It is with sadness that we announce the death of Reginald Henry Barkhouse of North Alton, born April 2, 1947. Reg passed away peacefully at home on July 24, 2024, with family by his side.

Reg is survived by his wife and best friend of 57 years, Margaret (Butler); and their children, Dawn Keddy, Jill Barkhouse (Steve Hennessey) and Kris Barkhouse; brother, Floyd Steeves (Maurita); sister-in-law, Dawna Butler (Doug); and grandchildren, Jacob, Dyton, Kyle, Claire, Benson, Phoenix and Owen; along with many nieces and nephews, and his special companion, Buddy.

Reg was predeceased by his sister, Wanda Amiro (Clarence); and his parents, Reginald Sr. and Greta Barkhouse; as well as his in-laws, Murray and Emily Butler.

Reg was born on Scot’s Bay Road and lived at the Look-Off in his early life. He and Marg built and renovated houses, and lived in Canning, Medford, Port Williams and North Alton.

Reg was handy and skilled in many areas. He worked throughout the valley at Kent Farms, Cornwallis Supplies, and was self-employed pumping and installing septic systems and operating heavy equipment. He also worked as a truck driver for Canard Poultry. He and Marg owned and operated R&M Car Crushing and had rental properties for 20 years. Following retirement, Reg recently enjoyed working as a truck driver for Atlantic Poultry Inc.

Reg was a member of the Canning Volunteer Fire Department for 15 years and a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Reg and Marg enjoyed travelling together throughout Canada and the United States. They especially enjoyed winters spent in Florida and camping with friends in the Good Sam group.

Reg has passed on his strong work ethic, quick wit and sense of humour as well as his carpentry and mechanic skills to his grandchildren. As a father and grandfather, he was an incredible mentor and, with Marg, created a home full of love and support.

Cremation has taken place. There will be a private family graveside service in Arlington, Kings County, NS. A celebration of Reg’s life will take place at the Canning Fire Hall on August 12, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. All are invited to join the family there to share memories, stories and refreshments. Donations in memory may be made to North Alton Baptist Church, Heart and Stroke Foundation or Valley Hospice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.

SPARKS, ELSIE ANN At UHN (Toronto General Hospital) on July 10, 2024, Elsie Sparks in her eighty-ninth year. Elsie was the wife of Ross Tucker and mother of Elyse (Stephen Pinder) and Suzanne (Frank Santaguida) and grandmother of Josephine Anne and the late Gwendolyn Mary. At Elsie's request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Donations in Elsie's memory can be made to the charity or cultural organization of your choosing.

FARQUHARSON, JOHN P. January 11, 1937 – July 21, 2024 It is with heavy hearts we announce the loss of our John who passed away at Joseph Brant Hospital, on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the age of 87. Devoted husband to Nita Farquharson (nee Falk), whom he has been lovingly married to for 60 years. Cherished father to Paul (Cheryl) Farquharson. Proud grandfather to Nathan and Maya. Always remember by his extended family and friends. As per John's wishes, and those of his family, a private cremation will be taking place. Celebration of Life at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stop light north of QEW), Burlington (905-632-3333), on Sunday, July 28, 2024, from 4-7p.m. If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to any charity would be sincerely appreciated by the family.

PLUNKETT, MARY ANNA (nee STRAUSS) Mary of Toronto, Ontario, passed away peacefully, at home on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at age 83, after a long battle with COPD. Mary was born on April 23, 1941, in Vulcan, Alberta. She was one of six children of Felix Strauss and Loretta (nee Kieswetter). Mary grew up on a farm learning many of the skills that would serve her well in a busy life. Mary aspired to be a nurse and during her first year of training she contracted an illness which ended her nursing career but not her determination to have a fulfilling career. She moved to Toronto, met her future husband and started a long and prosperous career working for Bell Canada. Over their 60 years of marriage, Mary and John enjoyed many years of creating wonderful memories with friends and family. They were famous for their "Bell" dinner parties, in which work friends gathered yearly for grand dinner parties spanning over 35 years. Mary retired at 55 and between traveling and spending winters in Florida, she embarked on a university education. She majored in Women Studies and graduated with honours from York University. Education was an extremely important endeavor to both her and her husband, John Plunkett (deceased January 2024), and together they provided bursaries for many nieces, nephews; and grand nieces and nephews. Mary was an active member of St. Gregory's Parish and a longtime volunteer (30+ years) with Dorothy Ley Hospice; fundraising, manicuring their gardens and overseeing and training other garden volunteers. Mary had a love for gardening, cats and riding horses. As in life, Mary was devoted to adventure; challenging herself and sharing her generosity and love with others. Her kindness, openness to others and ability to be a good listener won the respect of all who knew her. Mary was a devoted and loving daughter, a dedicated and loving wife, a cherished sister, a wise aunt and a giving friend. She is preceded in death by her husband, John; brothers, Jim, Jerry and Ralph; and her parents. She is survived by her loving sister, Eilleen; younger brother, Richard; and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. A sincere thank you to all of the family and friends who showed Mary how much she was loved; to the staff at Right At Home Etobicoke North; and the palliative care professionals at Dorothy Ley Hospice, who supported Mary towards the end. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gregory's Church, 122 Rathburn Road, Toronto, at 10 a.m., on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Donations in memory of Mary can be made to Dorothy Ley Hospice, Canadian Cancer Foundation or the COPD Foundation. Online condolences may be made through www.turnerporter.ca

James Stewart Ball, affectionally known as “Jim” was born on April 14th, 1960, at Deer Lake to Lewis & Margaret Ann Ball. It was at Deer Lake he was raised and received his early education.

As a boy he attended church and Sunday School at Emmanuel Pentecostal Church in Deer Lake. After graduation from high school Jim lived with his brother Brad and family. He lived in Petawawa, Ontario for three years, then In Victoria, British Colombia for two years and then at Shilo, Manitoba where he lived for over twenty years. He worked as the custodian and maintenance for Shilo Inn on the military base for more than 20 years. Jim loved gardening and also loved interior decorating. He walked a lot and loved the quiet. He will be remembered for his wit and humor. He fought a short battle with cancer but did so with courage and determination. It was his humor that helped him in moments of struggle and pain.

He was predeceased by his parents; Lewis & Margaret Ann Ball, his grandparents; Stewart & Dulcie Ball and Joseph & Sarah Lainey, numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his siblings; Beverly Ann (Wayne) Hoyles, Deborah Ball, Lewis Brad Ball, David Ball, Wayne (Peggy) Ball, Sherry (David) Austin, Stephen Ball and Krista (Peter). His aunt; Edna Manuel and a large circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

He passed peacefully away on June 25th, 2023, at Brandon Regional Health Centre, Brandon, Manitoba.

A memorial service will be held at the Pentecostal section of the Deer Lake interdenominational cemetery, Wight’s Road, with Pastor White officiating on Friday, July 26th, 2024, at 1:30 pm.

To sign the guest book or send a message of condolence please visit our web page at wwww.parsonsfuneralhome.com

The funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Parsons Funeral Home 63 North Main Street, Deer Lake, NL.

"Forever in our Hearts"