Year: 2014

It is with great sadness we regret to notify you that William (Bill) Dillabough passed away on April 9th, 2014.

Bill was born in Ottawa, on March 16th, 1930, to William and Maude Dillabough (nee Hayes). He lived the majority of his life in Morrisburg with his loving family.

Bill leaves behind many loved ones including his beautiful and loving wife Phyllis Dillabough (nee Lawlor), a brother Ron Dillabough (Monique) and his four amazing children: Bill Dillabough (Michelle), Gordie Dillabough, Penny MacKean (Allan) and Wendy Stewart (Paul).

For those of you who knew Bill you will know that family was his number one priority, and it was what brought him true happiness.

Amongst leaving behind a wife, a brother and four children he also leaves many loving memories in his grandchildren: Billy Dillabough (Jennifer), Amanda Woolsey (Kodey), Sheena Crowder, Christopher Osler, Travis Dillabough, Brittany Dillabough and Brooke Cooper (Greg).

He was predeceased by his parents William and Maude Dillabough, and by three sisters and seven brothers.

Bill lived an interesting and exciting life over the last 66 years with his beloved wife, Phyllis.

As many know of Bill’s political career, he was a member of council for four years and 16 years as Reeve of Morrisburg and the Warden of the United Counties.

Bill also served on the boards as president of the ODHA and on the board of the CAHA.

He also, ran a successful family business for 65 years with the assistance and support of his devoted wife.

Bill was a member of the Masonic Lodge since 1961, as well as a member of Morrisburg Legion Branch 48. He was also a member of Lakeshore Drive United Church.

Bill and “his bride” had a passion for travel. They travelled to Russia and Austria for the World Hockey Tournaments and enjoyed vacationing in the Caribbean. Always together, they enjoyed being with friends and family. They always enjoyed their company. Whether it was for dinner, vacations, functions or events, Bill loved seeing, talking and spending time with people.

Family meant everything to Bill. He always said that family came first and always showed how much he loved us all.

He told his family regularly how much he loved them and how much they meant to him.

Bill Dillabough was a remarkable friend, a loving and devoted husband, an extraordinary father, and an incredible grandfather.

Besides his family, Bill had one other love in his life…hockey, or more specifically the Detroit Red Wings. He was the most dedicated fan of 75 years, and his family will be cheering on the Red Wings during the 2014 playoff season.

Bill was a handsome, caring, funny, smart, affectionate and generous man throughout his life. He will be greatly missed., and he will be forever loved.

There will be no visitation or funeral service. Spring interment of cremated remains will be at Fairview Cemetery in Mariatown.

Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughin.com

Edna Kelly

A lifetime resident of Morrisburg, Edna Kelly passed away at the Ottawa General Hospital on Wednesday, April 9, 2014. She was 77.

Edna was born in Williamsburg Township, on November 11, 1936, to her parents George and Grace Beaupre (nee Loucks).

Edna was a quiet lady whose life revolved around her family. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Edna is survived by her daughter Carol (Steve) Skerry of Morrisburg, her grandchildren Justin and Katie and her brother Junior (Helen) Beaupre of Morrisburg. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Edna was predeceased by her husband Sterling and her sister Marjorie Hamilton.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 15th, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Sue McCullough officiating.

Interment followed at Fairview Cemetery, Mariatown.

Pallbearers were Dale Kelly, Jeff Kelly, Travis Kelly, Tom McMillan, Troy McMillan and Colleen Merkley.

Donations to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.

Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

Donnie Irven

A lifetime resident of the Chesterville area, Donnie Irven passed away at the Ottawa General Hospital on Tuesday, April 15, 2014. He was 74.

Donnie was born in Finch Township, on February 16, 1940, to his parents Lorne and Helen Irven (nee Armstrong).

He worked at Nestle’s in Chesterville, for many years before going to work at Rohm and Haas in Morrisburg, until he retired.

Donnie was an exceptional person – caring, loving, kind-hearted, honest to a fault and his life revolved around his work, his family and the community. He was a man of love, strength, integrity and courage.

Donnie loved sports – especially hockey and broomball. He loved fishing and hunting, and he was a crack shot. He loved growing flowers and vegetables, and he was an outstanding cook.

His all-time specialty was barbecue chicken – people would come from all around for that particular meal at the Irven household.

According to his children, Donnie was the best father ever.His strength was palpable, and so reassuring. He was patient and kind, even when Billy shot all of Donnie’s hunting arrows into the barn roof or left Donnie’s tools strewn all over the property.

There was no problem Donnie couldn’t find a solution to. He was such a good listener, and gave such sound advice to his children and grandchildren, always. There was also nothing he couldn’t fix.

Donnie was also the best grandfather, ever. He would get up at 5 a.m. on camping trips to spend special alone time with his grandchildren. He had the patience of Job when it came to explaining anything and everything to them.

He always advised his children to take the time to talk every day to their own children, and to never raise their voices.

He was the grampa who would pull bushes down (even though his fingers might get pricked way too often) so his grandchildren could pick berries more easily. He was the grampa who was always waiting at home to hear and celebrate any and all of his grandchildren’s accomplishments – at school, in sports, in hunting or fishing.

Donnie was fortunate to have found love twice in his life, for 50 years with his dear wife Marlene who passed away in 2009, and then again later in life with Millie. Their life together was not for very long, but it was a wonderful love story filled with joy, contentment and fulfillment.

Donnie is survived by his wife Mildred Stewart, his children Lisa Irven (Glenn Brousseau) of Dunbar and Bill (Tammy) of R.R.# 1 Chesterville and his grandchildren Kaitlin and Natalie, Matthew and Haylee.

Donnie will be fondly remembered by Mildred’s children Robby, Sharon and Roger.

He was a dear brother to Dorothy (Oscar) Godard of Brockville, Greta (Ken) Harrison of Stittsville, Marie Kinnear of Russell, Lorna (Bob) Lobb of Ottawa and David (Kim) of Chesterville and a dear brother-in-law of Betty Irven of Ottawa.

He was predeceased by his wife Marlene Barkley, his infant brother Dalton and his brothers Harold and John. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Chesterville, on Friday, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at Christ Church United, Chesterville, on Saturday, April 19th, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Debbie Poirier officiating.

Interment followed at Morewood Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Gordon Elliott, Garry Elliott, Brian Waddell, Mike Barkley, Mark Barkley and Ralph Merkley.

Donations to the Ottawa General Hospital Palliative Care Unit would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

Perspectives by Rev. Norine Gullons

New life, new joy, new possibilities

Easter – the most important day in the Christian calendar starts with lots of activity.

Christians celebrate Christ’s resurrection in countless colorful ways. We gather with family and friends for meals. We really appreciate the sunshine and head out doors to enjoy a hike, bike or walk with the youth. Springtime flowers and Easter lilies decorate our homes and churches. We gather for worship maybe once or maybe every day during the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday.

The best way to celebrate Easter is to do what Jesus did and that was to forgive someone.

Each of us stands level with each other at the foot of the cross having been forgiven ourselves.

We all have someone in our lives that we need to forgive; a neighbor, a family member, a brother or sister or someone at work. Now is the time to do that.

What are those sayings? Yesterday was history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. Life is not a dress rehearsal. Just do it !

As an Easter people we are aware that the power of the Resurrection of Christ has forever changed who we are. It has given us the courage to boldly proclaim a living faith.

This spring celebrate new life, new joy and new possibilities in your life.

Go in peace, and share this good news! Thanks be to God!

Dedication for officer Ronald Pitt in the works

Constable Ronald Pitt, the Morrisburg police officer shot and killed in the line of duty August 24, 1957, will likely be remembered with the dedication of the County Road 31 bridge over Highway 401.

Acting Sgt. Justin McKenna, with the SD&G OPP is overseeing the application to the Ministry of Transportation that allows for the naming of bridges on provincial highways in memory of police officers that have died in the line of duty.

Constable Ronald Pitt was shot by two gunmen as he approached a stolen vehicle in Morrisburg. Pitt never recovered from the injuries and those responsible were never apprehended.

Constable Pitt’s surviving next of kin, son Ronald Jr., who was only seven years old when his father died, lives in Scotland, and has given his blessing to the bridge dedication.

The next step in the application process is municipal approval, which was granted at the April 15, South Dundas council meeting.

The process is a long one and final approval rests with the Minister of Transportation.

Council commended McKenna for pursuing this dedication, saying that this recognition is long overdue and that naming this bridge would be a great way of showing respect for this fallen officer.

McKenna explained that this bridge was selected because, it was where one of the police checkpoints was set up when the crime occurred.

McKenna also asked council to consider a memorial plaque, in recognition of the fallen officer, somewhere near the waterfront, as the crime occurred in the old town, which is now underwater.

Health and wellness for everybody

Health and wellness for everybody is the topic of the much anticipated “It’s All About “ME” Health and Wellness Fair coming up at the Winchester Arena on Wednesday, April 30 from 2-6 p.m.

Presented by the Dundas Interagency there is no admission charge for the Health and Wellness Fair.

The Dundas Interagency is a local group comprised of various agencies representing North and South Dundas.

Each year the Dundas Interagency plans a community event to showcase all that is available in Dundas County, and the Interagency is especially pleased this year to be offering a Health and Wellness Fair that’s focused on “It’s All About Me”.

Too often caregivers of all kinds constantly look after others without stopping to care for themselves. This day is about celebrating the intrinsic value in all of us.

Over 40 exhibitors will be at the “It’s All About Me” Health and Wellness Fair on April 30th.

There will be a great selection of local business and services covering health, wellness, fitness, entertainment and much more. There will be demonstrations on food and food sources; exercise, yoga, dance; community resources on health, education, community building; arts and culture to name a few.

Residents from throughout the Dundas community (North and South) are invited to come out and see what Dundas County has to offer and enjoy a variety of presentations and explore the many opportunities available.

Demonstrations are happening throughout the day beginning at 2:15 p.m. In addition, each exhibitor will have a display and be happy to discuss their product or service.

The mission of the Dundas County Interagency Committee is to provide a forum where individuals and organizations serving the residents of Dundas County can network for the benefit of the general population and to promote awareness of community services.

The initiative to promote networking began in the early 1980’s at a brown bag lunch meeting, where community workers from various agencies could share information.

In the early 1990’s, a number of interested individuals representing various agencies sat down together to plan a course of action. From a survey, quarterly meetings were established, which included time for networking and sharing information and, of course, lunch.

In 2005, representatives from several agencies serving Dundas County agreed to meet once or twice a year to share information about services available, participate in educational workshops, get to know new staff members and ensure that the community is well informed on what the agencies can provide

The committee has hosted a variety of event over the past five years.

Some of the 44 participants in the April 30th, “It’s All About Me” Health and Wellness Fair are: Canadian Blood Services, CMHA, Winchelsea Farms, TR Leger ALEPP, EOHU, SD&G County Library, Naomi’s Family Resource Centre, Upper Canada Playhouse, Eastern Ontario Agri-Food Network, Poppa Beans, Marion Stanley Mosaics, The Rythym Room, Linking Hands, Hartford, Kim Hutt, Garden Path Homemade Soap, Carefor Health and Community Services, Chesterville Dancers, Isagenix, Lakeshore Massage, Ryunolshi Tai Chi, Addictions Service Aura Culinary Arts.

Roy Hansma

A resident of Winchester for the past 40 years, Roy Hansma passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Thursday, April 3, 2014, surrounded by his family. He was 69.

Roy was born in Beilen, The Netherlands on October 21, 1944, to his parents Oebele & Grietje Hansma (nee Barils). He came to Canada with his parents and brothers, Hank and Obele in 1952.

Raised on the family farm in Toyes Hill, Roy and his brothers (who now included Garth and Toney) all helped their dad on the farm.

On October 26th, 1963, Roy married Sharon Summers and together they had two children, Dean and Shelley.

For a short period, Roy and Sharon lived in Oshawa, where he worked for General Motors. In 1966, they returned with their son to Toyes Hill where they purchased a property from Roy’s parents (formerly known as the Joe Steele farm). Here, they milked cows and raised pigs and chickens, while Roy also worked full time at Ault Foods.

In 1967, Roy and Sharon gave Dean a little sister (Shelley).

Roy sold the farm in 1972, and moved to Winchester, where he worked for Ted Wickers Construction Company.

In the mid 70’s, Roy and Fred Lobb created H & L Construction, and they worked together until Roy decided to go into business on his own. He then made a career of renovations and custom homes with his son working by his side.

Roy took great pride in his work, and as a result made many friends over the years.

He retired at the age of 66.

Roy and Sharon, with his brother Garth and wife Ginette were able to travel back to his birthplace of Beilen, where he hadn’t been since coming to Canada.

Being able to go back to his birthplace and visit his relatives was very special to him. He visited several countries in Europe and when he came home, he said it was a trip of a lifetime.

Roy was a very social person with outstanding people skills which netted him a great number of friends.

He was a Volunteer Fireman with the Winchester Fire Department for 30 years and also a member of the Lions Club. Roy loved sports and played many, his favourites being baseball, bowling and darts. When he wasn’t playing himself, he enjoyed watching almost any sport on television, especially hockey, baseball and curling.

Roy’s love of the outdoors took him snowmobiling and four-wheeling, moose hunting with his friends in Ignace and deer hunting with buddies in Dacre.

Fishing took him to the Bay of Quinte where he enjoyed hours of fishing, so much so that he purchased a cottage for his family and friends to enjoy over the next several years.

Roy loved his family and friends. He was always there if they needed his help or advice and was always ready to lend a hand. He was hard-working, honest and loyal.

Roy was a devoted husband to his wife of 50 years, Sharon. He was a loving father to his son Dean (Marilyn) of Heckston, and his daughter Shelley Beaudry (Tim Barkley and daughters Brooke & Morgan) and a loving and proud grandfather and Poppy to Chase and Ty Beaudry, all of Winchester. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Toney.

His friends called at the Marsden & McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg, on Monday, April 7th, and attended the funeral service on Tuesday, April 8th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Christine Lowson officiating.

Pallbearers were son Dean, daughter Shelley and grandsons Chase and Ty.

Edward Berube

A resident of R.R.# 1 Iroquois for the past 15 years, Ed Berube passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, April 3, 2014. He was 86.

Edward Berube was born in Ottawa, on December 13, 1927, to his parents Ovila and Margaret Berube (nee Cunningham). He grew up in Ottawa.

In 1948, Edward met Georgette Gagnon at a square dance. Edward and Georgette eventually married and shared their life for 64 years. Together they raised their nine children, Georges, Richard, Michel, Robert, Raymond, Suzanne, Edouard, Margaret and Chantal.

They were also parents to Lise, a handicapped girl who initially came to live with Ed and Georgette for a month, but became a part of the family and remained with them for 36 years.

Edward and Georgette’s family eventually blessed them with 22 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

In 1983, Edward underwent open heart surgery which was expected to extend his life by five years. Instead he surpassed the doctors’ expectations by living for 31 years.

A quiet man of faith, Edward lived his entire life for his family. Intelligent and accomplished, he was a DHIA inspector. He attended and then taught at Kemptville College and taught Karate for eight years. He was a Lion’s Club member and a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus.

Edward’s favorite meal was Swiss steak, especially if Georgette used his mother’s recipe. He loved his desserts, his tea, and he definitely loved his dogs Wolf, Bingo and Jack.

Edward also loved to travel. He and Georgette visited Hawaii and Mexico, and for 20 years spent their winters in Florida. Edward’s favorite trip was to Medjurgorje, Yugoslavia (as it was known then) to see the Virgin Mary apparitions.

As Edward came into his retirement years, he became an avid Publisher’s Clearinghouse participant. He also loved to garden and he enjoyed sharing the items from his garden with his family.

Edward’s favorite pastime was joking and teasing. Many times he attempted to obtain a loan from Lise, and one of his favorite expressions to Georgette, was “gotta cup of tea ma?”

Edward Berube, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather will be missed.

Edward is survived by his wife of 65 years Georgette Berube (nee Gagnon) and his children Georges (Linda) of South Mountain, Richard (Anne) of Mountain, Michel (Charlotte) of Kemptville, Robert (Nicole) of Renfrew, Raymond of Iroquois, Suzanne Baxter (Maurice Dumoulin) of Kemptville, Edouard (Nicole) of Lennoxville, Margaret Castonguay of Ajax and Chantal Arcand (Barry) of Winchester.

He will be fondly remembered by his step-brother Marcel Valiquette of Orleans and by 22 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Iroquois, on Sunday, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Knights of Columbus service was held Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church, Iroquois, on Monday, April 7th, at 2 p.m., followed by cremation.

Pallbearers were his sons Georges, Richard, Michel, Robert, Raymond and Edouard.

Donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

Arlie English

Arlie English of RR2 Iroquois, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 25, 2014. He was 87 years old.

Arlie was the beloved father of David (Lynda) Hodgson of Waterloo and Joanne (Mac) Neilson of Joyceville.

He was cherished family friend of Brian (Morgan) Swerdfeger and their children of Long Sault, treasured grandpa of Ryan (Tasha) Hodgson and Pop to Stacy Lynn Neilson, Jennifer (Kevin) Lapeer and Emily Neilson.

Arlie was Great Poppa to James Lapeer and great grandpa to Hailey and Cody. He was dear brother of Iris Bryant of Hensall.

Arlie will be sadly missed by his nephew and devoted friend Kevin Carkner. He was predeceased by his parents Lulu (Glover) and Elmer English and one brother Orean English.

Fondly remembered by nieces, nephews and friends.

At Arlie’s request there was no visitation or funeral service.

Donations to Knox Presbyterian Church would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Iroquois.

Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

Harry Keeler

Harry Keeler passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, April 8, 2014. He was 75.

Harry was born in Matilda Township, on August 17, 1938, to his parents Wesley and Effie Keeler (nee Lewis).

A very quiet child, Harry grew up north of Iroquois along with his five siblings. He would fall asleep in school and only made it to grade 3, likely to due to loss of interest.

A hard worker, Harry worked for many local farmers most of his life. He loved to keep busy and would work for very little pay. He mowed lawns and cut wood until his 75th year.

Harry was always there to lend a helping hand to his friends and neighbours. He had a great heart and would help anyone who needed it. He was a very happy man and smiling most times, especially when there was money involved.

Harry could always be seen in a tucked in collared shirt, rolled up jeans, a cap on his head, belt, and sometimes socks hiked up over top of his pants.

His pockets (no matter how many) were always full. Nobody really knows what was in there, but you could usually find a very thick wallet, baggies full of change, and a multitude of different keys on a ring.

Harry played the harmonica and loved it. He loved to socialize with everyone, especially women.

He would talk to everyone he ran into whether he knew them or not which is why he knew such a wide variety of people.

He loved the Docksyde restaurant in Morrisburg, because of all the people he met there on a daily basis.

Harry also loved to dance. When the music came on and he spotted a pretty lady, she didn’t stand a chance. Harry would just point, motion the lady over, and start to shimmy.

Harry was always on the go whether he was working, walking, socializing, or driving. He absolutely loved cars and took a lot of pride in them. He loved to drive around and always thought his car was the fastest.

He enjoyed telling his stories to anyone/everyone who would listen. He made everyone feel like they were an important person in his life even if he had just met them. If you were lucky enough to meet Harry, then your life was made a little bit better.

Harry is survived his siblings Cecil (Pat) Keeler of Iroquois, Ann (John) Hamiaux of Riverside Heights, Goldie (Eric) Sypes of Morrisburg and Rodney Levere of Cornwall.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Pearl Merkley and his brother-in-law John Merkley. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Saturday, April 12th from 11 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. The service was conducted by Pastor James Tripp. Spring interment will be at Dundela Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Loretta Jamieson, Nicole Jamieson, Marcie Jamieson, John Hamiaux, Rodney Levere, Tim Hutt and Scott Keeler.

Donations to the Dundas Manor Nursing Home would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.