“Bunker” (Hilliard William Crawford) passed away suddenly at his home in Ancaster, Ontario, on April 29, 2026, following a heart attack. He was 81.
Born on September 25, 1944, in Toronto, Ontario, Hilliard became “Bunker” almost immediately. As the story goes, the nurse present at his birth was from Boston and, seeing that he was Hilliard, son of Hilliard, called him “Little Bunker Hill.” The name stayed with him for the rest of his life, and to many of the people who knew and loved him, he was simply Bunker.
Bunker grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, with his parents and his sister, Barbara Anne. From an early age, he stood out both academically and athletically. He excelled as a swimmer, skipped grades, and left for university at a remarkably young age. He attended the Royal Military College of Canada, where he studied chemical engineering, though his independent streak may have made him better suited to entrepreneurship than military life. He received an honourable discharge in order to return home and help care for his ailing father and support the family business, running a marina in North Bay, Ontario.
His career reflected the same mix of intelligence, ambition, curiosity, and independence that marked the rest of his life. He began his professional career with DuPont, making dynamite, and went on to work across chemical engineering, sales, and entrepreneurship. Some ventures succeeded and others did not, but Bunker was always learning, always moving, and always looking for the next idea. One such effort was a new and improved brake pad, a product he believed in deeply even if the market was not ready to move away from entrenched industry practices. Another was Greenback, a paper and cardboard recycling company that also created meaningful work opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, helping them build confidence and independence through employment.
In the later and most successful chapter of his career, Bunker joined Kontek, a wastewater treatment company in Burlington, Ontario, where he became head of sales. He travelled widely, selling large wastewater treatment systems for uses ranging from mines in Mexico to mints in the Middle East. He enjoyed the independence, complexity, and international scope of the work, and helped grow Kontek from its startup roots into a thriving company.
Bunker married early in life and later moved on from his first marriage. He met Paula in Toronto in the early 1980s, and together they had three children: Tad, Sloan, and Lachlan “Lucky.” Fatherhood was, in his own eyes, the most important role of his life. He took enormous pride in his children and in trying to give them every opportunity he could. He was deeply involved in their sports, schools, and activities, running the treasury department for the youth football organization, leading fundraising efforts for the gymnastics club, organizing trips for the cheerleading team, and serving on boards and committees wherever he thought he could help.
He cared deeply about his children’s futures and was intensely invested in their lives and accomplishments. He never missed a home or away football game during Tad’s football career, and he travelled just as devotedly for Sloan’s gymnastics events and Lachlan’s activities. He was immensely proud that Tad attended Columbia, Sloan attended William & Mary, and Lachlan attended McGill, accomplishments he saw not only as theirs, but as part of the purpose and meaning of his own life.
As his children grew into adulthood and built lives of their own, Bunker remained proud of them and interested in the paths they were taking. He visited Tad in Vancouver, Montreal, and Boston, and he continued to follow the lives and accomplishments of all three of his children with deep pride. He loved them dearly and took great pride in the adults they became.
Bunker was also a man of deep and lasting friendships. Some of his most formative years were in Montreal in the 1960s, where a group of about a dozen young men celebrated Expo 67 in grand style, made the Cock and Bull their neighbourhood pub, spent nights on stage with the band at Your Father’s Moustache, skied most weekends in the Eastern Townships and Vermont, and formed the friendships that became the River Devils. Over the decades, the River Devils went on to share canoe trips, whitewater paddling, and adventures across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Most remained friends for nearly sixty years.
They loved Bunker for his love of life, his energy, his care for others, and the simple pleasure he took in being with his friends. On canoe trips, cold, wet, and bad camp food never seemed to bother him much; he was just happy to be out there with them. The strength of those friendships showed itself not only in adventure, but in loyalty. His friends believed in him, stood behind his ambitions, and remained with him through the ventures and turns that marked a life spent trying to build something new.
He was outgoing, social, smart, and full of appetite for the world. He loved to read, to travel, to go out for a good meal, to laugh, to celebrate, and to enjoy a good bottle of wine, particularly a nice Italian Barolo. He appreciated the finer things in life, but more than that, he appreciated the experience of sharing them with others. He was happiest in good company, with a story being told, a glass being poured, and the next conversation already underway.
In the early 2000s, Bunker met his partner, Lona Burgess. They began sharing their life together in Ancaster in approximately 2007, and their home remained his home until his death. In his later years, he also found great companionship in his beloved dog, Eimear, his best friend and partner in crime.
Bunker is survived by his children, Tad Crawford, Sloan Crawford, and Lachlan Crawford; his daughter-in-law, Stephanie Crawford; his grandchildren, Sinclair Crawford and Berkley Crawford; his partner, Lona Burgess; and his sister, Barbara Anne of Smiths Falls, Ontario. He was delighted to become a grandfather and took great pride in seeing the next generation of his family begin.
Cremation will take place, and details for a celebration of Bunker’s life will be shared with family and friends.
Bunker leaves behind stories, friendships, and a family he loved. Those who knew him are invited to remember him in the way he would have appreciated: by raising a glass of Barolo, sharing a good story, and celebrating a life lived with intelligence, independence, humour, and heart.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rodney (Rod) Dean after a tragic fall. He was surrounded by love with his wife of 34 years Kathi (nee Gardiner), his two sons Sam and Daniel, and his father Gordon.
Predeceased by his loving mother Lynda and survived by his father Gordon Dean. Rod will always be in the hearts of so many family and friends, including his “third” son, his furry boy Gus.
He will be missed by his Aunt Peggy (Paul), Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Sherry, and Aunt Sandra.
Very much-loved Son in law to Marilyn and her late husband Hank. He was a special brother-in-law to John (Sheila) and Bob (Brenda) and uncle to Turner (Melissa) and Tyrus (Rachel) and most recently Great Uncle to Arthur.
Rod had many cousins and some were more like brothers to him who deserve a special mention – Allen (Bucky), Adam and John. All his cousins were very special to Rod and are going to be missed by Byron, Tracey, Kelly, Scott, Sarah, Jesse and Carlie.
Rod will be especially missed by his wife and best friend Kathi. Highschool sweethearts and each other’s best supporters. Two beautiful sons Sam and Daniel were created from this love. Rod was thrilled to have two boys that he could talk about sports with and loved every minute of hanging out with them whether they were watching sports, playing them or listening to music which was another love of Rods.
Rod had a long career in Oakville at a Pharmaceutical Company that was called Searle when he first started, after several ownership changes ended as ANI. He made so many friends over the years there and most recently started making new friends at Summit Station Dairy & Creamery.
Special mention to longtime friends: Brian Smith, Greg Forster, Simon Frank, Jamie and Jennifer Kleven, Mark Greathead (and the rest of the football gang!)
Rod was always so loyal, always ready and willing to help someone else before he would help himself. He has continued with that and has already saved 3 lives by donating his organs. His gift of life to others is a true picture of his kind and helpful nature.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Hamilton Airforce Association, 128 King Street East, Dundas, on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Hamilton SPCA in his memory.
Passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Villa. Predeceased by her parents, brother, and their spouses. Lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews in Nova Scotia, and her dear friend Lee.
Terry proudly served with the RCAF and as a reservist, and was a longtime employee of Bell Canada. She was a devoted member of St. Augustine’s RC Church, serving as a lector, Eucharistic minister, former CWL president, and member of RCL Branch 36.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 24 at 11 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Church, 58 Sydenham St, Dundas.
Special thanks to the staff of Oak Grove for their care and compassion toward Terry and Lee.
It is with profound sadness that we announce that the LORD has unexpectedly but peacefully taken Katherine, age 17, to Himself on Friday morning, April 10, 2026. She was the beloved daughter of Peter & Sandra Dendekker of Lynden, and dear sister of Emma, Noah and Warren (2015). Cherished granddaughter of Henny Kranendonk of Ancaster. Katherine was also much loved by many aunts, uncles & cousins. Predeceased by her Grampa & Nana, Peter Sr. (2023) & Nellie (2005) Dendekker, her Opa, Simon Kranendonk (2024), and cousins, Byron Kloetstra (2006) & Archer Laman (2024). Also missed by countless family and friends from near and far.
Many and special thanks to our family, friends, church community and caregivers for all their loving and prayerful support on our journey with Katherine, including those at Peace Haven, Dundas Valley Secondary School, and McMaster QoLACARE. Your care will never be forgotten.
If desired, memorial donations to Peace Haven Free Reformed Association would be gratefully received by the family. Friends and family are invited to a visitation at Maranatha Free Reformed Church, 1114 Old Mohawk Road, Ancaster on Tuesday, April 14 from 2-4p.m. and 6-8p.m. Interment at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, 1895 Main Street W., Hamilton at 10a.m. on Wednesday, April 15 with Funeral Service at Maranatha Free Reformed Church, 1114 Old Mohawk Road, Ancaster at 11a.m.
“He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with his arm and carry them in His bosom.” Isaiah 40:11
With her family by her side at Margaret’s Place Hospice in Dundas, Ontario; Ann Verner died peacefully on April 4th, 2026, at the age of 78.
Loving mother of Marcel (Emily Nichols) and Marc. Dear sister to Roger Foster. Also survived by her nephews Don France Jr. (Jennifer) and their children Myra and Granger; Rob France (Daniela) and their children Aveah and Brayden. Ann was predeceased by her sisters Jane Foster and Rosalind “Ros” France, and her parents, George & Myra Foster.
Kind, courageous, and determined, Ann raised two boys on her own. She taught first-year chemistry at U of T Scarborough for 35+ years, touching the lives of thousands of students. Ann was always a source of quiet strength, positivity, and endless gratitude, despite facing numerous career, health, and family challenges throughout her life. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.
Ann was born to George and Myra Foster on August 18th, 1947, in Pointe-à-Pierre, a refinery town in Trinidad, where George was a welding superintendent. At age 16 (1963), Ann went off to La Retraite Convent boarding school in Somerset, England to complete her ‘A’ levels and ‘O’ levels. After La Retraite, Ann studied at University of St. Andrews in Dundee, Scotland, earning her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Upon graduation, she came to Canada in 1969 and earned a Master of Science in Chemistry at University of Toronto. Later she earned a Master of Engineering degree in Occupational Health and Safety as well. Education was one of Ann’s highest priorities. In addition to teaching her chemistry students and giving extra homework to her own sons, Ann also found time to volunteer with Scientists in Schools, bringing her love of science to elementary students across southern Ontario.
Ann maintained a warm and sunny disposition, even as she struggled with dementia for 10+ years. She loved reading, people-watching, and listening to calypso music. A people person through and through, she made friends easily and was beloved by all who came to know her. To her caregivers who loved and helped her in her final days and years: thank you, thank you, thank you! Condolences can be sent to annvernerchemistry@gmail.com. Details for a celebration of life will be shared later. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canadian Cancer Society, the Alzheimer Society, or Margaret’s Place Hospice in Dundas. As Ann always said, “sharing is caring.”
