Obituaries

r the past 42 years, Margo vander Poel passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Thursday, August 30, 2012.  She was 79.

Margo was born in Wormerveer, in the Netherlands to her parents Dora and Kees Hoek.  After enduring the hardships of World War II, her family immigrated to Canada in the spring of 1949, their ship landing in Montreal.

They lived for a short time in Magog, Quebec before moving to Macdonald College in St. Anne de Bellevue. While there, Margo trained as a Registered Nursing Assistant at the Royal Victoria Hospital. For a brief period she worked at the Veteran’s Hospital in Montreal. She spent many years working at Lakeshore General Hospital. 

While living at Macdonald College, she met Job and following a short courtship, they married on July 3, 1954. Their first child, Jackie, arrived in 1955, with Kathy, Peter and Brenda following over the next nine years.

In the winter of 1970, Margo and Job decided to move their family to a farm in Ontario. From field work to the birthing of a calf, Margo supported Job in all aspects of the farm. Through their hard work and dedication, they made the farm flourish. 

Upon retirement, Margo and Job spent many winters in Florida, ever widening their group of friends and enjoying the Florida sunshine, a real break from our Canadian winters.  

Her dedication to family made her an exemplary role model. The quality of character and the trueness of the hearts of her children, Jackie, Kathy, Peter and Brenda are proof of that.  She was dedicated to them.  

Margo was blessed with 11 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and one on the way. She loved them all dearly and was proud of each one of them. 

Margo and Job had a wide circle of friends. Over the years, they’ve managed to keep in contact with many fellow immigrants and have met others since moving to this area. 

Enjoying an active social life, Margo and Job have spent countless hours with their bowling group and card playing friends.  Margo was also part of a ladies club called the “Stitch and Bitch”. She enjoyed these ladies’ fellowship and creativity for more than 30 years.

Coming from an artistic family, Margo was a true artisan herself.  Margo did quilting, rug hooking, crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, cross stitch, and bobbin lace. In the last few years she spent much of her time creating beautiful pieces and leaving the family with wonderful mementos they will continue to cherish.

Margo’s efforts were not only to be enjoyed by her family.  She has made baby quilts that have been sent to Kenya. She has knitted countless toques for premature babies.  She has crocheted plastic sleep mats from milk bags for the needy in other countries.  She has knitted bed jackets and lap blankets for seniors in our area.

She had a wide variety of interests. She loved nature, the garden, and the beach. She enjoyed all classical music. She was an avid bird watcher. Her home was never without a pet to spoil.  She liked various types of puzzles.  She enjoyed watching golf and curling on TV.

Margo and Job were also well travelled. They have been to the east and west coast of Canada, Florida, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Hawaii.

Margo frequently marvelled at all the opportunity this country had given her and was so grateful for it. She was very proud to be a Canadian.

Margo is survived by her husband of 58 years, Job, her children Jackie (Glenn) Merkley of Cardinal, Kathy (Dean) Parlee of Kanata, Peter (Karen) vander Poel of Iroquois and Brenda (Bob) Seely of Kemptville.  

She was much loved Oma to David Merkley (Terra), Robyn Delaney (Ian), Erin Merkley (Tory), Thomas and Laura Parlee, Benjamin, Colin, Evan and Jill vander Poel, Matthew and Lindsey Seely and her darling great-grandson Nicholas Merkley.  

She is survived by her sisters Dora Zwart and Corie Robinson and sister-in-law Monica Hoek.  and will be fondly remembered by many sisters and brothers-in-law in Holland and by many nieces and nephews

She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Wybrand Hoek.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church in Iroquois, on Monday, September 3rd at 11 a.m. with Father Chisholm officiating.  Internment followed at Iroquois Point Cemetery.  

Pallbearers were grandsons David Merkley, Colin vander Poel, Matthew Seely and Thomas Parlee. 

Donations to Winchester Hospital or the Cancer Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.ca.

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A resident of Iroquois for the past 37 years, Jean Douma passed away at the Ottawa General Hospital on Saturday, September 1, 2012. She was 83.

Jean was born in Eestrum, The Netherlands, on July 18, 1929, to her parents Wopke and Janke Oldenburger (nee Westerhof).  

On May 31, 1951, she married Wytze Douma and they immigrated to Canada.  On July 21, 1951, they arrived in Maxville, Ontario.  They raised 10 children on the farm in the Crysler/Chesterville area before moving to Church Street in Iroquois in 1975 with six of their children. 

Jean could be found gardening or early in the morning going for her daily walk.  Other hobbies were cross stitching, reading or playing cards.  

After her husband’s passing in 2001, Jean’s great joy in life was visiting with her children, grandchildren and her great-grandchildren; the last of which was born on her birthday, July 18, 2012. 

She gave selflessly throughout her life to her family, her church and her school community.  As a Christian wife and mother, her faith was very evident in her life.  This continued until her final day.  

Jean is survived by her children Jeannie (John) Luimes of Oshawa, Harold (Mary) of Ingleside, Dorothy (Bob) Wierdsma of Peterborough, Oscar (Karen) of Pittsburgh, Abe (Janet) of Chesterville, Joanna (Sim) Wierdsma of Peterborough, Rick (Ellen) of Iroquois, George (Darlene) of Whitby and Wes (Wanda) of Iroquois and by her daughter-in-law Alice Douma (friend Dean Howland) of Ingleside. 

She is also suvived by her siblings Baukje (Bram) VanderVeen of Morewood, Halbe (Joanne) Oldenburger of Wellesley and Wobbina (Gerrit) Sluiskes of Iroquois. 

Beppe will be fondly remembered by 30 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Wytze Douma, her son John Douma and her daughter-in-law Karen Douma.   

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  Funeral service was held at the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church on Wednesday, September 5th at 11 a.m., with Rev. John Noordhof officiating. Interment followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg.  

Pallbearers were her sons Harold, Oscar, Abe, Rick, George and Wes. Honorary pallbearers were her daughters Jeannie Luimes, Dorothy Wierdsma and Joanna Wierdsma.  

Donations to Timothy Christian School would be appreciated by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com

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A lifetime resident of the area, Raymond Paul Richmire passed away suddenly at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Friday, August 3, 2012.  He was 63.  

Raymond was born in Williamsburg on July 19, 1949, one of 12 children born to George and Arabella Richmire (nee Casselman). 

Raymond always had a strong work ethic. He started working at the Red and White grocery store in Williamsburg when he was just 11 years old. Following high school, he went to work as a butcher alongside his brother-in-law Earl Cross. During his lifetime he worked as a butcher at several grocery stores including Loblaws, Neil’s Butcher Block, Mike Dean’s, Henderson’s Slaughter House and finally at Foodland in Iroquois. 

Raymond’s love for his family was particularly obvious when he got together with his sons and their families, Adam and Ashley, Brett and Hannah, Todd and Elizabeth and his two year old granddaughter Annabelle. 

Raymond was a kindhearted man who possessed a special sense of humour. He lived by the unwritten rule of live, love and laugh.

Raymond was an avid fisherman and hunter and, although he never learned to swim, he still enjoyed boating and water fun with his friends and family. 

Raymond started hunting at a young age and continued to do so through to the fall of 2011. He respected wildlife in its natural habitat. Raymond would hunt and fish to put food on the table, and he always enjoyed sharing a great meal of venison, wild fowl or fresh fish with family and friends while sharing stories and memories with the people he loved.

For the last year of his life he spent seven months living with his brother Clarke and sister-in-law Barb at their home on Little Silver Lake. At the lake he was surrounded by the wildlife that he loved dearly throughout his life.  

It was there that he was able to gain strength, through the care, love and positive atmosphere surrounding him, making it possible to care for himself once again. 

For the last four months of his life, he lived in Riverside Heights enjoying visits from his friends and family while making regular trips to the Ottawa Cancer Centre for Chemotherapy treatment.  

Raymond had a smile that could brighten any room, and a laugh that will live in the memories of all lucky enough to have been part of his life.

Raymond is survived by his sons Adam (Ashley Jones) and Todd (Elizabeth Wilson), both of Constance Bay, and by his siblings Audrey Cross of Chesterville, George of Williamsburg, Evelyn Richmire of Barrie, Maynard (Bonnie) of Williamsburg, Clarke (Barbara) of Perth, Beverley Richmire of Williamsburg and Penney (Clifford) Towsley of Prescott.  Raymond will be fondly remembered by his granddaughter Annabelle and his step-grandchildren Brett and Hannah. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by his parents George and Arabella Richmire (nee Casselman) and his sisters Winnifred Mulrooney, Louise Small, Ethel Marriner and Gloria McNalty.  

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, August 6th at 1 p.m., with Rev. Jo Barkley-Probst officiating. Eulogy was delivered by Mike Eastman. 

Pallbearers were Adam Richmire, Todd Richmire, Penney Towsley, Shawn Preston, Zach Preston and Perry Brennan.  Cremation followed.   

Interment of cremated remains was at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg on Saturday, August 11th at 2 p.m.  

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

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A naval veteran of WWII, Walter Bruce Allan passed away peacefully at the Hartford Retirement Centre in Morrisburg on Saturday, August 11, 2012. He was in his 88th year.

Bruce is survived by his wife Addie, and by his children, Paula (Walter), Pattie (Ed), Susan (Geoffrey) and Steve (Liana). He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Nick, Scott (Carolyn), Karen (John), Kelly (Brian), Kevin (Ariel), Andrew (Lindsay), Graham (Stacey), Spencer (Jess), Victoria and Julia.

He will also be missed by his great-grandchildren, and by his extended family and friends.

Born in 1925, Bruce worked for 30 years with Canada Post beginning in the mail room in Winnipeg, working his way up to the position of Director in Ottawa.

His early life was dominated by his love for all sports. Bruce was an avid hockey player (Winnipeg Monarch Jrs.) and was offered a tryout with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He loved football and played for two seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He also participated in track and field, where he held more than one Manitoba provincial record.

Bruce was a three-letter man in high school and continued his athletic endeavors while serving in the Canadian Navy during WWII.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Peters, Dr. Grewal and Dr. Ingram-Crooke for their excellent care and to Kim and Sylvia, and their staff at the Hartford Retirement Centre for their remarkable care and compassion for both Bruce and Addie during Bruce’s time there.

Visitation will be held at the Pinecrest Visitation Centre, 2500 Baseline Road, on Thursday, August 16, from 6-8 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held in the Pinecrest Remembrance Chapel on Friday, August 17, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow.

For those wishing, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.colefuneralservices.com.

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Bert Wood of Dunbar passed away at the Dundas Manor Nursing Home, Winchester, on Saturday, July 28, 2012. He was 81.  

Bert was the loving husband of Edith Wood (nee Bailey), and loving father of Bev (Glendon) Moore and Robert Wood, both of Dunbar.  

He was loving papa of grandchildren Ryan (Jaime) Moore and Janel (Dave) Turnbull, and great-grandchildren Zaurek and Narelle Moore and Ainsley Turnbull.  

Bert was dear brother of Don of Seeley’s Bay, Earl (Jan) of Morrisburg, Linda (Lee) McCaslin of Iroquois and Gary (Moya) of Rice Lake and dear brother-in-law of Debbie Wood of Winchester.  

He was predeceased by his parents Burnice and Thora Wood (nee Robinson), his sisters Evelyn Wood and  Marjorie Barkley and his brother Paul Wood.  

He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Chesterville, on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until time of service.  A Memorial service was held at the funeral home on Wednesday, August 1st at 11 a.m., with Rev. Wendy Wright-MacKenzie officiating.  

Interment followed at Maple Ridge Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandchildren Ryan Moore and Janel Turnbull. 

 Donations to Dundas Manor or the Alzheimer’s Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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A lifetime resident of the area, Marvin Keeler passed away at the Brockville General Hospital on Wednesday, July 25, 2012, following a brief illness. He was 69.

Marvin was born in Matilda Township on June 5, 1943, to his parents Garnet and Effie Keeler (nee Robinson). 

As a teenager he began working for a local farmer but his main interest was doing mechanical work so he got a job working at Gib Strader’s junk yard when he was only 15 years old. 

On July 2, 1966, he married Connie Howe and together they had one son Jeff.   Marvin worked for Gib Strader for a number of years before going to work on the big boat engines at Prescott Machine and Welding. 

When he was laid off in 1981, he, Connie and Jeff moved to Alberta where he worked on the heavy equipment in the oil fields.  

The family returned to the Iroquois area in 1989. 

Marvin enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, doing woodwork and repairing lawn mowers.  He loved the outdoors and his small farm animals which are now being taken care of by his grandson Rylee who shares his grandfather’s love for animals.  

Marvin will be fondly remembered by his family and the many friends he made locally, in Alberta and in Nova Scotia.  

 Marvin is survived by his wife Connie (nee Howe), his son Jeff and his wife Debbie of Williamsburg. 

He will be fondly remembered by his siblings Edna Roskell (late Frank) of Hanesville, John (Joan) of Prescott, Linda Beckstead (William) of RR1 Iroquois, Basil (Debbie) of Nova Scotia, Tim of Nova Scotia and Tony (Della) of Hanesville. 

He will be sadly missed by grandchildren Michael, Rylee and Raven.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. 

Marvin was predeceased by his parents Garnet and Effie Keeler and his brother Garnet.  

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Friday from 11 a.m. until time of the service.  The funeral service was held at the funeral home on Friday, July 27 at 1 p.m., with Rev. Doug Carnegie officiating.  Cremation followed.  

Donations to the BGH Palliative Care would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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A lifelong resident of the community, Annabel Casselman O’Mara passed away peacefully at Dundas Manor, Winchester on Friday, July 20, 2012. She was in her 93rd year.

Annabel was born June 21, 1920, in Aultsville, just east of Morrisburg, to loving parents Charles Gogo and Jean (nee Bouck).  There she farmed with her parents and half sister Ella on their 100 acre dairy farm until she was married to Gordon Casselman in 1939, at the Aultsville Anglican Church. 

Annabel and Gordon had three sons, Mahlon, Lyle, and Ivan.  In 1956, Annabel, Gordon and the three boys sold their dairy farm in Aultsville, and bought a farm at Dixon’s Corners. 

Annabel’s husband, Gordon passed away in 1977, after 38 years of marriage. In March, 1994, Annabel was married to her second husband, Arthur O’Marra.  Together they lived on the farm for two years before moving to Morrisburg in 1996. 

Annabel enjoyed shopping, playing cards and games (especially UNO).  However, there were never games or cards played on Sunday.  

She loved flowers and music, especially gospel music. Her knowledge of the Bible was phenomenal.  Throughout her lifetime, Annabel was a member of the Winchester Wesleyan Church, Morrisburg Pentecostal Church and the Community Family Church of Iroquois.  

Annabel had a generous heart and was known for her tremendous bear hugs.  She loved everyone equally and was a genuine, true friend to many.  

Annabel was the beloved wife of Art O’Marra, and  loving mother of Mahlon (Betty) Casselman, and Lyle (Irene) Casselman, both of Brinston, and Ivan (Judy) Casselman of Morrisburg.  

She was cherished grandmother of Darryl, Amanda, Amy and Gordon and great-grandmother of Gabrielle, Shana, Alicia and Jasmine.  

She will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. 

Annabel was predeceased by her husband Gordon Casselman (1977) and an infant son (1957). 

Friends were received at the Parker Funeral Home, Morrisburg on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service was held at the home on Tuesday, July 24, 2012. at 1 p.m.

Pallbearers were Jim Adams, Gerry Whitteker, Lorne Johnston, Gerald Casselman, Gary Bradford and Matthew Casselman.  

Interment was at Spruce Haven Cemetery, Brinston.  

Memorial donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association or Dundas Manor Activity Fund will be gratefully acknowledged.  Condolences may be made at  www.parkerofmorrisburg.com

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A resident of Morrisburg for the past 35 years, Elie Cholette passed away at the Brockville General Hospital on Saturday, July 21, 2012. He was 85.

Elie was born in Lancaster, on March 20, 1927, to his parents Elie and Lydia Cholette (nee Sauve). He lived his entire life in the area.  

Elie worked for many years at Universal Terminals before retiring in 1992.  He was a devoted husband and father. His hobbies included fishing and carpentry work, and he liked to watch hockey and wrestling on television. 

Elie is survived by his wife Brenda Cholette (nee Sloan) and his children Laura-Lee Cholette (Corey Albert) of Ingleside, Dora Courrier (Maurice) of R.R.# 2 Ingleside, Lise Chaplin (Ken) of London and Denise Charrette (Jean-Guy) of St. Luke, P.Q.

Elie was dear brother of  Desnieges Carriere (Omer) of Cornwall and Germaine Fontaine (Phillip) of Hammonton, New Jersey.  He will be fondly remembered by seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by two infant brothers, a sister Doris Bertrand and brothers Simon and Viateur Cholette.     

There was no visitation at the funeral home.  A memorial service will be held at St. Lawrence Valley Union Cemetery, Long Sault, on Monday, July 30th at 1 p.m. Donations to the #2 East Unit at Brockville General Hospital would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. 

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

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A lifetime resident of the Williamsburg area, Graham Garlough passed away at Kingston General Hospital on Thursday, July 19, 2012. He was 87.

Graham was born in Williamsburg Township on January 13, 1925, to his parents Henry and Ruby Garlough (nee Merkley).

Graham spent most of his life doing what he enjoyed most – working.  

As a young lad he started out as a wheelchair boy for Dr. Locke.  He then went on to farming and caring for race horses for Dr. Locke’s son Parker. 

Graham then entered the business world in the egg grading business with Raymond McIntosh and Bert McIntosh under the name of Williamsburg Egg Grading Station – after fire destroyed the business they moved to Glen Becker still in partnership with Bert and a new partner Willard Steinberg. Graham also had a joint ownership in hen houses.

After his retirement from the business, Graham went to work for Cornwall Gravel – where he operated heavy construction equipment, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He then retired from there and went to work for Schneider’s at Parmalat Cheese. 

When he decided to retire from there – Graham still was not content to just sit, so he spent spring and fall helping to work the fields at his two nephews’ farms.  

In his leisure time, Graham enjoyed fishing in his early years but then took up golf and spent many happy hours at Cedar Glen Golf Course.

Graham was a lifetime member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Williamsburg, and a member of the Masonic Lodge for almost 63 years.  He joined the Williamsburg Masonic Lodge in December of 1949, and after the Williamsburg Lodge closed he joined Henderson Lodge in Winchester.  

He was a member of the Karnak Shriners and the A & A.S.R. Valley of Ottawa Murray Chapter of Rose Croix.  He was a life member of the S.D.& G. Shrine Club of Cornwall and a life member of the Moore Sovereign Consistory of Hamilton.  

Graham is survived by his daughter Susan (Dan) Keyes of Howe Island and his granddaughters Kristen and Jennifer Keyes.

He was predeceased by sisters Jennie Johnston and Gladys Beckstead and brothers Cecil, Harry and Garnet Garlough.  He is also survived by nieces and nephews.   

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Sunday from 2-4 p.m.  A Masonic Memorial Service was held on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m.  Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Monday, July 23rd at 11 a.m., with Rev. Norine Gullons officiating.  

Interment followed at Fairview Cemetery, Morrisburg. Pallbearers were Kristen Keyes, Jennifer Keyes, Russel Garlough, Donald Garlough, Gordon Garlough, Bert McIntosh and John Byvelds.  

 Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Winchester Hospital would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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Ronald Desmond Perrin passed away peacefully at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Sunday, June 24, 2012. He was in his 86th year.

Ron was born in the Township of Rear of Leeds and Lansdowne in Leeds County on October 29, 1929.  He spent most of his life in construction work, and worked for Canadian Dredge and Dock Company for 42 years.  

Ron’s parents were Ernest Eston Perrin and Florence Ethel Whaley.

On March 20, 1979, Ron married Verla (Disheau) in Cornwall and for many years he and Verla were residents of Morrisburg. They formerly lived in LyneHurst.  

Ron was the beloved husband of Verla Disheau of Morrisburg, and loving father of Dwight (Cathy) Perrin of Kingston and Dwayne Perrin of Athens.  He was cherished grandfather of Cindy (Neil) Boyce of Harrowsmith and Lee (Kara) of Kingston, and dear great-grandfather of Kody, Harley and Braden of Kingston. He was loving stepfather of Richard Tyo and Brenda (Paul) St. Louis, both of Cornwall, dear step grandfather of Heidi (Randy) McGillis and dear step great-grandfather of Kaitlin and Sarah Lynn McGillis, all of Cornwall. Ron was the treasured brother of Bill (Iris) of Napanee, Goldie (Racemy) Braman of Ottawa and brother-in-law of Vivian Perrin of Portland.  He will be sadly missed by numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by sisters Doreen Perrin, Phoebe Bowes, Dorothy Warren and brothers Daniel and Frank. 

Ron was a kind man, always willing to drop what he was doing to help a neighbour. He always had the right part or the right tool and promptly went about getting the job done, and done well.  

He was a quiet man with a wonderful sense of humor.  Even when he didn’t speak, the expression on his face said a thousand words.  Ron was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching a good ball game, hockey game or wrestling match downstairs in his “mancave”.  

Friends were received at the Parker Funeral Home, Morrisburg on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Legion service was held at the home at 6:45 p.m.  

The funeral service was held at Lakeshore Drive United Church, Morrisburg on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at 11 a.m.  Cremation followed with inurnment at Iroquois Point United Cemetery at a later date.  

Pallbearers were Winston Baker, Wesley Baker, Glen Baldwin, Dave Cassell, Richard Barkley, Ken Palmer, Mark Perrin and Brian Speagle.

Memorial donations to Lakeshore Drive United Church will be gratefully acknowledged.

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