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Gerald ‘Jerry’ Speake
Speake, Gerald ‘Jerry’
Passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Fairview Lodge, at the age of 80.
Loving husband of Sheila for over 58 years. Cherished father of the late Sandra (1975), Darren (Krista), Rod (Patricia), Ryan (Lisa), Sally (John), and Marcy (Jay). Devoted grandfather of Morgan, Madison, Emily, Kailyn, Braydon, Rylee, William, Jessica, Tegan, and Dylan. Predeceased by his brothers William, Jack, and Darryl. Survived by his sister Pat of Edmonton.
Special thanks to the staff of Fairview Lodge for their care and compassion.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 12-2 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home (124 King St. E., Oshawa). Private family service will follow the visitation. The family will have a private urn interment at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to The Humane Society of Durham Region or the Salvation Army.
George Robert Sinclair
George Sinclair, a dedicated individual with a passion for life, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 29, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at Chapman House in Owen Sound. Born on July 26, 1947, to the late Robert & Anne Sinclair in Guelph,of Owen Sound led a remarkable life, touching the hearts of many in his 77 years.
Throughout his journey, George was the beloved husband of Hilda Sinclair for 57 years and a loving father to Glenn (Kelly), Scott (Lisa), and Dwayne (Katrina). He cherished his role as a grandpa to Dylan, Morgan, Jaxy, Noah, Ryder, Kanon, Christian, and Julian. Additionally, George shared special connections with his extended family members. Dear brother-in-law of Dale and Ken, Chuck and Donna, Viola and the late Wilf, Carol and Barry, Lloyd and Lois, Stan and Wendy, Jim and Diane, Bruce and Carol, Marion and Norton, Colleen and the late Rick, and Lorne and Rita. George will also be missed by his special cousin Natalie Bezruchka, and by his many nieces, nephews and friends.
Professionally, George dedicated himself to Van Dolder’s Custom Exteriors, showcasing unwavering commitment and expertise. Outside of work, he found solace in outdoor pursuits such as hunting, fishing, golfing, skiing, and hockey. Particularly memorable were his canoeing expeditions with Hilda in Algonquin Park, creating lasting memories together.
Acknowledgment goes to the healthcare professionals, including Dr. Singh, Dr. Sandhu, and Karen Hiscox, for their kindness in supporting George during his battle with cancer.
In accordance with George’s wishes, a memorial visitation to honor his life will take place at Brian E. Wood Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., followed by interment at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Georgian Bluffs at a later date.
As a tribute to George, memorial donations to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters or Chapman House are welcomed in lieu of flowers. Expressions of sympathy can be conveyed to George’s family through online condolences on his memorial page at www.woodfuneralhome.ca.
George’s legacy lives on through the impact he made on those around him, embodying resilience, love, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
Gordon “Gord” James Davis
Passed away peacefully at Southbridge Care Home in Owen Sound on Sunday, July 7, 2024. Born in Hanover on August 5, 1937, Gordon “Gord” James Davis, was in his 87th year.
Beloved husband and best friend of Joyce Davis (nee Murray) for almost 52 years. Dear brother-in-law of Ron Murray. Gord will also be missed by the Davis and Murray nieces and nephews.
Being the youngest of eleven children born to Clara and Arnold Davis, he is predeceased by both his parents, his four brothers; Bert, Earl, Lorie and Bruce, and his six sisters; Mae Redford, Clara Belle Weirmeir, Joy Ruhl, Marie Lettau, Betty Baldwin and Helen Lark.
Gord was an elementary teacher before becoming a sportswriter for the Owen Sound Sun Times in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
A celebration of Gord’s life will be held at Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, Owen Sound, 519-376-7492 on Monday, July 15, 2024 at 2 p.m. with visitation one hour prior and a reception following the service. Interment will take place in Hanover Cemetery.
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to Home and Community Support Services (HCSS) Day Away Program, Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce, or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Graydon Arthur Lloyd Hefferman
Graydon Hefferman was born on September 27, 1944, in Timmins, Ontario. His father, Joseph, worked for the Hollinger mines. Graydon was the youngest of four children, with siblings Joyce, Elsie, and Bruce, who have all since passed away. In 1946, his mother, Violet, moved with Graydon to Toronto, leaving his siblings with their father. Graydon's early life was challenging, and he often said that his life truly began when we married in May 1966.
Our lives were blessed with the arrival of our eldest daughter, Kimara, in September 1969, and our joy was complete when our youngest daughter, Tanya, joined us in April 1972. Graydon took immense pride in his girls, cherishing every moment spent with them. His love extended to his three grandchildren, Rachel, Riley, and Nicolas, and his great-grandson, Oliver.
Graydon's love of music and his talent for playing any instrument he touched enriched our lives. His creativity shone through the many characters he invented, from Jelly Bean and Neat-O the clown, to Marshal Dan Colby, and then ultimately taking on the most magical persona of all, Santa Claus. Each one brought joy, laughter, and happiness to so many. He had a special way of spreading cheer, always responding, "I'm a lucky man," when asked how he was doing, and he truly was.
Graydon lived a full and rich life, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter.
Enjoy pickin' and grinnin', my darling. Wait for me on the far side shore of Jordan.
Love, Margaret and your girls