Obituaries

With his devoted family by his side, Gordon McGregor passed away peacefully at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Friday, May 31, 2013. He was 78. 

Gord was born on April 27, 1935, in Renfrew, where he was raised and, in 1955, he married Iona Vivian Hoare, also of Renfrew.

The McGregor family moved to Ottawa when Gord was recruited into the Royal Canadian Air Force, Station Rockcliffe. This afforded him the opportunity to play in the RCAF pipe band. 

In his lifetime Gord wore many “hats”. He traded his Air Force wedge cap for a police hat in 1963, when he joined the OPP and was transferred to the Morrisburg detachment. Gord and his “three girls”, Iona, Wendy and Noreen moved to the small village. 

Constable McGregor took the role of OPP Safety Officer and was creator of “Trevor the Traffic Bug”. Gord visited schools and taught rules of safety to children and Trevor could be heard on local radio stations offering safe driving tips. 

His next ambition was Administrator of The Glen-Stor-Dun Lodge Nursing Home. He used to make the daily trip to Cornwall in a teeny red Toyota.

From Administrator to successful insurance salesman for both Mutual Life and Canada Life Assurance companies, Gord could always be seen in a suit. His long time friend, Don “Mudcat” Grant suggested that Gord trade in his suit for a pair of jeans and thus began Gord’s short career hauling hay to Florida in his tractor trailer. (On one trip he underestimated the height of his tractor and took out a series of Christmas lights strung across the main street of a small town in the state of Virginia-he is still at large!) 

Justice of the Peace was to be the next “hat” that Gord would wear for a short while before tossing it into the political ring. He drew attention when he ran as an Independent candidate in the 1987 provincial election and was soon chosen as leader of The Ontario Confederation of Regions Party.

He became a “coffee shop campaigner” when he became proprietor of the little fast food diner on the mall which was renamed and remains, “Gregor’s Place”. He claimed that he went from “JP” (Justice of the Peace) to “KP” (Kitchen Patrol). 

He spent his retirement years behind the counter at Hartley’s Sport Shop and as a security officer at Upper Canada Village.

 Perhaps the most recognized hat of all was his Scots cap that he donned with his kilt and bagpipes. If he wasn’t officiating a wedding ceremony in his role as Justice of the Peace, he was piping in the bride and groom.

He served two terms as Branch 48 Legion President where his claim to fame was the formation of the Legion Drum and Bugle Band with whom he marched proudly beside in every parade. 

No moss grew under his feet as Gord was also involved with and served as President of the Morriburg Lion’s Club. He even served a term as the Reeve of the Village of Morrisburg and as a town councilor. 

Always with a joke or story up his sleeve, he loved to entertain and make people laugh. He was a jokester, prankster, avid model railroader, musician and poet; and it will not be his public notoriety, but the silly endearing things he did as a family man that will be treasured by his family forever. 

Gord was husband of Iona McGregor (Hoare). He was cherished father of Wendy (John Burn) of Iroquois and Noreen (Barry McMillan) of Morrisburg. He was fun-loving grandpa of Amy (Adam Casselman), Scott (Amanda) Hodgson, Michelle McMillan and Sean McMillan. Great-Bumpa to Logan, Grayson and Olivia. Dear brother of Shirley Mates of Tillsonburg.

He was predeceased by infant daughter Carol Ruth, his parents Thomas and Violet (Wilcox), his infant brother Gary, his sisters Lois LeBlanc and Jeannie Moore and his brother Allan. Uncle Gord is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Monday from 7-9 p.m.  

A Legion Memorial Service followed by a celebration of Gord’s life was held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Morrisburg, on June 4, 2013. Service was conducted by Rev. Norine Gullons. Gord’s family paid him homage by donning his tartan apparel. 

Pallbearers were grandchildren Amy Casselman, Scott Hodgson, Michelle McMillan and Sean McMillan, son-in-law Barry McMillan, OPP friends Frank Albert and Fred (Boomer) Langlotz and best friend Earl Wood. Honorary pallbearer was son-in-law John Burn.

Donations to Winchester Hospital or the Diabetes Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  

Interment of cremated remains will be at Haley Station Cemetery in Renfrew.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

[…]

 

A resident of the Dundas Manor Nursing Home in Winchester for the past two years and nine months, Beatrice Banford passed away there on Wednesday, June 5, 2013.  She was 90 years of age. 

Beatrice was born on December 17, 1922.  She was the daughter of Vera and step-father Joe Brazeau.  She married Charlie Weldon Banford on February 7, 1940, and moved to Toronto where they shared a house with Bea’s parent on Eastmount Avenue in the Broadview and Danforth area.  

Charlie had a job at a huge Canadian Tire Store on Young Street where the staff travelled around the store on roller skates.  Bea worked part-time in a dress shop and this gave her the opportunity to always dress to the nines in “fancy dresses” with matching earrings, necklace, bracelet and high heeled shoes.  

While Bea and Charlie lived in Toronto with Bea’s parents, they shared a cottage on Pefferlaw River.  After the passing of Bea’s mother, Charlie and Bea purchased the cottage at Pefferlaw, winterized it and this became their permanent home.

Beatrice and her husband Charlie were well known for their love of cars which included everything from pink Cadillacs to Chevrolet Impalas.

For quite a few years, Bea and Charlie were “Snow Birds” and wintered in Florida.  They stayed in a small community north of Panama City.  Bea enjoyed doing crafts with the neighbour ladies.  She called it “The Stitch and Bitch Place!”

Eventually, Charlie had some health problems, and he found cutting the grass in the big yard and other chores too much. So, in 1994, they sold their home in Pefferlaw and moved to  the Iroma Apartments on Frank Street,  in Iroquois, to be nearer to their families.  

In March of 2003, Charlie became sick and, after spending some time at Winchester District Memorial Hospital, he was transferred to the Ottawa Civic Heart Institute where he passed away on April 5, 2003.  

Bea remained at the apartment, but her health started to fail and on August 13, 2007, she moved into the Hartford Retirement Home where she remained for a few years. Her health continued to deteriorate, and she was hospitalized in Winchester for a few months. On September 15, 2010, Bea was placed in Dundas Manor.  

Beatrice is survived by her sisters-in-law Marie Banford and Marion Banford, both of Smiths Falls, and several nieces and nephews.      

A private family service was held at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Iroquois, on Friday, June 7th at 1 p.m., with Rev. Janet Evans officiating.  Interment followed at Iroquois Point Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Keith Banford, Lynden Banford, Aaron Banford, John Banford, John Geurkink and Trevor Riopelle.  

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

[…]

 

A lifelong resident of the area, Donald Bruce Harper, passed away peacefully at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, June 5, 2012. He was in his 81st year.

The son of Henry and Beulah (nee St. Pierre) Harper, Donald was born in Chesterville, on April 25, 1933. He was the fourth child born in a family of 10 children. Donald lived a number of years in Williamsburg and most recently was a resident of Morrisburg. He enjoying his job as a cheese maker and worked hard at it. 

He had been in failing health for several years as he had a heart condition. Despite his failing health, he was cheery and optimistic. 

He loved to tease and enjoyed seeing his children and grandchildren. Family meant the world to him.

Donald was the beloved husband of Marjorie (nee Windsor). He was loving father of Bert (GeriAnne) of Ingleside, Marilon Deneault of Cornwall, Brent, Donna Hodgson, Reg (Ken) all of Morrisburg and step-father of Andrew (Lynn) Lewis of Chesterville and Barry Windsor of Morrisburg.

He was cherished grandfather of several grandchildren and dear brother of Shirley (Harold) Montgomery of Morrisburg, Marjorie Collison and Norma Belanger, both of Brockville, Arlene (Orval) Millward of Morrisburg and Edna Belanger of Brockville.

He will be sadly missed by numerous nieces and nephews.

Donald was predeceased by son Rodger, sister Pauline Harper, by brothers Doug and Bert and by an infant brother Reggie.

Friends were received at the Parker Funeral Home in Morrisburg on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held in the chapel on Saturday, June 8, 2013, with Rev. Arlyce Schiebout officiating.

Interment was at Maple Ridge Cemetery, Chesterville.

Pallbearers were Brent Harper, Robbey Harper, Eric Millward, Ian Millward, Andrew Windsor and Currie McIntosh.

Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society are gratefully acknowledged.

Condolences may be made at www.parkerofmorrisburg.com

[…]

 

A resident of the Iroquois area for the past 23 years, Jack Palmer passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, May 22, 2013.  He was 87.

Jack is survived by his son John of R.R.# 2 Iroquois.  He was predeceased by his wife Doreen Palmer (nee Humphries).   

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Iroquois, on Sunday from noon until 2 p.m. 

A graveside funeral service was held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Scarborough on Monday, May 27th at 1 p.m., with Rev. Jeff Brown officiating. 

Pallbearers were John Palmer, Nicholas Squire, Lance Squire, Preston Squire, Scott Lepore and Randy Kalpin.  

Donations to Winchester  District Memorial Hospital would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

[…]

 

Douglas William Dulmage died suddenly while visiting the Toronto area on Wednesday, May 8. He was 62 years old.

 Doug was born and raised in Heckston, Ontario. 

He was proud and loving father of  Deena (Ryan Stevenson),  loving fiancé of Kathryn Mildebrath, loving brother of Roy, Ross and brother to Sheila Crowder and the late Nora Whaley, step brother of Linda Boyd and the late Robert McClintock. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews.  

Doug will be remembered for his witty sense of humour, strong faith and community involvement. 

He was an avid antique collector, local historian, volunteer, teacher and made a significant contribution to the dairy farming industry throughout his career. 

He will be missed by his family and many friends. 

Friends and family called at the Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Home, Iroquois, on Monday May 13th. 

A funeral service was held at the Iroquois United Church, on Tuesday, May 14th at 11 a.m.   

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation are appreciated. 

[…]

 

A lifetime resident of the area, Eleanor Duff of Morrisburg passed away suddenly at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, on Saturday, May 18, 2013. She was 87.  

Eleanor was born in Williamsburg Township on December 8, 1925 to her parents Wilburn and Minnie Hall (nee Robertson).  

Eleanor enjoyed cooking, gardening and working in her flower beds.  

Eleanor is survived by her son Kevin of Morrisburg and her siblings Viola (Jim) Fawcett of Iroquois, Lloyd (Jennie) Hall of Iroquois and Garry Hall of Morrisburg. Eleanor will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Mark, Amanda, Melissa and great-grandchildren Maleya, Kayt-Lynn, Parker, Jayden and Rylan.  She was predeceased by her husband Wally, her sisters Doris Storey and Gladys Shaver and her brothers Clifford and Clayton Hall.  

There was visitation at the Funeral Home.  

Interment of cremated remains was held at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg, on Thursday, May 23rd at 10 a.m.  

Arrangements were entrusted to the Marsden and Mclaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg.  

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

[…]

 

Dorothy Merkley passed away at the Brockville General Hospital, on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at the age of 83 years.  

Dorothy was the beloved wife of the late Harold Merkley, and loving mother of  Marlene Shearer of Morrisburg, Judy (Bill Barnhartd) of Iroquois and Linda Merkley (Clarence O’Neil) of Iroquois.

She will be sadly missed by six grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  

Dorothy was dear sister of Mabel Stevens of Carleton Place.

She was predeceased by four sisters Nellie Arseneault, Ada Paul, Catherine Woods, Lulu Campbell and by six brothers Raymond, Delbert, Charles, Army, Harold and John Billings.  

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Iroquois on Thursday, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  

Funeral service was held at Knox Presbyterian Church in Iroquois, on Friday, May 3, at 1 p.m.  

Donations to Knox Presbyterian Church would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

Interment was at Grantley Cemetery

[…]

 

A resident of Woodland Villa in Long Sault for the past two years, Maurine Casselman passed away on April 17, 2013. She was 101.

Maurine was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and was the chosen daughter of Jack and Elizabeth Kennedy. She spent her early years in Seattle, Washington, then, after her father died, she and her mother moved to San Francisco. 

Her first job was with the Telephone Company, and it was here that she met her husband Ross. They were married on November 25th, 1927, when she was only 16. Their honeymoon was spent on a fruit ranch near San Jose which was owned by Ross’s niece Eva Stevens.

Ross decided to come to Canada after an absence of about 10 years, so they headed to Cleveland and stayed with Ross’s sister Maude. It was there that Viola was born. 

Their journey continued on to the Massena area, home of Ross’s brother and eventually they crossed to Canada landing in the Aultsville area. 

Their first home was in Prescott where Ross worked helping to build the elevators at Johnstown. It was here that their twin sons were born. Unfortunately, they did not survive. From Prescott Ross and Maurine first moved to a home on Glen Becker Road, where Louise was born, and subsequently to the home farm on the same road where Richard was born.

After the children were grown, Maurine started to work out. After some work painting and wallpapering, she was employed at McNeilly’s Drug Store. She then went to work as a quilter Upper Canada Village where she remained for 15 years. 

It was at the Village that Maurine became interested in spinning and weaving. She then took many courses and became an excellent weaver and spinner.

After retirement, Maurine decided to study for her Masters in weaving and completed six semesters in the Fibre Arts O.H.S. Master Weaving program. Her in-depth study was on Ecclesiastical Weaving in the Lutheran Tradition for which she wove paraments for her church, St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Morrisburg. 

Maurine received her degree on her 75th birthday at an O.H.S. conference in St. Catherines.

During her 25 years of weaving, teaching and demonstrating, Maurine appeared in five educational films, on various radio and television shows and served for six years as chairman of the O.H.S. Spinning Sample Exchange program of Ontario.

Maurine was for many years an active member of St. Paul’s Church in Morrisburg, both as a Sunday school teacher and in the choir. 

She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge, Carman Forward Weavers Guild, Women’s Institute and Seniors Club. She received the Badge of Chivalry from the Rebekah Lodge in Toronto.

After retirement, Maurine travelled extensively and spent many winters in Florida. When her health started to fail she moved to the Hartford Retirement Home where she lived for several years before moving to the Woodland Villa in Long Sault. 

It was at the Villa that she celebrated her 100th birthday and was surprised with a gift of having her book “The Brass Kettle” published by her granddaughter and great granddaughter.

Maurine is survived by her children, Viola Droppo, Louise Crites (Joe), Richard (Fanny) Casselman and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Maurine was predeceased by her husband Ross and twin boys.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Morrisburg, on Saturday, April 20th at 1 p.m., with Pastor Norine Gullons officiating.

Pallbearers were grandchildren, Robert Casselman, William Casselman, Mark Dunning, Andrew Droppo, Brian Morrow and Terry Morrow.

Honorary Pallbearers were grandchildren, Ruth Lang, Susan Morrow, Linda Compeau, Bonnie Holdsworth, Debbie Mason and Judy Dunning.

Maurine has left behind a large family with 21 sets of five generations all living. She has had a very positive influence on all her family whom she loved and treasured.

[…]

 

A lifetime resident of the Williamsburg area, Audrey Pearl Casselman passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Sunday, April 28, 2013.  She was 85. 

Audrey was born at Strader Hill on June 29, 1927, to her parents Wilbert and Pearl Strader (nee Robinson). 

The youngest child of five, Audrey had two older brothers Mahlon and Lyell and two older sisters Ruth and Doris. They all took part working on the farm while attending the Strader Hill school.

Mahlon was the only sibling to leave home, and he did so to pursue a career in teaching. Audrey milked cows by hand with Bill Casselman’s sister Gertie. They sang while they milked and wore their high heel shoes at the same time to break them in. 

Bill and Audrey’s first encounter was when Audrey’s brother Lyell started courting and eventually married Bill’s sister Gertie. 

Bill and Audrey dated for a number of years before being married in Lancaster, on December 9, 1950. Following their marriage they went on a three-day honeymoon which was the longest holiday they took in their 62 years of marriage. 

Audrey and Bill’s time together became more exciting with the birth of twin girls Connie and Carole a year after they were married. One year later, they were blessed with the arrival of their third daughter Gail. Their family was complete when their son Alan was born five years later.  

Audrey inspired her family with her strength and will to live life to the fullest. She battled and survived cancer twice and the sudden loss of their daughter Gail at a young age due to a motor vehicle accident.

Audrey spent her life always taking care of everyone else which included caring for Bill`s aging mother. 

She and Bill were blessed with two sons-in-law, Larry and Mike and a daughter-in-law Lorie, four grandchildren Angela, Holly, Jessica and Jordan and two great- grandchildren Crimson and Logan. 

Audrey was always busy, baking, sewing, canning, preserving, cleaning all while trying to keep track of her busy children who were often off playing with their cousins. 

She was a member of the Williamsburg Woman’s Institute and was always ready and willing to help with any events or social gatherings at the Williamsburg United Church.  

Audrey loved to talk about the old days when she and Bill went to the dance hall in Morrisburg or to the old Piccadilly Theatre in Williamsburg.  

Audrey’s family has many fond memories that they will cherish forever. She was always so happy and kind to each of them, and she always put their needs ahead of her own.  She was a sweet gentle lady who will be sadly missed by her family and friends.  

Audrey is survived by her husband Bill, their children Connie (Mike Felker) of Iroquois, Carole (Larry Tuttle) of Ottawa and Alan (Lorie) of Williamsburg. 

Audrey was predeceased by her daughter Gail, her brothers Mahlon and Lyell and by her sisters Ruth Hogaboam and Doris Hill.

She was the cherished grandmother to Angela, Holly, Jessica and Jordan and great-grandmother to Crimson and Logan.  She is also survived by nieces and nephews.  

 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, May 1st at 11 a.m., with Rev. Paul Vavasour officiating.  Interment followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg.

Pallbearers were Jordan Casselman, Dale Casselman, Gary Whitteker, Burrill Harriman, Derek Cheng and Nathan Billings. 

Donations to Winchester District Memorial Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

[…]

A resident of the Park Drive Villa in Williamsburg, for the past six years, Heather McIntosh passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Friday, April 12, 2013. She was 88.

Heather was born in Vancouver, B.C. on March 15, 1925, to her parents William and Gladys Hetherington (nee Horne).   Mary moved with her family to Deseronto, Ontario, when she was two years old, to live with her grandparents. 

At age 11, she moved to Malartic, Quebec, where her father had opened the mines, and remarried, Florence Platt of Boston. 

After finishing her elementary school education in a log cabin, Mary attended Ontario Ladies College in Whitby, Ontario for her secondary school years. There she made many close friends with her classmates who were there, from Britain, during the war. 

She was very active in her school and was elected Head Girl in her senior year. Upon graduation, she chose to attend Ottawa Civic Hospital for her nurse’s training. 

It was here that she was ‘nicknamed Heather’ and it stuck when her classmate Betty Hamilton introduced her to Glenn McIntosh.

Sixty-five years ago Heather married Glenn on June 12, 1948 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. They lived in Ottawa until moving to Williamsburg in 1951. 

Heather and Glenn had three children who were born into the very large extended McIntosh family. Glenn’s siblings and cousins were very close, and Heather was welcomed into the clan. 

In addition, Heather and Glenn had many close friends with whom they bowled, cross country skied, and played cards with, and enjoyed going to dances. 

Once settled in Williamsburg, Heather worked as a specialty nurse at Winchester Hospital, and then for Dr. Rosenquist in Williamsburg, before finishing her career at the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic in the early 1970s. 

Though Mary ‘Heather’ moved many times throughout her early years, she made many good friends along the way, and stayed in contact with her extended family and friends from coast to coast, and overseas to Britain, through her avid letter writing. Her desire to keep in touch with distant family and friends, often served as good reasons for travel on many vacations. 

Heather volunteered at the Villa Seniors Residence and loved to quilt at the church, work with her craft group and have lunch at the Basket Case followed by performances at the Upper Canada Playhouse 

Heather loved to watch her grandsons play with her cat Bob, build with Lego, and she even tried to play Garage Band on the iPad with them.  

Heather is survived by her children Tim of Coquitlam, B.C., John of Iroquois and Mary Ann McIntosh (Robert Scott) of Mount Albert.  Heather will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Joshua McIntosh, Spencer Scott, Quinn Scott and Gilly Scott. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.   

Heather was predeceased by her husband Glenn and her brothers Bill and Pat Hetherington.    

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 St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Williamsburg, on Thursday, April 18th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Norine Gullons officiating.  

Interment of cremated remains followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg. 

Pallbearers were Gordon Garlough, Bruce Garlough, Maynard Richmire and David McIntosh.  Honorary pallbearer was Brian McIntosh.  

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.

[…]