With incredibly broken hearts, the family announces the passing of our dearly loved and treasured stepfather Tom, at the age of 87. Welcomed into paradise by his soulmate and loving wife of 36 years Nina, he is predeceased by his parents James and Ludella, his sister Phyllis, brother Edward and step granddaughter Sarmie Jurcich. Tom will be dearly missed by his sisters Muriel, Margaret (Bruce), brother Len, and sister-in-law Jane. Deeply loved and adored stepfather to Kathy (Kelly) Fleck, Carol Jurcich (Alex), Liana (Wally) London, Fabian Peretin, daughter-in-law Sandra Carranza and devoted fur papa of Holly. Grandpa Tom was cherished by Natalie (Jeremy), George (Mallory), Joshua, Candy-Anne, Amber-Lynne (Ashton), (Johmar), Michael, Wally Jr (Calla) David (Vanessa), Nick (Samantha), Katrina, Kaitlyn, Jayden, Samantha (Donny), and his 17 great grandchildren. Uncle Tom was loved by his nieces and nephews Calvin, Clinton, Ronald, Kathy, Tammy Lynn, Jason, Amanda, Judith, Kevin, and Brenda, as well as his great nieces and nephews.
Born and raised in rural Ancaster, and growing up at the Merritt Hall fair grounds, Tom’s parents instilled in him steadfast values and morals of respect, honesty, integrity, and hard work, which he carried with him throughout his life.
Coming into our lives when we were adults, Tom quickly formed unbreakable bonds and loving connections with each of us in his own unique way. He welcomed us into his heart with unconditional love, affection, and open arms. Never having children of his own, he showed us that family is thicker than blood, and never failed to comfort, support, or encourage us.
Fiercely dedicated and strong willed, Tom’s hard-working ethics lead him from working at Dofasco where he learned how to weld, to becoming one of the most respected and admired welder and hydraulic mechanics at CP Rail; subsequently gaining the well-deserved title as “one of the best welders in the world”. Following his retirement from CP Rail, Tom never rested; he continued to share his skills and talents for the next 15 years at Action Hydraulics. When he was 80 years old, Tom finally hung up his welding helmet for good after a stellar career.
Tom’s passions included a love of trains, the golden oldie days of steam engines and showboat cars, travelling, road trips, diesel trucks and trailer days, but his greatest pride and joy was building his house in Brantford that he dearly loved. Always helpful, someone you could always rely on, full of patience and class, Tom was genuinely one of the “real good guys.” He had the biggest heart and the kindest spirit. Tom’s remarkable strength and determination carried him through his toughest challenges, especially in his darkest days.
With a pep in his step, and a twinkle in his big blue eyes, a smile bigger than life, and an adorable sense of humour, our fun loving, most handsome, beloved Tom, will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all those who have been blessed to have shared this life with him.
Special thank you to Dr. Mark Moores, for his continued dedication; the dialysis teams at Goderich and University Hospital London for their compassionate care, and to Wingham Hospital for the dignity, respect and kindness lovingly provided in his final days. Deepest gratitude to loving and caring neighbours Marie, Susan and Ray for their endless comfort, friendship and support, during his most difficult times over this past year.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday April 5th, 2023 from 6 – 9 pm at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St Dundas. Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday April 6th, 2023 at 12:00 pm at the same location. Interment to follow at Mount Zion Cemetery, 1324 Concession 2 Rd W, Hamilton. Reception to follow. For those who wish, donations in Tom’s memory can be made to the charity of your choice.
Dad was born on Victoria Street in Dundas and has lived in town his whole life. For 38 years, he was married to Shirley Joan (née Pyett), until her death on June 22nd, 2003. He is survived by his grieving sons, Paul (at home), and Thomas (Toronto) & his wife Joanna. Their children, Lindsay, Emma, and Jacob were the lights of his life. Remember that Grandpa’s love will never die.
Don was a teacher and principal at Caistor School #5 (one-room school – Shirley was at #6), Central Public Dundas, University Gardens Dundas, Fessenden Ancaster, Dundana Dundas, Balaclava-Victoria Carlisle, and Millgrove. His students sought him out and brought their kids and grandkids to meet Mr. Chappel. Dad’s staff at University Gardens (1965-1972) still get together when they can; it is a very tight and loving family.
A life member of St. Paul’s United Church, Dundas (and choir). We want to thank Rev. Jim Cairney for his faithful visits that have meant so much. In his retirement, Dad served as organist at Rock Chapel United Church, and St. George’s Reformed Episcopal Church, Hamilton. At Rock Chapel he founded and led his Kazoo Choir which involved about half the congregation. It was amazing. He played for and sang with the Afternoon Singers seniors’ choir. For over 50 years, Don was very active in and served as organist for the Valley Lodge A.F.& A.M. No. 100 and was a Distinguished Recipient of the William Mercer-Wilson Medal. He was also organist for Temple Lodge No. 324.
Predeceased by his sister, Betty, Don is survived by his brother- and sisters-in-law Lloyd & Phyllis Pyett and Margaret Pyett, and his cousin Douglas & Heidi Mawson. Dad loved his nieces and nephews very much, and enjoyed seeing them, even when it was many years between visits.
He leaves too many friends to name, but Lenore Castle, Warren & Joyce Gedcke, Rod & Joan Jeffress, Cecil & Gladys Hamilton, Judy Smith, John & Gillian Ferns, Marilyn dePass, Joan Morris, Gerry Magnish, and his niece Pauline Wright were especially close. Neighbours were always special to Dad: Brigitte & Ziggy, Andy, Michelle, Rob, John, Mike & Maureen and especially their sons Erik & Ryan who meant the world to him. Paul’s great friend Ryan Jackson, and Scott Lehane were also loved very much by Dad.
Dad will rest at the Turner Family Funeral Home, Dundas, on Friday, March 31st from 3-6 pm followed by the Masonic Memorial Service. A Funeral Service will be on Saturday, April 1st at 1 pm; Paul will officiate and it will be live-streamed (turnerfamilyfuneralhome.ca). Reception to follow at St. Paul’s United Church, 29 Park Street West. Dad didn’t want people to feel they had to dress in dark, formal clothing, so please wear what you like. Interment will be Monday, April 3rd at 10:30 am at Grove Cemetery, Dundas.
Memorial donations in Donald’s honour, if wished, to the Royal Canadian College of Organists, or, as Dad did so often, take a friend out to dinner, or give some money to a friend in need. Dad was a life-long giver who found it incredibly difficult to accept others’ time and help, but their love he always cherished.
Peacefully at home, on March 25, 2023, in his 82nd year, Peter entered into the presence of his faithful Lord and Saviour. Predeceased by his cherished wife Nell in 2005, and two precious grandsons, Byron Kloetstra in 2006 and Warren Dendekker in 2015. Beloved father of Audrey and Jim Koopman, Sheryll and Rick Kloetstra, Lorraine and Matt Hirst, Cyndi and Ed Laman, Peter and Sandra Dendekker, David and Cheryl Dendekker. Treasured grandfather of 29 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Special Uncle to Joleen and Richie McKinstry and family. Friends will be received by the family on Thursday, March 30 from 6-9 p.m. at Maranatha Free Reformed Church, 1114 Old Mohawk Road, Ancaster. Private funeral and interment to follow. Donations to Peace Haven gratefully accepted.
“I trusted in Thee O Lord, I said Thou art my God. My times are in Thy hands.” Taken from psalm 31
Raynsford, Ashley Laureane – Suddenly at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Saturday, March 25, 2023, in her 33rd year. Loving partner to Corey Cunningham, and loving daughter to Michael and Wilma Raynsford. Ashley will be sadly missed by her sister Marissa and her boyfriend Jordan, her aunts and uncles Mark and Nadine and Lisa and Tim, her cousins Billy, Emily, Tricia and Tracey, and by all her Jamaican family. Predeceased by her grandparents Pat and Bob Raynsford. Friends will be received by the family on Wednesday afternoon and evening from 2-4 & 6-8 at the Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas, where the Service for Ashley will be held Thursday at 11 o’clock. Cremation has taken place. Donations to the SPCA in Ashley’s memory would be appreciated by the family. The family would like to thank all the staff of the ICU at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Christina Docherty was born July 12 in1939, UK, a dark and threatening time. Money was scarce but there was singing in her family home. Light entered through song.
Christina, who usually went by Chris, or Mrs. G to her children’s friends, grew up in Glasgow, Scotland and married James Patrick Gentle. They had one child, Sally, then another, James, before crossing an ocean to Canada, then the U.S., then back to Canada again. A third child, Irene, arrived in those travelling years.
There was singing in this family home, and books. Christina bestowed the joy of reading to her children, so they grew up roaming universes. In time books became her work, at the Brampton Library. A supporter of libraries to the last, a new stack entered her home the day she went to the hospital, the first in decades to go unread.
She learned to swim, dunking her head underwater for the first time in her 40s. It’s one thing to do this as a child, as an adult it’s an act of will. Those same years presented the need to drive a manual transmission. One glorious crash through the garage into the living room later, she nailed it.
An avid follower of sports and current events, she had a thought on pretty much anything. Don’t like my opinion? No problem, I have another, she’d say. And she did.
Generally practical, she nonetheless placed onions on our childhood staircases to ward off, well, who can say, really. Her leaning toward justice showed sometimes strangely, such as the head of a pro-democracy leader cut from a magazine that stared valiantly up at us for months.
She had adventures, separating from James in her 50s, moving to Nova Scotia in her 60s, before being pulled back to Ontario to be closer to her children.
She had joys, primarily her beloved grandchildren Amanda and Alyssa Drew and Charles Wallace Gentle. Her warm, kindred relationship with son-in-law Matt Jackson, her enjoyment at sharing the wonder of science and space with son-in-law Raymond Drew. And clocks. So many clocks, mostly noisy, timed a minute or so off from each other so whirs, cuckoos and gongs chime forever. She loved sparkle, glitter that cuts through dark, like her pure, unconstrained laugh.
She had sadness. The infinite loneliness that comes from being far from the country and family she was raised in. The loss of her parents, Chrissie and Harry Docherty, the loss of her brother, also Harry Docherty, and finally, most excruciatingly, of her treasured son Jim in October 2022. Her world dimmed. It was again a dark, threatening time.
She fell ill in March. Illness was new to her. She faced it, books and music at her bedside like guardians, with characteristic curiosity and courage, more incredulous than scared. I’ve had a good life, she said. I’ve no regrets, I feel lucky.
She died suddenly and unexpectedly on a day of soft rain in the same hospital her son had died in less than six months before her, their unbreakable bond made eternal.
Her loss tears wider and deeper the gap in our universe. She is fiercely missed by all mentioned above as well as Brenda Docherty, Claire, Robert, Kate, Sarah and their lovely families; Chantal Ayotte (predeceased by Jim Gentle); Ann Sachuk (predeceased by Nick Sachuk, Patrick and Jean Gentle); all who knew her as Mrs. G; her former library colleagues and more.
She encouraged us to enjoy every moment and be kind to ourselves and others. She requested no service but was always up for a song. She’d sing if she knew the words, and clap along. That’s how light enters.
Do not grieve for me, for now I’m with my beloved wife Gloria of 74 years. Passed peacefully with Christine and Stephen by his side at St. Peter’s on Monday morning, March 20, 2023. Born in Cooks Creek, Winnipeg to parents Agnes and Joseph. Loving father to Pauline (Terry – predeceased), Christine (Rick), Peter (predeceased), Mark (Christina) and Stephen (Leigh). Proud Papa to Michael, Bradley, Lisa, Leslie, Vanessa, Jack, Wyatt, Breanna and much loved great-grandpa to Aden, Ripley, Tyler, Kyle, Payton, Carley, Reed and Nolan. Loved brother-in-law Gerry (Bernice – predeceased). Loved brothers Kasmer, Julian, Stanley, Edward, Lui, Adolph; sisters Mary and Jean (all predeceased). Sister and best friend Adeline (Johnny). Will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. Special thank you to nieces Leah, Wanda, Dr. J. Williams, PSW’s Maria and Betty, staff at St. Peter’s especially nurses Sara and Kamini, John and Karen Macintyre, Kathy Miller, Allan and Betty McCulley, as well as Don and Paul Chappel. God bless you all. Dad’s greatest joy was visits from his grandchildren. His passions in life, Mom’s baked goods, bowling, golfing, Saturday night cards with Adeline and Johnny, social gatherings with his close family and friends and Tuesday and Friday night lottery! From our family, thank you so much Jackie Sherk, Dennis Ducharme, Leo Volpato, Dan and Sheryl Cooper, Helen and Steve, Laura, Cam, Adam and Ryan Harrington, Wess and Becky Hurl, Gayle Brubacher and Father Scott Whitfield. Friends and family are invited to Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas on Sunday, March 26th from 1-4 p.m. for visitation. A Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, March 27th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Church, 58 Sydenham Street, Dundas. Donations can be made in memory to the Cancer Assistance Program, 555 Concession Street, Hamilton, L8V 1A8.
A beautiful life that came to an end, he died as he lived, everyone’s friend.
Entered into the presence of our Lord and Saviour on March 16, 2023 at the age of 79. Dear Father and Opa of Marcel and Norah and their children Kaitlyn and Alyssa; Ken and Anne and their children Ethan and Moriah. Predeceased by his loving wife Rita te Grotenhuis in 2015. Also remembered by his brothers and sisters in law and nieces and nephews. Friends will be received on Monday, March 20 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Grace Community Christian Reformed Church (formerly Ancaster Christian Reformed Church) at 70 Garner Rd. East, Ancaster, Ontario. Memorial service will take place at Grace Community CRC on Tuesday, March 21 at 11:00 AM followed by a luncheon. A live stream link will be available at ancastercrc.org. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kidney Foundation would be appreciated.
Passed away suddenly at home on March 14, 2023, in his 79th year, coincidentally on Pi Day, befitting a math teacher. Beloved husband of Bette (nee Smith). Loving father of Daron (Ann-Marie) and Dan (Leah). Proud grandpa of Brendan, Kurtis, Sarah, and Connor. He was predeceased by his sister, Joan Drury (Doug), and will be sadly missed by his sister Susan Sherman (Roger), and all his nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, the Coffee crew, the Granite Curlers, and many dear friends.
Jim was born in Toronto in 1944 and moved to Dundas in 1945. He attended Dundas Central Public School and Dundas District High School. He worked at Jaggard’s News Agency throughout high school where he met Bette. They were married in 1966. In 1964 he was accepted to McMaster University and completed a Bachelor of Science in 1968. He completed his Masters in Business Administration in 1972. He was hired as a Math Teacher with the Hamilton Board of Education in 1968. He made many great life-long friends and was inspired by seeing his students succeed. He retired in 1999.
Jim was an avid curler, hockey player and coach, camper, hiker and environmentalist, and a skilled woodworker. He was a proud member and trail captain with the Bruce Trail Conservancy for more than 30 years and received awards for his work. He was enthralled by early northern explorers and mountaineers and took his dream trip down the Coppermine River in 1984. Jim was passionate about sharing experiences with his family, from camping and road trips out west and to Algonquin Park, to Camp Wanakita, attending hockey games, road trips, boat cruises and trips to Europe with Bette after retirement.
Over the last 18 years he has been following the exploits of his 4 grandchildren. He looked forward to his visits with them, a chance to teach and bond, or to watch them take on life’s challenges in school, sports or the arts. In recent years, he loved being challenged by the math problems they were trying to solve in their homework and happy to learn from the next generation. He could never get enough of watching his family succeed and take on new opportunities. He was so proud of us all.
In the last 23 years he took on the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease with the drive and strategy of a mountaineer and the curiosity of a scientist. Jim was a strong supporter of Parkinson Canada, and it was important for him to volunteer for clinical studies to support research into a cure for Parkinson’s. He was an inspiration in his courage and ability to overcome the latest challenge so he could be at the next curling event, meet up with friends, watch his grandchildren’s activities, or go on his next trip. We are grateful for all the extra quality time we had with him since his diagnosis. We thank the numerous doctors and care teams over the years who helped him navigate each challenge.
Jim was concerned for the success and happiness of those he knew, looked for any opportunity to teach, was happy to give advice on anything, and rooted for you in your battles. He taught us about perseverance and yes, the strength of stubbornness.
Friends and family are invited to Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St. Dundas, on Sunday March 19 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm for a visitation. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 pm on Monday March 20, 2023. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Parkinson (Society of) Canada or the Bruce Trail Conservancy .
It is with sad hearts and happy memories we announce the passing of our dear mother, Edna, in her 89th year at The Meadows in Ancaster. Predeceased by her loving husband, Sam (1994). Much loved and respected mother of Bob (Wendy), Dave (Wendy) and Sandra (Ron). Grandmother of Daryl (Allison), Mike (Hollie), Paul (Caitlin), Nikki (Mark), Shayne (Amy), Matt (Laura), Krista, Brittany (Peter) and great grandmother of 13. Survived by her dear sister Evelyn (Dave). Predeceased by her siblings George and Beverly. Lovingly remembered by her special friend of many years, Jack. Mom lived the first 70 years of her life in Alberton and her remaining years in the Ancaster area. Her whole life was about supporting and providing care for her family. Mom always loved a good card game and visits with family and friends. Many thanks to the staff at The Meadows, Ancaster for mom’s wonderfully compassionate care. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 6, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Alberton Sunday School. In lieu of flowers, mom’s wishes were a donation to The Alzheimer Society of Canada.
It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Richard Lawrence Guinan in Hamilton, Ontario at St. Joseph’s Hospital. After a brief hospital stay, Richard passed swiftly and peacefully. Our family would like to extend gratitude to the healthcare team members of the 6th floor surgical unit of St. Joe’s for the exceptional and compassionate care he received. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judith Ann; his sister Mary-Lou; his daughters Sara and Laura; his sons-in-law Jonathan and Robert; his grandchildren Xavier, Owen and Emmett; as well as his loyal dog Winston and many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and incredible friends. Richard was predeceased by his father Thomas and mother Ileana May. Rick was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and moved with his family throughout remote areas of Canada. He resided for many years in Toronto and St. Catharines prior to settling in Hamilton, Ontario. As a young man he developed a passion for flying small aircraft, a love of golf and was incredibly social. Rick worked in sales, marketing and business development in the insurance industry. Rick spent many hours dedicated to volunteering with the Air Cadets, Optimist Club, Rotary Club, Brain Injury Association and other organizations that benefit people living with disabilities. He was a regular contributor to the Terry Fox Foundation. He was very proud that he had the opportunity to meet Terry and pilot him to and from events during the “Marathon of Hope” within Toronto and Niagara region. Rick was greatly inspired by Terry’s courage and tenacity. Rick was a dedicated husband, a caring father and a loving grandfather. He was always willing to help others. Whether someone needed to be cared for, picked up, dropped off, needed to borrow a tool or they simply needed a hand, Rick was your guy. Rick was up for fun and adventure. He loved to share a toast with family and friends with a cheerful “I’ll drink to that”. He will be missed more than anyone can imagine. We will be planning a celebration of life at a future date. At this time, our family asks in lieu of flowers that you please make a donation in his name to the Terry Fox Foundation. Our family would like to thank the countless people who have reached out with love, support and kindness. It truly means the world.
