Zess, Richard Peter

The man with nine lives has taken his last breath just shy of his 76th birthday. Rick was known by many different names – Husband, father, Grandpa, Papa, son, brother, uncle, friend or Bone. Over the last few years, he has struggled with health issues, but he kept on fighting. He could come off as a scrooge, but he would also give you the shirt off his back. Rick was not one to travel, as his favourite spot was veranda beach on King Street. Rick was an employee of Serv-A-Station Ltd. for over 30 years. Rick was married to Susan (nee Hall) for 53 years. He will be sadly missed by his children Lori and Shawn Fraser, Mandy and Dwayne MacDonald and Richard Jr. His grandchildren Joshua, Jackson, Samantha, James and Lexi were the light of his life. He is now with his granddaughter Mikayla in heaven, as well as his parents Morris and Isabel and siblings Louise and Jack. Loving brother of Cindy and Mike de Nobriga, Rosemary and Andrew Gringhuis and brother-in-law Donald Hutchinson. His many nieces and nephews will cherish their memories of him. A celebration of Rick’s life will take place upstairs in the Royal Canadian Legion – 280 King St. W Dundas on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 from 1:30pm-4:00pm. Donations can be made in memory to Bereaved Families of Ontario-South Central Region or The Salvation Army-Dundas.

Lessard, Denise Fernande (nee Sanche)

Passed away peacefully on December 9th, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in her 88th year. Born October 10th, 1935, one of twelve Sanche siblings from Ste. Anne, Manitoba. Beloved wife of Roderick for over 63 years. Loving mother to Carolyn (Roger) Press and Judy (Mark) Empey. Caring grandmother to Robin (Richard), Eric (Jessica), Brigitte, and Julia.

In 1957, she married the love of her life, Roderick Louis Lessard. In 1971, the family moved from Winnipeg to Dundas, Ontario. Family gatherings were a big part of her life – great times surrounded by wonderful food, conversation, reminiscing and dancing. We hope to keep these traditions going in honour of her.

She touched the lives of so many people with her generosity, compassion, and sense of humour. Denise was blessed with the gift of kindness. She was a very special person who opened her heart to everyone – always keeping in touch, offering a helping hand, and being the best friend anyone could ask for. She showed the real meaning of love – devoting her life to family, taking care of her children and her husband, Rod, selflessly until he passed. She was an angel on earth!

Some of Denise’s pastimes included going for walks along the Dundas Rail Trail, with a pocketful of treats for furry friends she met along the way. She enjoyed baking, known for her apple pie and assortment of squares and cookies. She was also an avid gardener – so proud of the beautifully landscaped backyard that she and Rod created. She was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League and participated in many of the group’s community events.

Her family grieves her loss, but take comfort given her strong faith that Denise and Rod are together again in peace. We all loved her so much and will miss her more than she will ever know. Her spirit will shine brightly within us all.

Special thanks to the Cardiac and Palliative teams at Juravinski and St. Joseph’s Hospitals for their outstanding care. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Arsenault, Frederick Henry

Passed away at St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre in Brantford on Friday, December 9, 2022 in his 94th year. Predeceased by his loving wife Phyllis. Fred is dearly loved and will be missed by his children, David (Paulette), Cheryl (Paul Drake), Karen Arsenault, Kevin (Lois) and Susan Baker; his 12 grandchildren, his 8 great-grandchildren and his 2 great-great-grandchildren. Fred was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Adele and by his 11 siblings. Fred was a long-time employee of Dofasco. He was a member of the Lynden Legion, Branch #500, a member of the Lynden Lions Club and was a member, along with his wife, of the Southern Ontario Horseshoe Pitchers Association. He enjoyed retirement at the Norfolk Conservation Camp Grounds. Fred was an active DIY’er and a jack of all trades. He was a great dad and was lovingly known as Grandpa or Papa to his grandchildren. Friends will be received by the family on Tuesday afternoon and evening from 2-4 and 7-9 at the Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas. A private Service for Fred will be held with immediate family, followed by interment at Mt. Zion Cemetery. If you so wish, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

Turn on the music Phyllis, it’s time to dance again.

Etherington, Joyce Marie (nee Harrison)

Passed away peacefully at Wentworth Lodge on December 8, 2022 in her 81st year. Beloved wife of Darce for over 58 years. Loving mother to Darlene (Jim) Pounder and Carolyn (Jim) Bayne. Proud Nana of Maddison (Taka), Tessa (Brock), Darcy, and Ewan. Survived by her sister Gayle (Ron) Ellis. She will be sadly missed by her many nieces, nephews and in-laws. Predeceased by her parents Art and Ruby Harrison. A very special thanks to the staff at Wentworth Lodge – Maple Lane and Dr. Nash for their excellent care. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated.

Redish, Anne

1924 – 2022

The Hamilton/Dundas Community lost one of its best on Sunday: Anne Redish passed peacefully at Juravinski Hospital on Sunday, December 4, just shy of her 98th birthday.

Anne (Mum) and K (not ‘Ken’, not ‘Dad’, just ‘K’) came to Dundas in 1968 and Mum quickly established herself as a pillar of the community. A stalwart with the Dundas Little Theatre, two term Dundas Town Councillor, member of the Niagara Escarpment Commission and Chair of the Bay Area Restoration Council were just a few of Mum’s many contributions to her community. Mum was also very committed to environmental principles and served for more than 15 years in various volunteer roles with the Hamilton and Region Conservation Authority and was the recipient of the 2002 Hamilton Environmentalist of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award.

Anne was born in London, England and met her much, much beloved Ken at the University of Bristol just after the war – he in Mathematics, her as one of only two women in her graduating Law class. They were married in 1950 and hitch-hiked to Rome for their honeymoon after which Mum returned to her practice of law as a Barrister and Solicitor at the Inn’s of Court in London’s Middle Temple. They moved around a fair bit while in England (almost all of her 7 children were born in different cities!) before settling in Dundas.

Anne is survived by her 7 loving children and partners – Antonia; Angela and Steve; Adair and Anne; Adrian and Mary; Amanda and Gerard; Adam and Gwen; Anna and Robert – and over 30 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom were very much loved.

The family would like to express its great thanks to Tina Del Cruz for her care, support and love for Mum; Tina truly became another daughter over the past few years.

The family would also like to thank the staff and physicians at Juravinski hospital for the excellent care they provided to Mum on several occasions over the past few years and to St. Elizabeth’s Village where she resided for the last few months.

Visitations will be held at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St., Dundas, on Thursday, December 8 from 2pm – 4 pm and 7pm – 9pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Augustine’s Catholic Parish, 58 Sydenham St, Dundas on December 9 at 11:00a.m. followed by internment at St. Augustine’s Cemetery, East St. S. Dundas.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be considered to the Hamilton Good Shepherd Centre.

The Redish family.

Horsley, Janice (nee Pearson)

April 18,1958 – December 1, 2022

Jan will be greatly missed by her daughters KoryAnne and Michelle Horsley, and Christine Jackson. Jan’s greatest joy was her granddaughter Bianca. She was a wonderful sister to Nancy Pearson, Rick Pearson, Tomas Pearson, and Glen Pearson. She was a lover of life, and spent it searching for the beautiful things around her. From a sunrise, to a lake, nature was beautiful to her. She loved her Miniature Pinschers. Casie, Star, and James are meeting you at Rainbow Bridge. She is having the best dog show ever up there! You could often find her sitting outside with her dogs and a Tim Hortons coffee. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in Jan’s memory. Until we meet again at Heavens Gates. Love you forever.

Kuik, Dorothy (nee McKnight)

Passed away peacefully December 2, 2022 in her 87th year. Predeceased by her husbands Harm Kuik, Gerry Fafard, Bill Farmer and her brother Keith (Shirley) McKnight.

Devoted mother to Bill (Marines), Jim (Barb) and Dave (Judy) Farmer. Stepmother to Paulette (Hugh) Sedlak, Dianne Fafard (Barry), Denis Fafard, and Francine (Brad) McPartlin. Grandmother to Brandon, Myles, Ashleigh (Elgin), Kyla, Jake, Rachel, and Step-Grandmother to Paul (Rita), Michael (Christine), Susan, Katie, and Great-Grandmother to Shaye.

Dorothy lived her entire life in Rockton, she loved the village and its community dearly. She was well known for her beautiful gardens, delicious baking, and excellent sewing skills.

Dorothy had a big heart and a love for helping others; she donated much of her time to volunteering and was a foster-parent for many years. Her involvement with St. Alban’s Church, Westfield Heritage Village, Rockton United Church, Rockton Agricultural Society, Beverly Heritage Society, Women’s Institute (Life Membership Certificate), United Church Women, Tri-M, and McMaster University Medical Centre (1000 Hour Award) brought hope and happiness to many over the years.

Thank you to the staff at Park Lane Terrace for their kindness and compassion.

Service will be held at Turner Family Funeral Home, Dundas, on Saturday, December 10th at 1:30pm. Reception to follow from 2:00 – 3:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Rockton United Church, Westfield Heritage Village, or a charity of your choice are appreciated.

Holroyd, John Peter “Pete”

August 31, 1937 – December 1, 2022

Dad – There was never a day that you were not within my reach for comfort, guidance and love. Today, my first time alone as a child, I know your spirit and your soul has reunited with mom’s and you and she and Tracy are together again. My dad started his career in the RCAF as a special Weapons Technician. As a family we travelled to Germany, France, Belgium, Sardinia, Ottawa and Alberta and Mississauga. Dad declined promotions and postings in order to keep our family close so my sister could be near medical care and grow up with family nearby. After 25 years of service he went back to school and became a Stationary Engineer. He sacrificed his career and his goals for our happiness and I am forever grateful for my childhood and his example of integrity and perseverance. John is predeceased by the love of his life Angela Holroyd (October 2022). Together they shared over 63 years of marriage and friendship. John is also predeceased by eldest daughter Tracy and parents Leo and Norah Holroyd (Midgley) and brother Michael Holroyd. He is survived by sister Valerie Henderson. He will be missed at Sunday dinners with conversations about WWII and weaponry with my husband Roger as well as missed by grandchildren Leah and Scott Duck and great-grandson Nolan. Dog Batch ensured Dad felt loved and cuddled and he looked forward to seeing her daily in all her goofiness. Dad affectionately referred to her as the “big hairy nit”. John will be deeply missed by Joe and Antoinette Speziale (Nicole Speziale (Harrison and Atticus) and Leslie and Kevin Bernardo (Ewan and Adrienne) and Frank and Joan Fama (Mark and Family), Michael and Brett and pre deceased by nephew Kevin (2017). A lifelong member and RCAF veteran of the Royal Canadian Legion in Dundas John (Peter) Holroyd spent time with lifelong friend Ken Alkerton (2021) playing pool and discussing the issues of the world. Kelly and Roger would like to sincerely thank the nurses from Bayshore Nursing, the nurses and PSWs at Stedman Community Hospice (Hankinson House) for their attentive and loving care for dad and Dr. McNeil and Shelley Groombridge for their guidance and support. John has been cremated and will be laid to rest in St. Augustine’s Cemetery in Dundas, Ontario alongside his soulmate and best friend Angela Holroyd. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or to The Stedman Community Hospice would be appreciated. A Celebration of Life will be held sometime in the spring.

Zwerver, Roy Arthur

It is with heavy hearts that we announce his sudden passing, at his home in Dundas, November 26, 2022. Much loved husband of Sandy, stepdad and friend to Jennifer Lavigne (Jeff) and Kevin Townsend (Christine). Proud Grumpy to Emily Banks. Brother of Wendy (late Norm). Predeceased by his parents, Peter and Agnes and brothers Mel and Al. Roy was an uncle, cousin, and friend to many. He had been retired from Stelco for over 13 years after 30 years of service. There will be a celebration of his life on Sunday, December 11, 2022, upstairs at the Dundas Legion, Branch 36, 280 King Street West from 1-4 pm. A time is dedicated at 2 p.m. to share stories and memories. Cremation has taken place.

Forster, Tashme (“Tash”)


September 19, 1942 – November 26, 2022

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Tash passed away unexpectedly on November 26, 2022 at Markham Stouffville Hospital with loved ones by her side. Beloved wife of 56 years to Norman Forster. Loving mother to Greg, Steve and Cindy. Dearest grandmother to Brittany, Sierra, Tennyson, Ryerson, Ian, Quinn, and Amy. Predeceased by her parents Sumi and Sahei Nishikawa.

Tash was a devoted and caring mother and wife who spent many years as a Homemaker. She kept the household running smoothly and always made sure that her loved ones were taken care of. Once all of her children had entered high school, Tash returned to the workforce where she proudly worked as a secretary in the Math Department at Mohawk College. Tash and Norm raised their family in Pleasant Valley (Dundas), then moved to a condominium in Ancaster when it was time to downsize. Earlier this year, Tash moved into a retirement residence in Stouffville, Ontario. She enjoyed the prepared meals, exercise classes, and numerous social activities. She also continued to enjoy the foods of her heritage (Japanese Canadian). Tash will be greatly missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces/nephews, friends, and anyone who had the privilege to know her.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday December 4, 2022 at 1pm at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St., Dundas. with a visitation to follow from 2-4pm. Please refer to website for directions. Cremation has taken place. If you so wish, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family in lieu of flowers.