Kerr, Laurin Diane

April 2, 1957 – December 26, 2016

Laurin Diane Kerr –  Laurin, just 4 months shy of her 60th birthday, died suddenly in her sleep at home in Dundas on December 26, 2016. She was was predeceased by her father and mother, David and Anna Marie Kerr and her brother Brian Kerr. She is survived by her devoted husband of 28 years Ron Belcher, sons Lance Gallagher, Jamie Gallagher, his wife Melanie and grandchildren Keenan and Haylei, Adam Gallagher, his wife Michelle and grandchildren Cole and Scarlett; step-sons Rob Belcher, his wife Rachel and grandchildren Geoffrey, Hayden and Ellie, Chad Belcher, his wife Elaine and grandchildren Bethany and Curtis; brother James Kerr and his wife Jane; sister Anne Marie Joyce, her husband Danny, nephews Alex and Russell and niece Andrea; brother-in- law Bob Belcher and his wife Peggy. Laurin and Ron enjoyed over 30 years together, taking trips on Ron’s touring motorcycle, going on canoe adventures, skiing, hiking with their dogs MacKenzie, and later Lola, sharing time together at live theatre, restaurants, movies, weekend escapes and as spectators, or in Laurin’s case as a participant, at horse shows. Most particularly Laurin relished the time she was able to spend with her sons/step-sons and daughters-in-law and especially the nine grandchildren at the many family gatherings. Laurin’s singular personal passion was equestrian in particular the discipline of dressage. She would take green, young horses and train them to exceptional levels all the while improving her own riding skills. She entered many competitions in her category of rider/horse combination and almost without exception came away with the top red ribbon in her events. Laurin was an exceptional woman who consistently put everyone else’s needs above her own no matter what the situation. She was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother who had empathy and compassion for others beyond what words can describe. She constantly gave of herself both emotionally and financially to better the lives of her children and grandchildren. Laurin was a very private person and at her wish there will be no public funeral or visitation. A private gathering will be held in the near future so that her family can share their memories together and bid a final farewell. In lieu of flowers a donation in her memory to her favourite charity World Vision would be appreciated.

 

Tufts, Ralph Clifford

January 6, 1920 – December 26, 2016

Tufts – Ralph Clifford – Just shy of his 97th birthday, Ralph Clifford Tufts of Dundas Ontario passed peacefully with family by his side on Monday Dec. 26th, 2016. Loving husband to the late Eva Lily Tufts for over 61 years, and beloved father of (David – deceased) Carolyn, (Ralph Jr. – deceased), Catherine Burke (Arthur), Gail Pellow (Bruce – deceased), Blair “Tim” (Donna – deceased), Philip (Rosanne – deceased), Valerie Snelling (Russell), Ralph will be forever remembered and dearly missed by many, many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends.  Ralph’s life story begins in Halifax NS on January 6th 1920 and his love for Nova Scotia, the water, and boats stayed with him throughout his life providing many wonderful memories and stories that Ralph was known to share of his adventures he cherished along the shores of Tufts Cove Dartmouth NS and Bedford Basin as a young boy.  Ralph and Eva, a true love story, met in grade two, and married on April 26th 1940.  After attending Dalhousie University Halifax NS, Ralph found early that he had a keen interest and natural skill with radio communication and he turned this passion into a long career.  After starting out in Nova Scotia working for the government of Canada in communications (homeland security) during WWII, Ralph and Eva moved their young family to Hamilton, Ontario in 1951 for Ralph’s job with Bob Moody & Co.  A pioneer in the radio and television industry, Ralph was the first DJ in the Hamilton and Burlington area spinning vinyl records at the Brant Inn during the 60’s, proudly supplying the live tunes for the opening gala at the Beverly Golf & Country Club EST. 1957.  Ralph’s carrier grew in TV and Radio working for Hamilton Niagara Coaxial Co., and Hamilton Video and Sound.  Ralph continued his passion in life for amateur radio as a collector and avid HAM Radio operator (VE3BYM), being awarded the HARC Order of Merit.  Always dapper, Ralph is fondly remembered for his smart wardrobe and as a collector and hansom wearer of fine neckties and hats.  Ralph loved poetry, especially keen for Robert Frost; he loved sweets, pink panther, classic movies and was a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 36 and Air Force Club in Dundas. A natural historian, Ralph was known for his colourful storytelling, sharing his lifelong interests, passions and humour through the stories he told with great enthusiasm.  The time he spent with family and friends while sharing these memories is a tribute to the beauty of his heart and soul. Ralph’s inspiring presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to have known him. Friends will be received by the family on Monday evening from 6-9 at the Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas, where the Service for Ralph will be held Tuesday morning at 11 o’clock. Interment Grove Cemetery. Donations to the Dundas Salvation Army would be appreciated by the family.

Golakovich, Irene Agnes

January 8, 1938 – December 28, 2016

Golakovich, Irene Agnes – Passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Villa in Dundas in her 78th year. She is survived by her husband of 56 years Alex, children Arlene, Donna and Daryl as well as sister Marilyn Warick.  Predeceased by her parents Teresa and Gordon Fairbanks.  She leaves with many fond memories of Hamilton, Binbrook and Florida.  Many thanks to the entire staff of St. Joseph’s Villa for their kindness during her two and a half year stay there.  Cremation has taken place and a private family celebration will be held at a later date.

Stafford, Margaret Claudene “Dene” (nee Cruickshanks)

November 20, 1938 – December 27, 2016

Stafford, Margaret Claudene “Dene” (nee Cruickshanks) – Peacefully at the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice on Tuesday, December 27, 2016. Beloved wife of the late John Richard “Dick” Stafford, and loving mother to John (Karen), Diane (Scott Monds) and Jason (Jennifer). Sadly missed by her grandchildren Kyle (Emily) and Taylor Stafford (Jason), Scotty and Joey Monds, Aaron and Jacob Stafford, her brothers Robert (Kathleen) and Paul (Rosemary) and many friends, nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to Celebrate Dene’s Life on Thursday evening from 4-8 at the Old Mill, Miller Chapel, Ancaster. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Dr., Bob Kemp Hospice would be appreciated. Special thanks to the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice and Home Sweet Home Care for Seniors, for the care and compassion shown to Dene.

 

Sardella, Shirley Eileen

June 28, 1935 – December 26, 2016

Sardella, Shirley Eileen – Passed away peacefully at Wentworth Lodge, Monday, December 26, 2016. Dearly loved by husband Keith; son Michael (Patricia) and daughter Laura (Merlyn MacPhee); grandchildren Brandy Young, Grant MacPhee (Amanda) and Andrew Sardella; great grandchildren Aliexia and Aubrey; sisters Lillian Hoag (Alf) and Joanne Gortmaker (Karl, predeceased), Linda Hoag and many other nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by sisters Irene Glidden and Phyllis Hollyburton.  Friends will be received by the family on Thursday afternoon and evening from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas. Cremation to follow.  If you so wish, donations to the Children’s Wish Foundation or the Dundas Salvation Army Foodbank would be appreciated by the family. Special thanks to the staff of Maple Lane at Wentworth Lodge, and Dr. Kronenwald for all of their kindness and support.

Kobylanski, Jane Lynne

March 5, 1954 – December 24, 2016

Kobylanski, Jane Lynn – On Christmas Eve rejoined her late husband Peter. Jane will be sadly missed by her sons Bob and Nick, her granddaughter and daughter in law Emily and Ela, her brother and sister in law Wayne and Teresa, her mother Anne, as well as her In-Laws, nieces and nephews. Friends and family are welcome to join us in celebrating her life at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St., Dundas, Ont., On Wednesday, December 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations will be accepted for Epilepsy Canada.