Announcements

It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we announce Austin “Austie”, “Ozzie”, ”Oz” Layden passed away peacefully at his home in Caledonia in his 76th year. Austin is survived by his loving wife Bev (nee Barton) of 50 years.  Loving father of Christina, Laura and Amanda (Ryan) and proud Grandpa to Dade (Lexi), Layden and Kaiston.  He will be remembered by his siblings Marylee (Chuck) Sipos, Mark (Sue) Layden and Brian (Lisa) Layden.  Predeceased by Sharon (Joe) Rossitter. Also remembered by sisters–in-law Ronna (Murray) Aldgate and Gwenn Barton and numerous nieces and nephews.  Austin retired from Stelco after 35 years of service and could be found enjoying the things he liked most: golfing, curling and scuba diving and as everyone knows he was the Maple Leafs #1 fan, he never missed a chance to watch a game. Cremation has taken place. Please join family and friends to celebrate the life of Austin from 1 – 4 p.m. on Friday, October 11, 2024 at Grace United Church, 174 Caithness St. E. Caledonia. Arrangements have been entrusted to Miller Funeral Chapel, Caledonia, Ontario (905) 765-2712.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Grace United Church Caledonia or the Food Bank of your choice in Austin’s memory.  He will be deeply missed.  Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.millerfuneralchapel.ca

1941 – 2024 Blake peacefully passed at the West Haldimand General Hospital (Hagersville) in the early morning of Thursday October 3rd 2024, at the age of 83. He is now reunited with his beloved wife, the late Edna Georgina Hoover (Miller), and daughter, the late Tracey Lee Hoover. Pa will be deeply missed by his dear grandchildren Jennifer Hoover-Simon, Blake (Desiree) Schram, and his three cherished great-grandchildren Rylann, Carter, and Oaklynn. Dear Brother to Dorothy, John (Wilma), Ruth (Alvin), Nancy (George), Charlie (Marg), Janet (Nick), and Dale (Joanne).  He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Blake was well known for his time worked at Esso, where he made lifelong friends and many memories. His legacy will be kept alive through all his memories and stories shared by his loved ones. The family will honour his life with a visitation at Hyde & Mott Chapel of  R.H.B. Anderson Funeral Homes Ltd., 60 Main St. S., Hagersville on Sunday October 6th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, where Funeral Service will be held on Monday October 7th at 1pm.  Interment at Caledonia Cemetery followed by a celebration of his life at ‘Hawthorn Acres & Piney Woods’ Homestead – 1837 Concession 3 Walpole, Selkirk.  In lieu of flowers donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.   www.rhbanderson.com

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Douglas “Wayne“Leslie, a beloved resident of Grande Prairie, AB, who left us on Monday, September 23, 2024, at the age of 82, surrounded by love. Born in Dunnville, ON, Wayne was the eldest of twelve children to Cliff and Violet Leslie. He embraced his role as a devoted big brother, ensuring that his family—near or far—felt loved and never forgotten. At the age of 16, Wayne embarked on a remarkable journey by train from Long Beach, ON, to Grande Prairie in search of opportunity. It was here that he met the love of his life, Ann Kozenko, while she was working at the local Park Hotel café. Their love blossomed, leading to their marriage in 1962, followed by a honeymoon trip to Niagara Falls, ON for Wayne to introduce his bride to his family. Together, they welcomed Wayne’s role as a devoted father to Ann’s son, Danny, and soon after, joyfully welcomed their own children: Donna, Douglas, and Trevor. Wayne’s early years were filled with hard work and determination. He began his career driving for Wonder Bread Co, Miller’s Taxi and Pepsi Co., and in 1969, proudly earned his gas fitter’s certificate. In 1976, they moved the whole family briefly to Lowbanks, ON, creating many cherished memories before returning to Grande Prairie. It was during this time that Wayne founded his own business, Erie Gas Fitting, and later worked for Canadian Propane, ICG, and Westburne until his retirement. Wayne’s retirement years were filled with travel to and from their holiday trailer located at Lake Erie, ON, and later they embraced life in Port Colborne, ON, where they enjoyed six wonderful years before returning to Grande Prairie. Wayne’s life was enriched by the love of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy. He treasured birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays spent with family. A devoted fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Blue Jays, Wayne could often be found cheering for his teams, sharing his passion with the kids, or relaxing at home with Ann and his beloved puppies by his side. Wayne’s kindness, warmth, and unwavering love will forever be remembered. He leaves behind a legacy of family, laughter, and cherished memories. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten. He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, Ann Leslie; children: Danny (Sandy) Leslie, Donna (Reg) Harris, Doug (Brenda) Leslie, and Trevor (Trisha) Leslie; grandchildren: Bobbie-Jo (Gavin) McLeod, Nicole (Steve) Therrien, Dustin (Jill) Leslie, Cody Leslie, Todd (Mel) Doll, Elizabeth Harris, Tyler (Maddy) Harris, Brittany (Atam) Basra, Dylan (Carlee) Leslie, Narissa (Marc) Leslie, and Daniel St. Germain; great-grandchildren: Calleigh, Corbin, Rylee, Colton, Carson, Jackson, Jacob, Olivia, Brecken, Cruze, Colson, and Scarlett: as well as six sisters, three brothers and all their families. and his very special life-long friend Dennis Haugli.Wayne was predeceased by his father Clifford Leslie; mother Violet Leslie; and brothers Dave Leslie and Charles Leslie. A Celebration of Wayne’s life will be held on

November 19, 1945 – September 25, 2024 In the early morning hours of September 25, Dad passed peacefully surrounded by his family at the young age of 78. It was only 7 months ago that he lost his beloved wife, Barb and we lost our cherished mom and grandmother. Now, with heavy hearts we say goodbye to Dad as well. Even though we are saddened by our loss, there is a sense of peace and happiness knowing that he is reunited with the love of his life of 56 years. Ken’s legacy will be kept alive through memories and stories shared by his children Laura (Joe) DeCarvalho and Ron (Tonya) Maidment, grandchildren  Brett (Stephanie), Erin (Brandon), Connar and Kristina, brother Mark, many dear friends  along with several cousins, nieces and nephews.  Ken was a hardworking, witty and down to earth person who loved his family deeply. He always had a story to tell, could give you directions to anywhere you needed to go, loved to fish, hunt and camp. He was always ready to give advice (even if you didn’t think you needed it!). Ken drove truck professionally for many years and made friends everywhere he went. His wisdom, love and support throughout  the years will give us the strength and courage to continue moving forward. We will miss our chats on the deck, beer in hand,  discussing the pros and cons of major decisions in our lives. He was so proud of his kids and grandkids and loved being a part of our lives and helping us along the way. There will be a private family celebration of life following cremation.  Dad  would  have appreciated expressions of sympathy be made through donations to the Brantford SPCA. “Keep on Truckin’ Kenny!”

May 16, 1955  – September 12, 2024 Passed away September 12, 2024 at the age of 69 at West Haldimand General Hospital. Chris was born and raised in Hamilton,  but resided  in Caledonia, ON. Chris leaves behind her two daughters Toni  (Rob Burton)  and Sandi  (Mark Webb). Chris was one of ten children  and is survived by five and will be reconnected with her other four siblings in heaven as well as her mother. She will be sadly missed by the fur babies, Bandit and SD.  Mom wanted to thank Lyne for all her support  (thank you Aunt Lyne). Chris now joins her soul mate/late husband Don. At Chris’s request there will not be a service. 

December 7, 1950 – September 10, 2024 Beloved wife of Rick.  Loving mother of David (Wendi) Whiting and Dwayne (Jerri) Whiting. Stepmother of Trevor Haralson and Garret Wiersma. Daughter of the late Simon and late Wilma Osinga. Loved sister of the late Jessie Verduyn (late John), late Dorris Mulder (September 12, 2024) (late Henry), Margaret Helder (late Sam), Anne Vanderhoek (John), Jack Osinga (Joyce), Tony Osinga (Donna).   Her grandchildren Tiler, Mykelti, Kenzie, Averaan and Lincoln Whiting will miss her dearly.  Olga will be remembered as a kind, gentle and generous soul, an artist and lover of animals. She loved her boys fiercely and would do anything for them.  Cremation has taken place.  A memorial reception will be held at COOPER FUNERAL HOME, 19 Talbot Street West, Jarvis on Saturday, October 19, 2024, 1 – 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Olga’s name to the Hamilton-Burlington SPCA.  Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.cooperfuneralhome.ca

Passed to his heavenly home on September 4, 2024 at the age of 45.  He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Maddie and Sarah Visser and his companion Kerrie Swain.  He will be greatly missed by his parents Cor and Diane Visser. And his siblings Mike and Brenda Visser, Brian and Kelly Visser, Dan and Angela Veldstra, Matt and Ruth Visser, Mike and Amanda VanderVinne and his nephews and nieces.  A Family Celebration of Life has already taken place.  As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made by cheque to “Maddie and Sarah Visser, in Trust”, by visiting Caledonia Libro Credit Union or etransfer to vissergirls@outlook.com

Service for the late Beverly Doreen Thompson (Bain) will be held at Grace United Church Caledonia at 2:00 p.m. on October 2, 2024 with interment to follow at Caledonia cemetery. There will be a luncheon to follow at the church.

Peacefully at Brantford General Hospital, on Friday September 20, 2024 In her 100th year. Wife of the late Rex Phibbs. Loving mother of Jim, Sandra Stone (deceased) (Larry), Gary (Marianne), David (Katherine), Judy, Carol Castelo, Ralph (Stacia), and Patti Smith (deceased) (Dale). Dear Grandmother of 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Blanche was a lifetime member of Garnet United Church and U.C.W. The family will honour her life with visitation at Hyde & Mott Chapel of R.H.B. Anderson Funeral Home Ltd, 60 Main Street South Hagersville, on Sunday from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m.  Funeral service will be held at the Jarvis Community Church, 17 Church Street, Jarvis on Monday September 23, 2024 at 11 a.m. Interment at Garnet United Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, West Haldimand General Hospital or the charity of your choice.  www.rhbanderson.com

December 24, 1944 – September 20, 2024 Peacefully surrounded by all of his family at Norfolk General Hospital, Simcoe, on Friday September 20, 2024 at the age of 79 years. Loving husband and best friend to Karen. Loving and respected Dad to Kim and Larry Huffman, Samantha and Shawn Swarts, and Kristine and Darren Courrier. Loving Papa to Carly and Craig, Braden and Robyn, Zach and Ayala, Chase and Madison, Haven, Kassie and Blake, Abigail, Benjamin, Kaitlyn and Dylan. Loving Papa G to Noa, Lottie and Finn. Brother of Stuart (deceased) and Sandra. Brother-in-law of Ted and Irina, and Geoff and Lorie.  You couldn’t mention Graham without mentioning his passion for the Toronto Argonauts, his love ran deep for that team almost as deeply as his love for his family and friends. Graham was never far from his family. You could find him at all of his grandkids sporting events, every monumental occasion or relaxing in the sunroom maneuvering through the hustle and bustle of his loud loving family. Graham and Karen fulfilled a wonderful life together. Traveling, enjoying music, watching the Argos and creating special memories for their grandkids. Graham and Karen proudly raised three daughters who will continue to carry on his passion and legacy.  Go Argos. The family will honour his life with visitation at Hyde & Mott Chapel of R.H.B. Anderson Funeral Homes Ltd., 60 Main St. S., Hagersville on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 2 – 4 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. Where funeral service will be held in the Chapel on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 1 p.m. Followed by friendship and celebration at the Waterford Legion from 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Simcoe District Humane Society.  www.rhbanderson.com