Announcements

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rick Hall, a beloved partner, father, grandfather and friend, who passed away on September 22, 2024, in Dunnville, Ontario, at the age of 69. Rick was born December 7, 1954. Rick was a proud member of the Canadian Airborne, where he served as a medic and a skilled parachute jumper. A talented rock drummer, he found joy in both playing and teaching lessons, inspiring many with his rhythm and passion. He was also an athlete, enjoying hockey and fastball throughout his life. Wanting to contribute to his community, Rick gave his time volunteering with Senior Support Services, as a driver. Rick is survived by his loving partner Kathy Tower, five of his six children and four grandchildren. He will be missed by his many friends and family members, including Cheryl Harding and John Barrer, who were a constant source of support. Thanks to the Haldimand War Memorial Hospital Staff for the compassionate care. His legacy of service, music and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a man of many talents and an unwavering spirit who will be greatly missed.

May 19, 1944 – August 20, 2025 It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Betty Jean (Vanover) Edington, who left us peacefully, with family by her side, on August 20, 2025, at the age of 81. Born and raised in Wise, Virginia, the proud daughter of a coal miner, Betty carried with her throughout life the strength and grit of her roots. Affectionately called “the hillbilly,” she wore the name with humor and pride, a reflection of her heritage and her unshakable spirit. Betty was a woman of great warmth, humor, and resilience. She touched the lives of many through her kindness, generosity, and quiet strength. Rooted in her faith in Jesus, she lived a life of prayer, hope, and compassion. Her friendships were steadfast, and she cherished those who stood by her throughout her life’s journey. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Bob (Robert), and by her family, including her children Bob Bateman, Jeff Bateman, Sean Edington, and Ken Edington, and her grandchildren, whosepresence in her life, whether near or far, remained part of her story, and her dearest treasure. Though life’s paths sometimes led in different directions, Betty carried love for her family always in her heart, lifting them continually before the Lord in prayer. Her absence leaves a deep ache for those who truly knew her spirit — friends who became family, neighbors, and all who were blessed to share time with her. Yet we take comfort knowing she is now at peace, pain free, and safe in the arms of Jesus.Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at Kingsway Church, 3776 Hwy #3, Hagersvile (Balmoral) on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 1-2 p.m with a pie social from 2-3:30 p.m. Arrangements by Hyde & Mott Chapel www.rhbanderson.com

April 22, 1941 – August 27, 2025 Judy passed away peacefully with family by her side at the Haldimand War Memorial Hospital, Dunnville on August 27, 2025. Daughter of the late Gerald and Doris Hannah. Sister of Doug (Betty) Hannah, Sharon (Garry) Stroud and Barbara (late Alec) McIntyre. Predeceased by her sisters Geraldine Hannah and Jacquelyn Giles. Beloved wife of Fred Topp. Dearest mother of Bonnie (Gerry), Bob (Vivian), Doug (Carol), Dan (Marita) and George (Amanda). Much loved Grandmother of 16 and Great Grandmother of 22. Sadly missed by her inlaws, many nieces, nephews and friends. If desired donations may be made to the Dunnville Hospital & Healthcare Foundation (dhhf.ca) or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. As per Judy’s wishes there will not be any visitation or funeral service. Online condolences jwhartfuneralhome.com

The family of Diane Elizabeth Stratford (nee Blake) are saddened to announce her sudden passing on August 26, 2025. Diane will be deeply missed by her siblings William (Margaret), Robert (Donna), Frederick (Dana), Brenda (Phil), and Caroline. She is also lovingly remembered by her in-laws Gordon Stratford (Lyn) and John Stratford (Carolyn) along with many cherished nieces and nephews, adored great-nieces and great-nephews, and her treasured fur baby, Dustie.She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Graham, and their infant daughter, Rebecca. Diane also joins her parents, Floyd and Elsie Blake, and her in-laws, John and Diana Stratford, in eternal rest. Diane was, and will always be, our big sister — the one who always had an opinion, usually shared whether you asked or not, and who somehow managed to be both the boss and the heart of the family. We will miss her wisdom, her wit, and her wonderfully stubborn spirit. A longtime and faithful member of First Baptist Church in Brampton, Diane found joy and community in her church family. We take comfort in knowing Diane is now in the presence of Jesus. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Georgetown Police for their compassion and care during this difficult time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jones Funeral Home in Georgetown, Ontario. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 1 p.m. with visitation taking place before from 12-1 p.m. The Service will be available in webcast on theFuneral Home’s website www.jonesfuneralhome.co. In lieu of flowers, donations to the First Baptist Church in Brampton or the Charity of your choice in Diane’s memory would be gratefully appreciated. Memories or Expressions of Sympathy may be shared with the family at www.jonesfuneralhome.co.

Suddenly, at St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton on Saturday, August 30, 2025 in her 55th year. Those who knew Lucy will remember her positive attitude in face of adversity and her enduring spirit no matter what came her way.  After spending over 2 months at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton, she was finally able to come home and spent her last day with family at the trailer site that she loved so much. Lucy was the beloved wife of Vic Cunha of Garnet.  Loving mother of Anthony (Shawnna). Dear sister of Fatima, Nelly, Maria and Rosa. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Lucy was predeceased by her parents Antonio and Gloria Cordeiro. Friends were invited to call at COOPER FUNERAL HOME, 19 Talbot Street West, Jarvis on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Following cremation a Celebration of Life will be held at the Townsend Lions Community Centre, 58 Forest Park Drive, Townsend on Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 12 noon to 4 pm. If desired, donations to St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, Hamilton or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.cooperfuneralhome.ca

In London, ON, on Thursday, August 28, 2025, just after sunrise and six weeks before her 81st birthday. Mother of Chris (Shari), Kevin (Marlon), and Darryl (Sepideh), grandmother to Webby and Tyler, and Carter and Jaxon, and great-grandmother to Ayden. Daughter of John W. Park and Hilda (Solari) Park. Sister of Margaret “Peggy” (Park) Hoover and Anne Louise Park. Mom spent her final days with her dog Rylee and her three sons. Mom felt a connection with animals and with children. She worked as a crossing guard and a lunchroom supervisor, and she always had a cherished cat or dog. She took pride in her doll and plate collections, and she enjoyed tending to her plants, reading, and watching reality television. She was whip-smart at Scrabble, and she could be charmingly irreverent and funny. She fought vigorously, from start to finish, for her independence, and she was proud of her three sons. Mom dreamed ambitiously and wanted more grace in life and from life. She taught herself the language for love, appreciation, and pride. And what she might never have found enough of, she could give away abundantly. Mom will be loved and missed. My name was Son. Now, that name is lost to me. In the importance and noise of tomorrow, don’t let me forget, Mom. Continue to teach me how to love abundantly and persuade me to rejoice loudly – especially in a world that needs more grace. Rest, Peace, and Grace, Mom. The family is planning an interment at Hagersville Cemetery for October 4.

February 2, 1939 – August 29, 2025 Beloved wife of the late K. Gary Jackson, age 86, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025. Beverly was the loving mother of Cory Clark and the late Laura Zakss. Proud grandmother of Mahlon and Jareth Clark, Wyatt, Harlen, Slater, Hailey, and Kayla Zakss. Cherished great-grandmother of Aliyah, Jayden, Eleanor, and Savannah. Beverly was a dear sister of Jackie St. James and sister-in-law of Gille St. James. Beverly will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.

It is with great sadness but fond memories that the family announces the passing of Andrew Halyk. Andrew (“Andy”) Halyk, born in 1935 in Birmingham, Saskatchewan to Hnat Halyk and Anna (née Novak), passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family. He was in his 91st year. A proud and lifelong sportsman, Andrew’s passion for athletics carried him through many roles – as a talented player, dedicated coach, and enthusiastic supporter of his community. He once won two provincial championships in a single day, playing for two different baseball teams, a story retold fondly throughout his life. His contributions to sport and community were honoured with his induction into the Simcoe Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. He was also co-owner, with his beloved wife Jean (née Grinyer), of the Sportsman Restaurant – a gathering place named in tribute to his lifelong love of sport. Coaching his children’s baseball and hockey teams was among his proudest roles, passing down his love of the game to the next generation. Andrew was the last surviving Charter Member of the Caledonia Lions Club, where he dedicated decades of service and held every role, some even twice. Andy loved a good fundraising challenge and often walked his soles off in a clown costume during walk-a-thons. His example of community service was a lesson he passed along to his children to uphold as well. Beyond athletics and community service, Andrew built a respected career as a licensed mechanic, a trade he worked in for over 40 years. He also managed Grand Oaks Park, where he found joy in the trailer life each summer and accumulated even more lifelong friends. Andrew will be deeply missed by his children Tammy (Mike), Andrea (Dave), Bradley (Melinda), and Michele (Greg); his grandchildren Lindsay, Heather, Jennifer, Carlie, Jesse, Joshua, Justin, and Tyler; and his great-grandchildren Shyla, Kendrick, Adalynn, Enika, and Ellex. He was predeceased by his wife, Jean, of 56 years, son-in-law John Anstett, sister Rose, and brothers Bill, Pete, Alex, Edward, Johnny, Irvin, Sydney, Lawrence, and Samuel. He is survived by his sister Myris Carpenter and brothers Ken and Walter Halyk (Sandie) and friend Eva Lynn. He leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews along with numerous friends. A celebration of Andrew’s life will be held on September 28 at Caledonia Lions Hall, 100 Haddington St., Caledonia from 1-4 p.m. We hope you will join us for a quiet one and share your fond and funny memories of Andrew’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation are appreciated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to MILLER FUNERAL CHAPEL, Caledonia (905-765-2712). Friends and family are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.millerfuneralchapel.ca

John Edward Foreman; much loved husband of Sharon (nee Markham) since July 13, 1974. Predeceased by his parents William Edward Foreman (1984) and Ellenora Alberta Penrose (1999). Dad to Jason (Tracy) and proud Grandpa to Jacob, Mackenzie, and Johnathan (Johnny). John grew up on a dairy farm with his mom, his grandma (“Amma”) and Grandpa (“Appa”) and often expressed his thankfulness for being old enough to remember the era of steam engines, threshing machines and their accompanying threshing “crews” that showed up every fall. He had fond memories of stooking sheaves of grain with his mom while learning how to sing with her whether in the fields, the barn, or at Sweets Corners Christian Church. Friends and family are invited to call at Ballard Minor Funeral Home, 315 Broad Street East, Dunnville on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 2-4 p.m. The funeral service for John will be held at Sweets Campground (formerly Disciples Conference Grounds), 1899 Lakeshore Road, Selkirk on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 11 a.m. Cremation will take place following the service. If desired, donations to Sweets Camp or Samaritan’s Purse would be appreciated by the family. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.ballardminorfh.ca

It is with deep sorrow that we announce that Laurie-Anne Sword has passed away peacefully with her loved ones by her side on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the age of 64 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her spouse Robert Parsons of 25 years, her children; Sara-Lynn (Rob), Shasha-Lee (Dave), Shamus, Kendra, Glenda (Lorne), Joe (Ruken), Edna-Anne (Jesse), Jake, Glory-Anne, Deedee (Jayson) and Jeff (Rachel). Proud grandmother of Aurora, Daxton, Delilah, Donovan, Genna (Kyle), Jesse (Natasha), Lian, Malarie (William), Mystie (Riley), Patrick and Rykin and great-grandchildren Adalyn, Arthur, Aubrey-Lee, Bentley, Jayden, Patrick, Payton, Sierra, Sophia, Sterling. Beloved sister of Heather-Jean. She was predeceased by her mother, Sara Frost and father, Donald Sword. Laurie-Anne was a very unique individual. Her hobbies included painting, cross stitching, gardening, and most of all, music. She loved ALMOST everything under the sun, her children (grand children and great-grandchildren), and nature especially. She was the perfect combination between sweet and spicy. A private family service was held on Friday, August 29, 2025 followed by a graveside service. A public celebration of life will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Ballard Minor Funeral Home, 315 Broad St E, Dunnville (905-774-7277). Friends and family are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.ballardminorfh.ca. Love Always & Forever Written by: Mystie McComb