Obituaries

 

A resident of Morrisburg for the past 59 years, Don Smithson passed away at home on Thursday, October 24, 2013. He was 81.

Don was born in Meaford on October 18, 1932, to his parents Edgar and Mary Smithson (nee Heron). 

He moved to Morrisburg in 1954, to work for Ontario Hydro’s Relocation Department for the St. Lawrence Seaway. On October 27th, 1956, he married Linda Casselman and together they had two daughters Pamela and Christie.  

Later, Don worked as a salesman for various concrete companies, owned Smithson Convenience Store, then worked for McGillis Home Hardware before working, until retirement, as Arena Manager at the Morrisburg Arena. 

Don is survived by his wife Linda Smithson (nee Casselman), his daughters Pamela Dawn Ropars (Paul) of Winchester and Christie Lynn Byvelds (Pat) of Williamsburg, his grandchildren Amanda Hodgson (Scott), Mark Byvelds (Christie), Danielle Ropars (Nick), Nicole Ropars and his great-grandchildren Olivia Hodgson and Marek Byvelds. 

He is also survived by his sisters Anne Hunter (Barry) of Meaford, Arlene Boothe (Jim) of Wasaga Beach and his brother Shawn Smithson (Connie) of Meaford and nieces and nephews.  

He was predeceased by his parents Edgar and Mary Smithson.  

Don was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family.

A private family service will be held at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg at a later date.  Interment of cremated remains will be at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg.

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

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A resident of the Williamsburg area for the past 44 years, Jack Van Hoof passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 19, 2013. He was 85.

Jack was born in Mariahout, The Netherlands on November 28, 1927, to his parents Petrus and Francisca Van Hoof (nee Bekx).  As a young man Jack served in the Dutch army in Indonesia, but he didn’t like the military because he was a peaceful man–never a fighter.  

Following his mandatory military service, Jack followed his childhood sweetheart Toni Byvelds to Canada, and on June 29, 1957, they were married at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Chesterville. Together they were blessed with six children.

Jack was a very hard working man and with his brothers-in-law, Gerry Byvelds and Tony Byvelds they formed a company named B & H Masonry.  Jack’s specialty was working with stone, and he was involved in the construction of many local homes until he retired in 1992.  

In addition to being a talented mason, Jack was also very good at woodworking.  His family and friends are proud owners of many wooden toys and keepsakes that Jack created.  

Jack and Toni liked to travel and took several bus trips across Canada and the United States.  He also enjoyed riding his bike and taking long walks.

Jack liked to garden, and he was very proud of his flowers and gardens.  He was a member of the Horticultural Society and also served as a member of their executive.  

Jack was a good man, a man of great faith and a loyal family man.  He was proud of his family and a devoted husband to Toni for 56 years.  

Jack leaves a wonderful legacy behind, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Jack is survived by his wife Toni, his children Francine (Jos) Melenhorst of Winchester, Donald (Laurie) of Boucks Hill, Gary (Julie) of Morrisburg, Brian (Shanna) of Williamsburg, Paul (Donna) of Metcalfe and Lisa (Steve) Cassidy of Addison.

He will be sadly missed by his siblings Martien (Marta), Nella (Janes) Vander Hurk, Theo, Harrie (Maria), Gerard (Jeanne), Andre (Rina) and Katherine Sanders, all of Holland.  

Jack will be fondly remembered by 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  

He was predeceased by his parents Petrus and Francisca Van Hoof (nee Bekx), his sister Johanna Rooyakkers, his brother Karel and his granddaughter Michelle.    

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Morrisburg, on Tuesday, October 22nd at 11 a.m.  with Father Chisholm officiating.  Interment followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Morrisburg.  

Honorary pallbearers were Ted Vanderzweep and Clare Racine.  Active pallbearers were Pat Byvelds, Pete Byvelds, Robert Byvelds, Raymond Van Moorsel, John Byvelds, Danny Byvelds, Mike Byvelds and Steven Byvelds. 

Donations to St. Mary’s Church, the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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A resident of Morrisburg for the past forty-four years, June Baker passed away peacefully at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Thursday, October 10, 2013.  June was 85 years old.

The daughter of the late Vincent and Viola Casselman, June was born on April 3, 1928, in Williamsburg.

She was the beloved wife of the late Earl Baker. Together they raised five children, Elaine Froats (Ricki of Mariatown), Dianne Claxton (Allen) of Morrisburg, Richard (Lorri) of Orleans, Susan Barber (Don) of Orleans and Ruth Speer (Brian) of Iroquois.

June was the cherished grandma of Dennis (Peggy) Froats of Iroquois, Mark (Lisa) Froats of Morrisburg, Brent (Leslie) Claxton of Kemptville, Keith (Jill) Claxton of Cardinal, Steven (Samantha) Claxton of Iroquois, Jessica (Vaughan Russell) Botsford-Baker of Ottawa, Megan Baker of Orleans, Derek, Jeff and Andy Barber of Orleans and Scott and Sarah Speer of Iroquois.  She was the beloved great-grandma to Randy, Kurt, Cole and Ethan Froats of Iroquois, Brody and Brett Froats of Morrisburg, Sydney, Paige and Wade Claxton of Kemptville, Kacey and Andrew Claxton of Cardinal and Ava Russell of Ottawa.

June will be dearly missed by her brothers, Gordon (Marjorie) Casselman of Morrisburg, Jim (Ada) Casselman of Williamsburg and sister Judy (Raymond) Lewis of Williamsburg, sister-in-law Carley Casselman (Terry Helmer) and sisters-in-law, Lillian Sypes of Thorold and Margherita Baker of Niagara Falls and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her eldest daughter, Elaine Froats and her sisters Joyce Armstrong, Betty Coughler and brother Charles Casselman.

June’s family is very grateful to Dr. Abbud, Cassidy Morrell and the staff of the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic and Winchester District Memorial Hospital for their excellent care and compassion shown to our Mom.

Anyone who knew June, knew that her relationship with God, her family and her home meant everything to her. She had the ability to make everyone around her feel special and any one of her twelve grandchildren or twelve great-grandchildren would proudly tell you they were her favourite.  The family home was a place for great gatherings where there was always an abundance of love, warmth, peace, comfort and great food and we always knew we could go back there and feel welcomed and very much at home.  

Her flowers and gardens were another source of great pride and joy; she would nurture her plants all winter looking forward to the joy of planting them outside again in the spring.  To understand her love of gardening you need look no further than the plaque on the kitchen wall:  “He who plants a garden works hand in hand with God”

Friends called at the Parker Funeral Home, Morrisburg, on Sunday, October 13, 2013, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. 

The funeral service was held in the chapel at the Parker Funeral Home on Monday, October 14th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Feras Chamas officiating.  Interment followed at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Morrisburg. 

Pallbearers were Dennis Froats, Keith Claxton, Steven Claxton, Derek Barber, Jeff Barber and Scott Speer.  Honourary pallbearers were Mark Froats, Brent Claxton, Andrew Barber, Jessica Botsford-Baker, Megan Baker and Sarah Speer.

 Memorial donations to the Winchester District Memorial Hospital or Knox Presbyterian Church will be gratefully acknowledged.  Condolences and donations may be made at parkerfh@personainternet.com.

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A lifetime resident of the area, Ray Levere, passed away at the Woodland Villa Nursing Home, Long Sault on Sunday, October 13, 2013.  He was 81 years old.

Ray was born in South Gower on January 1, 1932, to his parents Joseph and Elsie Levere (nee Lewis).  

Ray was well known locally for his team of ponies which he put in all the local parades for many years.  He enjoyed hobby farming and spending time with his family and friends.

In his early years Ray worked for several local farmers, then he worked on the construction of the 401 highway from Cornwall to Brockville.  After that he worked at Brown’s Foundry for 13 years until his retirement.

Ray is survived by his children Harry Keeler of Froatburn, Cecil (Pat) Keeler of Glen Stewart, Ann (John) Hamiaux of R.R.# 1 Morrisburg, Goldie (Eric) Sypes of Morrisburg and Rodney Levere of Cornwall.  

Ray will be fondly remembered by 14 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and one great, great-granddaughter. He was predeceased by his wife Effie, his daughter Pearl Merkley, his brother Ernie Levere and his sister Eva Levere.  He is also survived by nieces and nephews.   

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 Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 16th, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Joachim Barkley-Probst officiating.  Interment followed at Dundela Cemetery.

 Pallbearers were Timothy Hutt, Gerald Levere, Scott Keeler, John Hamiaux, Marcie Jamieson and Ivan Markell.

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

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A lifetime resident of the Williamsburg area, Dorothy Whitteker passed away at the Osgoode Care Centre on Wednesday, October 16, 2013.  She was 94.

Dorothy was born on March 7, 1919, on a farm in the Township of Williamsburg to her parents William Levi and Allie Flo Casselman. She was the eldest of four siblings, Orval, Gertrude and Bill. 

Dorothy’s family was the most important in her life. Over the years she has told her family many stories about her family and her childhood days. She worked hard on the farm, always helping others. She preferred working outside with her dad, but also helped her mom because her mom was small and sometimes in poor health, so she had to help her in the house a lot.  

She grew up in a very large extended family home.  Dorothy’s Aunt Della and her four daughters lived with them for many years.  They were like older sisters to Dorothy, and she still could name them and talk about them this summer past when she looked at pictures. 

Her grandparents lived with them too. So there were three families with three wood stoves, and 13 people eating meals together. 

Then on Sundays other relatives would come to visit.  What a wonderful way to grow up as a child.

On September 6, 1939, Dorothy married Paul Whitteker and from this union came three children Isla, Garry and Jim, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  

Dorothy had a loving, caring, giving, unconditional love for her family that could only come from the heart of God.  

She was an excellent cook and baker, and she always made sure that her entire family was well fed at all times whether she was making them bologna sandwiches, cake, cookies, pickles or one of her other tasty treats. 

Dorothy loved cats and she enjoyed gardening, playing cards, fishing and knitting.

All of her family members have benefitted from her abilities as a seamstress because they all have her hand knit dishcloths, scarves, mittens, socks and afghans.

Next to Dorothy’s love for her family was her love for the farm. Dorothy helped Paul deliver the mail, but she loved the farm, and nothing touched her heart more than being on her farm. It was not just a place where she grew up, but it was where she was supposed to be, and wanted to be all her life. She loved to go to the barn to milk the cows.

Dorothy always put the needs of her family ahead of her own.  She was a very generous lady, and she provided a very positive influence on the lives of all of the members of her family.

Dorothy is survived by her children Isla Whitteker of Orleans and Garry (Mary) of R.R.# 3 Williamsburg, her brother Bill Casselman of Williamsburg and her sister-in-law Audrey A. Casselman of Williamsburg. 

Dorothy will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Shelley (Vince) Cousineau, Tracy (Geoff) Hare, Shaw (Suzanne) Knelsen, Tammy (Dan) McIntosh, Stacey (Raymond) Lee and great-grandchildren Brooke, Brandon, Tyrnan, Ivy Grace, Ryan, Samuel, Michael and Jordan. 

She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Paul, her infant daughter Julie, her son James Paul, her sister Gertrude Strader, her brother Orval Casselman, her sister-in-law Audrey H. Casselman and her brother-in-law Lyell “Sib” Strader.     

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Sunday, October 20th from noon until time of the funeral service at 2 p.m. The service was conducted by Rev. Norine Gullons. Interment followed at Spruce Haven Cemetery, Brinston.

Pallbearers were Shaw Knelsen, Dale Casselman, Alan Casselman, Dan McIntosh, Vince Cousineau and Geoff Hare. 

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

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A resident of Morrisburg for the past seven years, Barbara O’Neill passed away at the Carefor Hospice in Cornwall, on Friday, September 27, 2013, following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 70. 

Barbara was born in St. Catharine’s on February 8, 1943, to her parents Clare and Irene Dafoe (nee Taylor).  She was raised and attended school in Morrisburg where she met many of her friends she still had when she passed.  

From the time Barbara was a young girl, she knew she wanted to help people for the rest of her life.  That’s why she chose the field of nursing as a profession.  

She received her training in Ottawa at the Civic Hospital and ended up with a nursing job in Cornwall at the General Hospital.  It was in Cornwall that she met and married Gordon, the father of her two beloved children.  

After raising her children in Cornwall, Barbara’s nursing career led her out west to Alberta.  After meeting many friends and helping the people of Alberta for numerous years, the North West Territories called upon her to bring her skills there so she decided to move up north for a few years where she made even more close friends.  

Barbara made one final stop back in Alberta, to cheer on her beloved Edmonton Oilers, before returning to the one place that she truly loved, Morrisburg, Ontario to be close to her family for her retirement years.  

This is where she met her childhood acquaintance Rowdy, who became her best friend and companion for the final years of her life. 

Barbara is survived by her sons Scott Buchan of Kanata and Kevin (Tabitha) Buchan of Kingston, her brother Gerry (Karen) Dafoe of Manotick and her brother-in-law Earl Clost of Calabogie.  

Barbara will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Morgan Brown, Kendra Buchan, Morgan Kimber and McKenzie Kimber and her dear friends Rowdy Gillard of Ault Island and Jean (Greg) Harpur of Cornwall. She is also survived by nieces and nephews. 

Barbara was predeceased by her parents Clare and Irene Dafoe and her sister June Clost.  

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Tuesday, October 1st from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m.  Interment of cremated remains was at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Riverside Heights.  

Pallbearers were McKenzie Kimber, Morgan Kimber, Kendra Buchan and Jennifer Dafoe. 

Donations to Carefor Hospice, the South Dundas Dog Park or the Maurice Grimes Cancer Center would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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A resident of the Carlingview Manor Nursing Home in Ottawa, for the past 13 years, Clara Murray passed away at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital on Monday, September 30, 2013.  She was 95.

Clara was born in Wales, Ontario, on June 28, 1918, to her parents William and Caroline Eamon (nee Rickett).

Clara was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who enjoyed playing euchre and bingo.

Clara is survived by her children Jimmy of Niagara Falls, Jackie Hanna (Stewart) of Kingston, Heather Jack (Brian) of Haley Station, Kathy Shampine (David) of Palm Coast, Fla. and Eric (Meta) of Ottawa and by her brother Charlie (Myra) Eamon of Morrisburg. 

She was the dear mother-in-law of Jay Carkner of Morrisburg. 

Clara will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Marilyn, Larry, Kelly, Julie, Christopher, Tracy, Wes, Amber and great-grandchildren Cary, Ashley, Joseph, Ella, Josie Kay, Kieran, Eric, Jordan, Jessie, Danika, Nathan, Bobby, Elliott and Charlotte. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Joseph, her daughter June Carkner, her granddaughter Megan Shampine, her sisters Marie Eamon, Helen McKinnon, Rosie Dunlop and her brothers Howie and Lawrence Eamon.  

A private family graveside funeral service will be held at St. James Anglican Cemetery, Morrisburg. Arrangements are entrusted to the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg.  Donations may be made to the Queensway-Carleton Hospital or Carlingview Manor Nursing Home. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

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A lifetime resident of the Morrisburg area, Donnie B. Wells passed away suddenly at home on Saturday, September 28, 2013. He was 73.

Donnie was born in Aultsville, on October 17, 1939, to his parents Walter and Margaret Wells (nee Colquhoun). He attended public school in Aultsville, and high school at Morrisburg Collegiate Institute.  

Following high school, Donnie moved to Toronto, where he worked as a diesel mechanic until he came home for the weekend and met a young lady named Laurie Tupper at a dance in Williamsburg.  

From that moment Donnie decided it was time to move home and on October 9, 1965, he married Laurie and together they had two children, Greg and Julie.

After moving home, Donnie got a job at the Rohm and Haas plant, where he worked for the next 39 years until he retired on January 14, 2005.  Donnie took great pride in knowing that the only sick days he ever took were when he had surgery on his knee.   

Donnie was a dedicated husband and father. When his children were young, Donnie built a fabulous outdoor rink on a vacant lot next to his home on Fifth Street and every winter many local kids spent countless hours honing their hockey skills there.  Donnie also coached minor hockey for many years, and the teams he coached were very successful as a result of his guidance.

Donnie was a perfectionist at everything he did.  He loved to garden, and he took great pride in the appearance of his home, his fish pond, his rose beds and his lawn.  Donnie’s lawn was always immaculate, weed free and cut to perfection.  

Donnie also loved to cook and especially  enjoyed barbecuing.  He was famous for his chicken wings and the massive meals he would prepare for guests. Following these delicious meals, a game of euchre was usually played which Donnie thoroughly enjoyed.  

Donnie will be affectionately remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather who was very proud of his family and their accomplishments.  

Donnie is survived by his wife Laurie, his children Greg (Mayren) of Chicago and Julie (Todd) Croteau of Iroquois and his brother Gordon of Prescott.  

Papa will be sadly missed by grandchildren Jack, Kacey, Crosby, Grady and Lily.  He is also survived by nieces and nephews.    

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Wednesday from  2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at the Morrisburg Pentecostal Tabernacle on Thursday, October 3rd, at 11 a.m., with Rev. James Tripp and Rev. Lorna Casselman officiating.  

Interment of cremated remains was at Grantley Cemetery in Chesterville. 

Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.  

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A longtime resident of Ventnor, Jack Heyman, passed away suddenly at home on September 6, 2013. He was 65.

Jack was born in Knowlton, Quebec, on July 4, 1948, to his parents Donald and Roxie Heyman.

He moved to this area in 1958 and to Ventnor in 1971, where he purchased a house on Edward Street where he lived until his death.

Jack had a long working career starting as a truck driver for B&M Carriers. He next worked for Oxford on the Rideau and then the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville until his retirement on July 31, 2013.

Jack had many interests which included hunting, chain saw carving, lumberjack competitions, and rebuilding antique tractors. Everything had to be perfect.

Jack is survived by his loving companion Beatrice Smith, who he reunited with after 50 years, and by his mother Roxie and his stepfather Al. He will be fondly remembered by his sisters Phyllis (Allan) Murphy and Sheila Potvin, by his step-sister Kelly (Randy) Catelier, his step-brother Donald McLeod. and his step-children Susan (Mario) Zambonin and Jim (Amy) Hooper.

He will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, step-children and grandchildren.

Jack was predeceased by his wife Bev Heyman, his sister Gail Moulton, his father Donald Heyman, his step-mother Alice Heyman and his grandmother Mabel Heyman.

Friends called at Hulse, Playfair and McGarry, Spencerville, on Monday, September 9, from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. A Legion Service was held at the home at 6 p.m.

The funeral service was held in the Purcell Chapel at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10, with Kathy Kelso officiating. Interment followed at Adams Cemetery.

Pallbearers were step-son Jim Hooper, step-son-in-law Mario Zambonin, nephew Jim Murphy, fellow workers Al Typhair and Mark VanBeilen and friend Doug Cusson. Honorary pallbearers were stepfather Al Hilliker, brothers-in-law Allen Murphy and Garry Moulton and nephews Joe Moulton and Bobby Moulton.

Donations to the Diabetes Association would be greatly appreciated by the family.

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A lifetime resident of the area, Ernie Scott passed away at the Heartwood Nursing Home, in Cornwall on Friday, September 6, 2013. He was in his 97th year.

Ernie was born in Riceville, on October 28, 1916, to his parents James and Laura Scott (nee Gates) and resided there with his family until James’ death.

The family relocated and was living in the Winchester area when, in 1941, Ernie, along with  brothers George and Reuben,  enlisted in the Canadian army.   After basic training, Ernie was deployed to Europe and saw action in Italy, France, and Germany.  

After the war ended, Ernie was officially discharged on October 12, 1945. Upon returning home,  he began farming at Boucks Hill for Parker Locke. When Parker built the Loyalist Hotel, Ernie and his family moved to Morrisburg where Ernie was employed as one of his first bartenders.  His retirement was spent in Ottawa, but he eventually made his way back to Morrisburg.  

Ernie enjoyed the monthly luncheons with his sisters and his brother and their spouses, and enjoyed visiting with friends.  He was a dedicated member of the Legion, and he took great pleasure carving horses and giving them to his family and friends.

Ernie is survived by his children Jim (Judy) of Morrisburg, Betty (Gerry) Hunter of Okotoks, Alberta; Sandra  Scott (Gerry Barkley) of Williamsburg; Robert (Mary Anne) of Mount Albert.

He will be fondly remembered by his siblings Keith (Phyllis) of Williamsburg;  Grace Erratt of Winchester;  and Vivian (Arnold) Holmes of Morrisburg.  

He was predeceased by his daughter Deborah Nevils, his brothers Clarence, Reuben, George, Carl and by his sisters Thelma and Eileen Scott.  

Ernie will be sadly missed by 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Marsden and Mclaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Monday from 11 a.m. until time of the service at 1 p.m. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Janet Evans.  A Legion Service was held at 10:30 a.m.

Interment followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg.  Pallbearers were grandsons Kris Scott, Jamie Scott, Kyle Scott, Spencer Scott, Gill Scott and Quinn Scott.

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

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