HOLKER, James "Jim" -
1944 - 2024
James "Jim" passed away on July 21 at St. Michael's H., surrounded by loved ones.
He is survived by his wife, Kay; and sons: Noel, Michael, Brendan, and Graham.
Jim, a devoted husband and avid storyteller, served 34 years with the Toronto Police.
His infectious laughter will be sorely missed.
Visitation: August 8th, 4:30-7:30 p.m., at York Cemetery (160 Beecroft Rd). Interment: August 9th, 11 a.m., followed by a reception. No flowers.
HESS, Maureen Evelyn -
October 20, 1937 - July 21, 2024 I
t is with heavy hearts that the family of Maureen Hess announces her peaceful passing at Hospice Vaughan on July 21, 2024 in her 87th year.
Born in Sault Ste. Marie and predeceased by her parents, Denzel and Beulah Hess, Maureen was the "favourite" sister of Graydon (Linda), much-loved aunt "Moe" of Kelly Turner (Tammy) and Tracy Checkley (Kevin), and special friend "Hessy" to neighbours, Betty Craib and Terry and Emily Nickason.
Fondly remembered by her great-nephews and great-niece, aunt Joyce, many cousins and friends.
Maureen's love and compassion for others was shown through her successful nursing career; rising from General Duty Nurse to Director of Nursing at York Finch General Hospital, before retiring as the Regional Director for Extendicare Health Services in 1998.
As per Maureen's wishes, a family gathering will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Yonge Street Mission or Operation Smile.
HENDERSON, James Glassco - Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) James Henderson, aged 95, died on Thursday, July 25th, at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, Barrie, after a brief illness.
Prior to his death, he had endured a long struggle with increasing frailty and dementia.
Jim was born in Burlington, on July 18, 1929, to Charles Osborne Henderson and Anna Josephine Henderson (nee Glassco).
He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Nixon; and his first wife of over 40 years, Ruth "Ru" (nee Hill), who passed away in 1995 after a lengthy illness. Jim was the cherished husband of Mary (nee Ziegler, formerly Haupt) for over 25 years. He is survived by his brother, John (Canmore, Alta); and sons, Iain (Ottawa) and Sean (Toronto). He was the adored grandfather of Zach (Gravenhurst), Amber (Barrie) and Benjamin (Ottawa); and "Grandpa" to Isabel and Adah Haupt (Oro Station).
He is survived by eight great-grandchildren, ranging in age from 22 years to eleven months old. He is also mourned by Karen Jones, Tosha Clissold; and Michael, Heidi and Chris Haupt.
Jim grew up in a military family, which had a long history with the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders in Hamilton. He began his military life as a high school cadet during the latter part of the Second World War. In 1950, he volunteered for the newly formed 2nd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery to fight in the Korean War.
His last posting was to the Canadian Forces Staff College in Toronto, where he was a lecturer and course creator until his retirement in 1978. Jim had the pleasure of spending time in the summers with his family on Lindhill Island, where Ru had a beautiful piece of property.
Following his retirement from the Armed Forces, Jim spent many years as a broadcaster, commentator and news director at CHAY 93.1 FM.
He will be remembered with love and respect for years to come. Jim's funeral will be held on August 23rd, at 12:00 p.m., at Trinity Anglican Church, 24 Collier St., Barrie. There is ample paid parking across from the church in the Collier Street Parkade parking garage.
Following the service, there will be a reception in the auditorium. Interment will take place later in the day at the family plot in Bethel Cemetery, Highway 11 North, Kilworthy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CNIB.
HALL, Otti Beate - Passed away peacefully, in her home, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the age of 85.
Otti was predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, Barry Edward Hall.
She is survived by her children, Lorraine, Barry (Susan) and Michael (Alison); and her 6 grandchildren, Isabella, Jasmine, Nicholas, Brielle, Cristian and Jayla to whom she was known as "Omi".
Otti radiated joy, kindness and positivity with everyone she encountered.
Her smile, optimistic nature and love for her family are just a few of her many beautiful traits.
She will be profoundly missed.
Visitation for Otti will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, from 11 a.m. - 12 noon. Followed by the Funeral Service at 12 noon, at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, ON, L4G6W8. Interment to follow at Aurora Cemetery.
Reception to follow graveside service at Thompson Funeral Home. Contributions in Otti's memory may be made to Alzheimer Society alzheimer.ca/on/en
HALL, Eber Hall -
November 2, 1929 – July 26, 2024
Peacefully, on July 26, 2024. The Hall Family would like to announce Eber Hall reunited in heaven with his loving wife of 71 years, Carol, who died in 2022.
They had a wonderful life together. In his 95th year, Dad left his loving children, Debbie (Scott), Mike (Raquel), and Lori (David).
He will also be missed by his grandchildren, Kim (predeceased), Greg (Aubrey), Jasmine (Avto), Amanda (Josh), Alex, and Jen; plus his two great-grandkids, Finn and River.
Dad was a great storyteller, loved music, travel – especially to Florida, sports – especially baseball and golf – and was an avid fan and supporter of all his families' activities.
Dad loved cars and would be the first one to volunteer to drive us anywhere. He was always so proud of, and grateful for his family.
We thank King Gardens and his magic care giver, Ivonne, who all enhanced Dad's last two years of his life.
Also, a thank you to Trillium Hospital for their care over the last few weeks.
Dad, thanks for your sense of humour and for being the life of the party. We will miss you! Have a great time at the after party!
FITZGERALD, John Clare -
1943 - 2024
After a lengthy illness, at Lakeshore Lodge, John left us on July 26th, 2024.
He was the older twin son of the late Maurice and Catherine (Hunter) Fitzgerald; and late twin brother, James of Thunder Bay, Ontario.
He leaves his beloved wife, Jacqueline (nee Harris); his son, Andrew; daughter, Julie (Evan) Coakwell; and grandchildren, Liam, Ava, and Owen.
Also mourning his loss are sisters-in-law, Irene Gaudet (late Hector), Bernice Harris, and Elizabeth Johnstone (Bruce). He also leaves several cousins in Thunder Bay and Western Canada.
He was born in Geraldton, Ontario, where he spent his early years and then his teen years in Shefferville, Quebec. After Radio College in Toronto, he spent a few years repairing phone lines along the DEW LINE in Northern Ontario. In 1966, he joined IBM and spent 25 years repairing and maintaining large computer systems in Toronto.
After early retirement, he spent his time investing and making wine.
No service or memorial is planned. Memorial donations to Autism Ontario or the Star Fresh Air Fund would be appreciated.
His spirit is now free to roam the forests of his youth
DUNHAM, Elda - It is with much sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Aunt, Elda Dunham.
Over the past year, Elda has been in Canes Transitional Care at Southbrook Retirement Community in Brampton, Ontario. Born at Lynden, Ontario, on September 7, 1931; passed away on July 27, 2024, at Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga.
Daughter of the late Hazel Howard and Stanley Dunham. Predeceased by brother, Grant (Audrey); and two nephews, Brian and Gary. Survived by three nieces, Brenda (Joel) Sawyers, Jill (David) Smydo and Carol (Frank) Drummond; and by eight great-nieces and nephews; and four great-great-nieces and nephews.
Elda had two careers – first as a Registered Nurse at Owen Sound, ON, New Westminster, BC, Montreal, PQ, and Toronto, ON. For the following 25 years, she oversaw the library of the School of Nursing at Sheridan College in Mississauga. She was a long-time member of St. James United Church in Etobicoke.
Friends will be received from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at St. James United Church, 400 Burnhamthorpe Road, Etobicoke, ON M9B 2A8.
A Memorial Service will take place in the sanctuary at 12:00 p.m., followed by a light lunch.
Interment will be held privately at a later date at St. George United Church Cemetery in St. George, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Elda to St. James United Church, The Funeral Advisory and Memorial Society or Diabetes Canada would be appreciated by the family.
DOWNER, Gary Kenneth -
August 10, 1948 – July 29, 2024
Gary Kenneth Downer, beloved husband of Mary-Lou, passed away on July 29, 2024 after a brief but fierce battle with cancer.
He also leaves in mourning his sister, Gaye (Bruce) Ward; sister-in-law, Anne-Marie (Rob) Phillips; brother-in-law, Kevin Rodger and much-loved nephews, Brandon (Marsha) Phillips, James Phillips and niece, Samantha Rodger. Gary was a butcher for over 40 years at various grocery chains.
He had many interests that won him a wide circle of friends; cars, music, books and hockey – the latter as a member of the Burlington Oldtimers Club for over 30 years.
He was an avid reader who read every day. Over the last few years, he and Mary-Lou spent time together at football games, cheering on the Toronto Argos. He loved to meet up with friends over coffee to solve the world's problems. Gary's pride and joy was his 1986 Porsche 911, a labour of love that he rebuilt from a shell.
Those who knew him can take comfort in knowing that he had one last turn at the wheel a few days before his passing. Many vacations were planned around various car events.
When he wasn't working on the Porsche, he spent countless happy hours building model cars. Much to the surprise of many, he also became an accomplished cook, hosting holiday meals and replicating his Mum's Christmas baking with finesse. Gary was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth and Joan Downer and his in-laws, Jack and Betty-Lue Rodger.
He had a special place in the hearts of many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. As per Gary's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to your special charity would be appreciated.
DEWAR, Myrtle Ann (nee DAVIS) -
1940 - 2024
We are saddened to announce the passing of Myrtle Ann Dewar, on July 25, 2024.
Cherished daughter of Helen (nee Greenley) and Carl Davis; loving mother of Ken (Alice), Tom (Kim), and Peter (Kathy); and long-time mother-in-law to Kasslyn and Marlene.
She was a dedicated sister-in-law to Ron, Marianne, Bob, and Jan; she was Auntie Ann to Bill, Susan, Greg, David, Lauren, Kimberley, and Ken. Ann was a proud and loving grandmother/nama to Zachary (Krystle), Amy (Mike), Jesse, Madison, Maxime, Emmanuelle, and Madeleine.
She was further blessed to have known her great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Jerome, and Yvonne.
Ann was raised in Toronto, Stouffville, and Cobourg. Ann was a Mom, a librarian at the Toronto Jail, a competitive bridge player, an extraordinary needlepoint artist, and a dear friend to many; including Pat and her gang at Bridletowne.
She was a world-class baker (in our opinion) of chocolate chip cookies, cheese dreams, and on special occasions, butter tarts. We are deeply grateful to Rayoak Place for becoming her home and additional family for the last years, and we thank Dr. Shetty and the team at NYGH 3 West for their care and dignity.
Life is short and doesn't always end as one plans.
In memory of Ann, please find your important people and give them hugs and let them know you love them.
De MARCO, Florenmce - With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Florence (nee Larkin) De Marco, 94, on July 24, 2024.
Born March 10, 1930, in Toronto, Flo was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
Beloved mother to Christina Bertrand; and mother-in-law to Vincent Bertrand; Flo was a true Toronto native, who lived in several neighborhoods before settling in Lakeview in 1943.
Predeceased by her parents and eight siblings, she was the daughter of Dennis Larkin and Edith Hipwell. Flo married Leonard De Marco at 18, with whom she shared many joyful years.
After Leonard's passing, she found companionship with Peter (Douglas) Turner. Flo was a devoted Nana to Carline, Melissa, and Amy; and a loving great-grandmother to Logan and Nora.
Her legacy of love and kindness will forever be remembered.
A celebration of Flo's life will be held on August 7th, from 1-3 p.m., at Glen Oaks Funeral Home, 3164 Ninth Line, Oakville.
In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice are appreciated.