Month: November 2012

A resident of Beckstead Road, Chesterville, for the past 35 years, Arne Vilmansen passed at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Monday, November 12, 2012. He was 69.

Arne was born in Tallinn, Estonia on May 30, 1943, to his parents Konrad and Anna Vilmansen (nee Juhans).

Arne is survived by his siblings Mari (Hal), Toomas (Carol), Kristi, Urmas (Tasha) and Helen. He will be fondly remembered by niece Kara and nephew Michael.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Friday, November 16, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Saturday, November 17th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Jo Barkley-Probst officiating. Interment followed at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Riverside Heights.

Pallbearers were Toomas Vilmansen, Urmis Vilmansen, Arie Oosterman, Randy Prieur, Raymond Leduc and Gaeten Leroux.

Donations to Winchester Hospital or the Dundas County Hospice would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

Ron Casselman 1939-2012

A lifetime resident of the area, Ron Casselman passed away suddenly at home on Tuesday, November 13, 2012. He was 73.

Ron was born on September 20,1939, to his parents Jake and Alice Casselman (nee Black). He grew up with his five siblings on a farm near Williamsburg.

Ron attended public school at Ingleside and high school at Aultsville, where he met Janice Collins, his wife of 50 years.

Known as a hard worker, Ron first worked on the railroad and then found his niche in concrete sales, most recently with Atlas Block. His sales territory took him from the Quebec border to Belleville, Ontario. Ron took pride in his work and the product.

In the community, Ron held membership in the Lions Club and later worked on the Canada Day Committee.

A fan of many sports, hockey was Ron’s other vocation. Ron coached boys and girls in their early minor hockey years. In 1980, he purchased the Morrisburg Jr. B Lions and for the past 32 years, he exemplified what small town hockey teams are all about. He reveled in the wins and wore each loss on his sturdy face.

Under Ron, the Lions won four St. Lawrence Division titles and two Rideau division titles. Ron and Janice billeted and mentored young people during their careers with the Lions and as a testament to his work with young people and the sport of hockey, Ron was recognized with an achievement award by Hockey Canada.

Beyond his work and hockey, family was Ron’s delight and joy. He was better known to them as Poppy. He and Janice cared for their children and grandchildren, always ready to take one of them here or there, or get something from here or there. As one grandchild remarked, “he would do anything for you.”

Ron is remembered by his family as a modest person who encouraged one to form and hold their own opinions, a person of integrity and honesty, respected in family, work and sports communities.

While a person of few words, Ron held a certain presence of integrity where ever he went. Ron was a mentor to many and a person who instilled teamwork with the hockey team, and a family person who knew that togetherness made the family. Family and home were synonymous for Ron.

Ron is survived by his wife Janice, by his children Kevin (Lois) of Morrisburg, Kim (Jack) of Morrisburg and Krista (Laura) of Green Valley and by his grandchildren Cody (Steph), Kasey, Kari, Katie (Jason), step-grandchildren Trevor, Chris, Jordan, Ben, Catherine, Cory, Isabelle and his soon to be born great-grandson Jake.

He was the dear brother of Marion Scrivens of Perth, Shirley Fader of Iroquois, Carolyn (Jack) Zeron of Morrisburg, Bobby of Ingleside and Brian (Sue) of Peterborough.

He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at Lakeshore Drive United Church, Morrisburg, on Friday, November 16th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Arlyce Schiebout officiating. Cremation followed.

Honorary pallbearers were Kasey and Kari Bennett, Katie Casselman, Jordan Lagendyk, Ben and Catherine Harding and Cory Hagen. Pallbearers were Kevin and Cody Casselman, Jack Bjergso, Hartley Hodgson, Tom Hodgson and Dale Lewis.

Donations to the Ron Casselman Memorial Bursary Fund would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

Perspectives by Rev. Clarence Witten

A Christmas Challenge

So, are you ready for Christmas? That may seem like a dumb question (especially for those of us who do things last minute), but it’s pretty obvious that Christmas preparation is in full swing.

People are out shopping (no doubt a few of you keeners are all done yours). The decorations are up. Lots of you have been wisely using these lovely fall days to put up your outdoor lights. (Thankfully I leave most of mine up all year; it’s the red neck in me).

Soon we’ll be into the thick of the Christmas parties, concerts, and other family get togethers. Christmas may be a great time, but it’s also a busy (and at times, stressful) time. It’s also, may I add, expensive.

I read a recent survey that says that we spend on average about $600 on food, gifts, and entertainment. And it’s more like $1,200 when travel is factored in. Ouch.

Even though we’re plenty busy with all of this over the holidays, let me throw out a challenge. Whether we’re religious or not, attend church or not, I would think that most of us know that Christmas has something to do with Christ.

So here’s the challenge. How about a little bit of going back to the roots of Christmas? Of checking out where all the fuss started. Who is this Christ? Why do we celebrate his birth?

Sure, we’ve heard things about him. He may even be part of our vocabulary. But how much do we really know about who he was and what he did?

Hence the challenge. Do you have a Bible somewhere? Pick it up and over the next month read the book of John (you’ll find it listed in the index).

Let’s see, early on you’ll discover that he never came to condemn this world, but to save it. A chapter later he tells us that he came to quench a deep thirst that we have. Then a bit later he makes this incredible statement that he came so that we’d have life, but not just life, something he calls a “full life” (or in other accounts, “abundant life). In the next chapter he promises to take care of the ‘death’ problem. “He who believes in me will live, even though he dies,” he says.

And the stories go on. There’s one about him stripping down and washing his disciples’ stinky feet. There’s these amazing stories of him doing miracles like feeding 5,000 men (plus women and children) with five loaves of bread and two fish.

And it all ends with him dying and being raised from the dead.

Let’s see. There’s about a month left until Christmas and there are 21 chapters in this book called John. That should make reading it doable.

Are you up to the challenge? Go for it. If you need a Bible, I’d be glad to hand deliver one to you (just write pastorccrc@ripnet.com)

Sure, I admit, I’m biased. But I think when you read the story of Jesus Christ you will be intrigued. Fascinated.

If you already know him, you’ll love him all the more. If you don’t yet know him, you may very well be drawn to him.

Pastor Clarence Witten

Community Christian

Reformed Church

Dixon’s Corners

Ron Casselman 1939-2012

Last week the hockey community was saddened to learn of the death of Morrisburg Junior B Lions franchise owner Ron Casselman at his home in Morrisburg on Tuesday, November 13. Mr. Casselman purchased the Morrisburg Junior B Lions in 1980, and so began 32 years of dedication to the game he so loved and the young men he mentored.

As in keeping with what Ron would have wanted, the Lions’ scheduled game against the Char-Lan Rebels on Friday night went on as planned. His granddaughters Kasey, Kari and Katie dropped the puck to officially open the game, and his grandson Cody coached the game with former Lions coach Thom Raccine on the bench for support.

At the end of the game, which the Lions won 8-4, in honour of a man they greatly respected, the players skated to the overhead box where Ron would be found at most every Junior B Lions game, for one final salute. In fact, each time they scored that night, they skated to Ron’s box.

The following is a speech written and presented Friday night by Thom Raccine who has been a member of the Lions coaching staff and worked closely with Ron for the past several years.

“Before our game tonight, the Lions are honouring the memory of our owner and biggest fan, Ron Casselman, who passed away on Tuesday.

The Lions and Rebels will dedicate tonight’s rivalry to Ron and his passion for Junior B hockey, by wearing helmet stickers in his honour.

When hockey fans think of the Morrisburg Lions, the image of the stout man with the deep voice is all you really need to know.

Before every game, Ron asked in his jovial deep voice, “what do ya think tonight big fellar?” That voice and that image will never be forgotten.

Ron Casselman’s love of junior hockey began a long time ago, first as a fan, then 32 years ago, when he became the owner of the Junior B Lions. To the many fans of Lions hockey, Ron exemplified what small town hockey teams are about. He revelled in the wins and wore each loss on his sturdy face.

Thirty-two years is an eternity in the hockey business. To have stayed through the tough times is a credit to his love of the game, the people in the league and most of all his players. He really did love the kids, as his own, even if they didn’t know it. Ron Casselman saw hundreds of players. He was proud to say that the fact that they were trying out for his team, meant the world to him.

Ron didn’t always understand the players today, but it never knocked him down. He tried to adjust to our funny ways and although he chalked it up to a different generation, Ron stayed very close to the pulse of what made his teams tick.

Under Ron, the Lions won four St. Lawrence Division titles and two Rideau Division titles. He mentored his son Kevin, from coaching to general manager.

Tonight, in honour of his grandfather, Cody Casselman will be behind the bench, keeping in the family tradition.

Four weeks ago, I sat with Ron in what we affectionately call the owners box. The weight of the world was on his shoulders and there was no doubt something was bothering him. I sensed a distance, a man alone with his memories of a lifetime devoted to his team. Oh he still watched every play and disputed a few calls, but as much as he tried, he simply wasn’t himself.

This morning, Ron Casselman took one last ride by the place he felt most at home…the arena that gave him so much pride.

Tonight, Ron’s owners box sits empty, in honour of a great hockey man.

Tonight, as our Lions get set for another 8:30 start against our rivals from Char-Lan, take a second to glance over to the southeast corner every now and then, because Ron Casselman will be there, big as life, as he has been for the past 32 years.”

Therapy dog cheers Brody, Froats family travels a tough road

“Everyone knows Brody,” says grandma Gail Robinson. And that’s a fact.

Many folks in the Morrisburg community know 16-year-old Brody Froats who has grown up here and has touched the hearts of so many with his delightful smile and his love to visit and chat with anyone and everyone, anytime.

Brody, the son of Mark and Lisa Froats and big brother to nine-year-old Brett, was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) when he was six months old.

PWS is a rare congenital disease which affects many parts of the body. Insatiable hunger and a low metabolic rate leads to obesity and reduced muscle tone and mental ability. Its complications are Type 2 Diabetes, right-sided heart failure and bone problems.

It is Brody’s current battle with heart failure and respiratory complications that landed him at CHEO a little over three weeks ago and had him pictured in the November 15 issue of The Ottawa Citizen for a story on Registered Therapy Dogs.

In the picture, therapy dog, Lia, a golden retriever, is cozying up to Brody in his fourth floor hospital bed where he is hooked up to a BiPAP machine and oxygen around the clock.

“There are actually two dogs that visit, and they get right up on his bed,” says grandma Gail of a smaller dog named Miron and Lia the golden in the photo. “The dog just lays there and Brody reads a story to him. He loves it, and he so looks forward to the visits which are usually on Thursdays.”

During his 16 years, Brody has been a frequent patient at CHEO. This time around he has everyone very worried.

“He went in with congestive heart failure,” says Gail. “He is on the BiPap machine for four hours, and then they take him off for 45 minutes although he remains on oxygen. He has someone in his room 24 hours a day, and he’s monitored constantly. “

While Brody’s dad Mark has not left his side, his mom Lisa, who is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for indolent follicular non-Hodgkins lymphoma, has been there every minute that she is feeling well enough.

According to Robinson, “Brody’s spirits are good. He actually thinks he is in a five star hotel. He gets to order off the menu and his food is delivered to him. There is always something going on with things like visits from Spartacat and clowns.”

Although it is not known when Brody may be able to return home, he is currently stable. His medical team is getting him up to walk more and more to strengthen his legs.

“He’s a tough little boy. When he went in the doctors didn’t think he would make it. He’s stable now, and we want to get him home so badly, but it’s up to God and his body.”

Gail says that the entire family is appreciative of the outpouring of love that the community has shown Brody and Lisa and the Froats and Robinson families in this very difficult time.

In addition to the high costs of travel, parking and meals, along with the loss of income experienced when a family has one family member battling an illness, the Froats family has both Lisa and Brody seriously ill, and is struggling through a very, tough time.

Note: Friends are launching an Every Penny Counts-Help the Froats Family fundraiser to assist this young family while they are on this very difficult journey. Donations can be made directly to any ScotiaBank branch in the name of Froats Family Trust Fund, Account #706720303984. Within this next week, the organizers are also hoping to have coin-collection jars out in businesses in the community. The Leader will certainly keep the community posted should there be any other upcoming events. In advance they thank everyone in the community for “your generous help and prayers for the Froats family”.

Rex K Casselman

A lifetime resident of the Williamsburg area, Rex K Casselman passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Saturday, November 3, 2012. He was 87.

Rex was born in Dunbar, Ontario on August 30, 1925, to his parents George and Jessie “Maud” Casselman (nee McIntosh). He was raised in the family store with his two brothers, Mac and Jack, who together were known in the area as the K boys.

In 1943, after several attempts and having reached the age of 18, Rex was accepted into the Royal Canadian Navy where he served until the end of WWII after which he was honorably discharged with a rank of “able seaman”

On November 19, 1960, at the United Church in Douglas, Ontario, Rex married Audrey H James and together they had two boys Jeff and Bruce.

From the end of the war until the mid-fifties, Rex worked at many jobs including; the Sudbury nickel mines, the harvest in Western Canada, security guard, road construction and with his brother Mac in the egg business. In 1955, he began to work for the Department of Transportation of Ontario where he worked until his retirement 30 years later in 1985.

Rex K was a well-known local character and renowned for his kindness and his love of sports. It was a rare occasion that he did not have a supply of balloons, lollipops or dog biscuits for the many little acquaintances he made across the baseball diamonds and hockey arenas of Eastern Ontario. Rex was a fixture parked behind the backstop or watching at the arena while his boys and later his grandchildren played.

He never missed a game and was the reliable transportation for many young people playing hockey or ball.

Rex is survived by his wife Audrey, his sons Jeff (Josée) of Cardinal and Bruce (Janet) of Ottawa. Loving Papa will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Elizabeth, Laura, Sarah, Jack and Lucy.

He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers Mac K and Jack K Casselman.

Friends called at the Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of service.

Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Wednesday, November 7th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Norine Gullons officiating.

Interment followed at Maple Ridge Cemetery, Chesterville.

Honorary pallbearers were Laura Casselman and Lucy Casselman. Pallbearers were Elizabeth Casselman, Sarah Casselman, Jack Casselman, Barry Whitteker, Barry Strader and Larry Baizana.

Donations to Winchester Hospital or St. Peter’s Lutheran Church would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

Elsie Helen Gauthier

Elsie (Helen) Gauthier, a long-time resident of Morrisburg and The Hartford, passed away peacefully at Ottawa General Hospital on Saturday October 27, 2012. She was in her 89th year.

Helen was born August 26, 1923, to Ida and William Dillabough on the family farm in Glen Becker, Ontario. The oldest of five children, Helen enjoyed her childhood. The farm gave her many happy memories of the close-knit family who worked and played together.

Many health challenges faced Helen in her early adult life and continued until she passed away. Early in her career, she lived and worked in Ottawa, then in Toronto and finally locally where she resided.

Helen met her late husband Jacques Gauthier of Timmins, in Toronto, and returned home to be married in 1948. Helen and Jacques had two daughters before she sadly became widowed in 1955.

Helen had an early love of music. She learned to play the accordion and organ, and she sang with her sister Jean at local functions.

A graduate from Gowlings Business College, Helen excelled in all her educational pursuits. Her parents were very proud of her achievements and her giving and conscientious way with others. Always ready to help, Helen brought much to her work life at the Bank of Montreal, a bank in Ottawa and a Mining Company in Toronto.

Her love of sewing is often spoken of by her siblings as she exhibited a great talent, often making her own clothes.

Helen is survived by her daughters Suzanne (Judy) Masdorp-Nasager of Wasaga Beach and Deborah (Debbie) Knowles of Toronto. She will be lovingly remembered by her siblings Jean Casselman and Faye VanAllen both of Morrisburg; by her grandchildren Adrian Nasager (Toronto) and Lauren Knowles (Ottawa); and by her great-granddaughter Aurora.

She was predeceased by her husband Jacques and brothers Bernice and Ralph.

Visitation was at the Parker Funeral Home in Morrisburg on October 30th, with services following at the grave site at Fairview Cemetery, Mariatown on Tuesday, October 30, at 11:30 am. Internment followed.

Donations to a charity of choice will be gratefully acknowledged by family. Online condolences may be made at Parkerofmorrisburg.com

June Desjardins

A resident of Morrisburg for the past 20 years, June Desjardins (nee Paupst) passed away suddenly at home on Thursday, October 25, 2012. She was 65.

June was born in Cornwall, on June 4, 1947, to her parents William and Kathleen Paupst.

She enjoyed knitting, visiting with family and friends and spending time outdoors with her dog King. She will be missed by many people.

June was the kind of person who would do anything for anyone with no questions. She did so many things with and for her family. She is gone but never forgotten.

June is survived by her husband Omer Desjardins and her children Richard (Cora) Whitford of Cornwall and Tammy Sue Marsolais (Mike Weathers) of Morrisburg.

She was dear sister to Cecil Paupst and Clayton Paupst, both of Cornwall and Carol Tyo of Riviere Beaudette.

June will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Geana, Chrissy, Sara, Sandra, Melissa, Kenny, Michael, Steven, Joey, Jennifer, Randy and by great-grandchildren Owen, Cole, Chase, Rylee, Sabrina, Nathanial, Haylie, Jacob, Brooklyn, Abby, Gavin, Samantha and Austin.

She is also survived by nieces and nephews.

June was predeceased by her son Randy Whitford, her parents William and Kathleen Paupst, her sister Ida Jesmer and her brothers John, George and Dougie Paupst.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at the Funeral Home on Monday, October 29th at 12 p.m., with Father Chisholm officiating.

Interment followed at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Avonmore. Pallbearers were Kenny Dillabough Steven Marsolais, Joey Marsolais, Michael Weathers, Victor Stevenson and Gordon St. Louis.

Donations to the Diabetes Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

Perspectives by Rev. Sue McCullough

Memories of Autumns past

Again I am sitting at my desk in the bay window of my study, watching the neighbourhood.

The house across High Street from the rectory is a beehive of activity as the people who have bought it are making the changes necessary to make it their home.

The kids across St. James’ Lane are doing their best to help their mother with the leaves – she’s raking and they’re jumping into the pile.

Life in our little corner of creation is ticking along.

I remember as a child how on nippy days like these we loved to go outside and play. We would rake the leaves into piles and jump into them, never sure if we would find another kid under the leaves when we landed.

Back in those days we were allowed – well, our parents were allowed to burn the leaves on the curbside of the road. The smell of burning leaves is one that takes me back to my childhood. Sometimes when Mum wasn’t looking we would gather a handful of chestnuts and throw them into the fire waiting for the inevitable explosion. The joy we got from watching her jump from such a loud “bang” was great. Little did we know that she had seen us throw the chestnuts into the fire and the loud “bang” was nothing more than an almost loud “pop!”

If we weren’t jumping into the piles of leaves, my friends and I loved to go “shushing” through the leaves that had filled the ditches. The sound gave me the feeling of comfort.

Another autumn season is upon us. Many of us are doing our utmost to get our bodies acclimatized to the cooler temperatures that have come our way over the past few days.

Some have been complaining about how cold it is. Others I have heard mumbling about how they have to scrape the frost from the windshields of their vehicles. I think perhaps the exceedingly hot summer has made us a bit softer. Some are longing for the days of warmth again.

I am quite happy with the season that God has given us. It reminds me of the cycle of life. I see the leaves of the trees die, dry up and drop off. I see beautiful plants struck down by killing frosts. The earth is settling into hibernation where new energy is being found by the plants and other things that are calling it quits for the winter.

It is coming to the time of year when even the humans hunker down and wait for renewed energy to go out into the world refreshed and rested.

In the story of creation we don’t read about the creation of seasons, but I’m fairly sure it might go something like this. . . and God created the cooler temperatures to remind all the creatures of the need for rejuvenation and rest – God called the season autumn, and it was good!

Cheers,

Sue+

Rev. Sue McCullough

Anglican Parish of Morrisburg, Iroquois & Riverside Heights

Seaway High News

It’s only six more weeks until the most joyous holiday of the year. Christmas! Are you excited yet? People have already been setting up trees and putting the decorations up. And Seaway is getting ready too.

This past week we’ve had quite a few activities to keep the school days chugging right along. On the 7th of November we had “Take Your Kid To Work Day”. This day was only for students in grade 9. The students find a parent, teacher, or adult friend, and they get to go with them to their job. Many students were inspired to see what they would like to do after they graduate from Seaway, and a great many of the kid also had a better appreciation for what their parents did every day.

Graduation photos for grade 12’s will be taken on November 14th and 15th, and Grade 8 graduation photos will be taken November 16th. An appointment is required to get these photos taken and there is a sitting fee of $20 for the photographer. The intermediate teachers will remind the students of their appointment times as the date approaches.

Also, an exciting artistic work in progress is being created in the art room. Larissa Ettlin, a grade 12 student at Seaway, is creating a mural on the topic of depression. Check out our Facebook site to see how she is progressing. Club opportunities are also happening! The school band is open to all students who are interested in playing an instrument. There are meetings at lunch for anyone in grade 7-12 who’s interested.

On November 9th, Seaway had their annual Remembrance Day ceremony in honour of the soldiers who fought and died for our country. Seaway band played the national anthem, and we had our moment of silence to remember all of those soldiers that we miss today. Student council member Jade Millward and Natalie Beatson spoke at the ceremony. While the band played a song in honour of Remembrance Day, there was a slide show showing us soldiers and nurses who have fought for the country we live in today in hopes we will never forget that. After the band finished their song, grade 9 student Mackenzie Whyte, with guitarist Connery Brown, sang a piece called “In to the West”. Congrats to you both, it was a special moment! Principal, Terry Gardiner, said after the Remembrance Day assembly, “I am always proud to be the principal of Seaway, but today I am particularly proud of the students who put on such a powerful Remembrance assembly and the students who were such a respectful audience.”

On December 1st, Seaway will be participating in the Morrisburg Christmas parade. We’re looking for students from grade 9-12 who are interested in being on the float and getting community service hours. Please see Mrs. Gilmour for more information.

Also there’s a sign-up sheet for varsity girls and varsity boys hockey teams on the bulletin board outside the fitness room. Our girl’s basketball teams had a game in Char-Lan but unfortunately lost, and therefore ended their season. The midget boys volleyball team has tournaments on the 13th and on the 21st. The first tournament has five games which is a lot! And on the 21st, we have four games. We’re going to be tired and sore!

After this busy month we’ll all be tired. We have sports, clubs and graduation stuff that have to be done.

Kids are getting excited for Christmas. Heck, even I’m excited for Christmas! I have a feeling that this Christmas is going to be a big one. Although the weather does not seem very wintery (we have had record breaking temperatures for the last several days), and as students we anxiously await the best present of all – an ice rain day!!!