Announcements

MCBURNEY, Brian Keith

April 6, 2026

February 5, 1948 – April 4, 2026 Entered into rest at Juravinski Hospital, a few months after a diagnosis of cancer, Brian Keith McBurney, in his 79th year. Left to mourn are his wife, Betsy (Harrison); daughter, Kate Mills (Greg), and granddaughters, Diana and Sarah Mills; sons, Dan McBurney and Jamie McBurney (Gian Whitcombe); and sister, Susan Fowler (Mike). Brian will be missed by many extended family members and friends. He was the son of the late Keith and Frances McBurney and a lifelong resident of Haldimand County, where he participated in many community activities throughout the years. Brian worked for thirty-five years at McBurney Transport (Hagersville/North Bay) as a truck driver and later behind a desk. Thousands of miles were travelled, and lifelong friendships were made. Go with our love, Brian. Rest in Peace. 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

BROHMAN, Joan Eileen (née Kindree)

April 2, 2026

Dear Joan left us Saturday, March 21, 2026. Beloved wife of Jack for fifty-nine years and loving mother and mother-in-law of Chris and Robyn Brohman. Joan is survived by brother Ernie (June) Kindree, sisters and brothers-in-law Ann and Brian Aitchison, Donna and Wayne Mitchell, Cathy and Brian Walsh and many nieces and nephews. Joan will be sadly missed by her nieces Bonnie, Jayne and Val. Predeceased by her parents Harold and Ethel Kindree, brothers Ron (Pat), Gord (Marion), Larry (Carole) Kindree, sister Doris Hopper, brother-in-law Ken Hopper and nephew Larry Hopper. Also, by her cherished companion Thunder. Joan loved nature, kitties, gardening, and all shades of purple. She was a talented artist and has left her family with many beautiful pieces. Cremation has taken place and will be followed by a private family interment. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Burial & Cremation Services  361 Main Street, Port Dover (226) 290-9093. For those wishing to make a memorial donation in memory of Joan they are asked to consider the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice, P.O. Box 658, Port Dover, Ontario N0A 1N0, (norfolkhaldimandhospice.ca.). Online condolences can be left at www.serenityburialandcremation.com
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SMITH, Larry

April 2, 2026

Our sincerest thanks to Richard, Bill, and staff at R.H.B. Anderson Funeral Homes for their compassionate and professional care in dealing with our needs. Thanks to all who came to Larry’s visitation, giving us much support and sharing their love to our family. We were certainly overwhelmed with well wishes. Thanks to all for the beautiful flowers, cards, calls, visits and delicious food and goodies to keep us going. We are so thankful to all who were able to take the time to come to Larry’s Celebration of Life and share the wonderful years we were together. Thanks to Reverend Peggy Bartlett for her support and prayers to help carry us through, and to Warren Burger for his kind words and unwavering strength to uplift us. Thanks to Mary Bell for providing music that Larry always loved. Thanks to Just John’s in Jarvis for catering such a lovely luncheon and the Hagersville Legion for their hospitality and a bit of cheer we all need once in awhile as Larry and his friends enjoyed. A huge thank you to all who donated in Larry’s name to the Hagersville Minor Hockey, Hagersville Skating Club, the Norfolk Haldimand Hospice, and Simcoe District Humane Society. We feel so blessed, thank you, ♥ Molly, Scott, Trevor, Sally, and Aaron Smith and families
Featured image for HEASLIP, Mary Madeline (née Pyette, Feere)

HEASLIP, Mary Madeline (née Pyette, Feere)

April 2, 2026

Mary Madeline Heaslip (Pyette, Feere), born September 6, 1935, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 21, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones. She is leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and family devotion that will be cherished for generations.Mary was predeceased by her beloved children, Dianne (Russ) and Rick; her stepdaughter, Beverly; her great-granddaughter, Alyssa; and her sons-in-law, Paul, Hector, and Bill. Though they are no longer with us, their memories remained close to her heart throughout her life. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Sharon, Sandy, and Penny, and her stepdaughter, Barbara, who carry forward her spirit of kindness, resilience, and unwavering love. Mary was a proud and devoted grandmother to Crystal (Ben), Becky (Keith), Melissa (Brandon), Sarah (Clayton), William (Tiffany), Allison (Mike), and Marin. Her family continued to grow with great-grandchildren Brody, Sophia, Teagan, Gavin, Madyson, Aubree, Myles, Scarlett, Sylvia, Aiden, and Weston, all of whom brought her immense joy. She was also blessed to meet her great-great-grandchild, Leo. Mary also had the pleasure of being an honorary member of the Burgess-Polillo family – she was always included in their special occasions and gatherings. To her final days, Mary was engaged in the world. She kept abreast of current events, and she had opinions she regularly shared that also conveyed her considerable wit. She loved knitting, often creating warm, handmade pieces for those she loved (some projects to be completed at a later date…). She spent many peaceful hours tending to her plants on her balcony, where her care and patience brought beauty to life. These passions reflected her nurturing spirit and the love she shared so freely with others. Her memory will be forever treasured and carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. A special thank you to Doctor Kamouna and the nurses at Haldimand War Memorial Hospital for the exceptional care and support to Mary and her family. This did not go unnoticed. Many people supported Mary to live independently into her nineties. Special thank you to St. Elizabeth’s, particularly Jodie and Kristie. Also to her neighbour and friend, Judy, who popped in regularly to make sure Mary had everything she needed. To celebrate Mary’s life, a memorial visitation was held at JW Hart Funeral Home, 113 Lock St E., Dunnville, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Online condolences at www.jwhartfuneralhome.com
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RICKER, Carolyn “Carol” Emily

March 30, 2026

Carolyn (Carol) Emily Ricker of Millgrove passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, at the age of 73, at Alexander Place, Waterdown. Loving mother of Steven. Cherished grandma (Nana) to Aaron David and Tyler Gordon. Sister to David, and sister-in-law to Linda. Carol will be missed and remembered by her friends and family. Predeceased by her parents, Walter and Emily (nee Slack); her sister, Matilda (Tillie); brother, John; sister-in-law, Darlene; and brother-in-law, Ross. Carol, born in Hamilton, grew up on her family farm just outside of Millgrove. She loved horses, reading, drawing, and laughing. That’s how she would like to be remembered: “A good laugh to brighten your day.” She worked as a hairdresser (Fashion 22) and as a floral arranger (Nyland Wholesale). Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, 1895 Main St. W., Hamilton, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 12:30 p.m., followed by a reception to celebrate Carol’s life at Flamborough Baptist Church, 41 Concession 5 E, Millgrove, from 2-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Thank you to all staff at Alexander Place for their help and support, as well as Kitching, Steepe & Ludwig Funeral Home. In memory of Carol, donations to Diabetes Canada would be appreciated. Please sign the Tribute Wall: kitchingsteepeandludwig.com
Featured image for ATKINSON, Stanley “Steamer” Wayne

ATKINSON, Stanley “Steamer” Wayne

March 29, 2026

We are saddened to share the passing of our dear dad, Stan “Steamer,” who left us on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the West Haldimand General Hospital, Hagersville, in his 81st year. Born to Clifford and Hilda Atkinson into a large family of brothers and sisters, including Harold and Larry, and predeceased by Gordon, Don, Betty, Joyce, Roy, Ross, Ray, Bernie. He went on to grow his own family with beloved, predeceased wife, Carol Lee, and they had two sons, Scott (Claudia) and Brody (Shannon). Later in life, he would meet his cherished partner, Jan, and her children, Kris (Jenn) and Kerri (Justin). Stan was over the moon to be a grandfather to Jessica (Danny) and Maddy (Austin), and great-grandfather to Anna, Kate, and Claire. He will also be missed by the Wilson family, Connie, Judy, Doug, Donna, and (predeceased) Gayle and Karen. Stan will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and dear friends, and most of all Steve, Brush, and Ern (predeceased). Stan was a proud retired employee from Ontario Hydro/OPG Nanticoke plant. He was well known for the Horseshoe Club in Springvale and the Let It Ride card game he ran at the Hagersville Legion. As a lifelong Toronto Maple Leaf fan, Stan started each hockey season with optimism and loved to share his passion with family and friends. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Stan’s life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Hagersville Active Living Centre, 11 Athens Street, Hagersville. For those wishing to make a memorial donation in memory of Stan, they are asked to consider Lupus Ontario, 285 Taunton Road East, Suite 4438, Oshawa, Ontario, L1G 3V2, https://lupusontario.org, and the Norfolk Haldimand Hospice, https://norfolkhaldimandhospice.ca, P.O. Box 658, Port Dover, Ontario, N0A 1N0. Thank you to his network of PSWs, family, and friends (especially Lynne); this enabled him to stay at home in Springvale as long as possible. Online condolences can be left at www.serenityburialandcremation.com
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BARKER, Robert William

March 25, 2026

June 4, 1931 – March 23, 2026 Peacefully at Anson Place Care Centre, Hagersville on Monday March 23, 2026 at the age of 94 years. Son of the late Chancy and Catherine Barker. Loving brother of Joyce Burgess and the late Jim, Lois Adnum and the late Don, Clair and the late Betty, the late George and Lorraine, Raymond “Ray” and the late Alice, and Winston “Charlie” and Linda. Survived by many nieces and nephews. Bob was a retired farmer who loved his Charolais cattle and loved going to shows and watching the boys show the cattle. He loved driving his Massey tractors and his New Holland combine harvesting the crops. 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 Friday, March 27, 2026 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  Funeral Service will be held on Saturday March 28, 2026 at 11 a.m. (visiting one hour prior to service).  Cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers donations to the West Haldimand General Hospital Foundation or the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice. www.rhbanderson.com
Featured image for FLETCHER,  Peter Douglas

FLETCHER, Peter Douglas

March 21, 2026

October 8, 1942 – March 17, 2026 It is with deep sadness and immense love that we announce the passing of Peter Douglas Fletcher, born October 8, 1942, in Mount Hope, Ontario. Peter was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Elspeth Fletcher. He will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 61 years, Gaye (Stubbs); his sister, Lindy (Larry) Smith, and family; and his five children: Michelle Fletcher-Macdonald (Duff), Scott (Christine), Peter (Jeannine), Chrissy Welsh (Chuck), and Faith (Everett). He was a proud and cherished grandfather of Carson (Alysha), Matthew, Stephanie, Josie, Cora, Sarah, Sam, Will, Thom, Eddie, and Grace, each of whom brought him immense joy and pride. Peter was a highly respected civil engineer who graduated from the University of Windsor in 1968. Early in their marriage, Peter and Gaye moved frequently as he worked in different Canadian cities. They eventually returned to his family farm in Mount Hope, where they raised their five children and a few cattle. Peter later co-founded Eton Construction with his business partner, Al Polimac, building a successful general contracting company that completed projects across Ontario and the Maritimes. While Peter’s professional accomplishments were significant, it was his role as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle that defined him most. As Peter often said, “a family that hays together stays together”- a reflection of both his farming roots and the deep bond with his family. Despite often joking that he wouldn’t make it past 50, Peter exceeded all his expectations. Peter’s family would like to thank the amazing doctors and nurses at F5 Juravinski and the Palliative Care Unit at St. Peter’s Hospital. A private funeral and interment have taken place. Friends and family are invited to drop in anytime between 12 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Ancaster Mill – 1812 Room to share memories and celebrate Peter’s life. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the complimentary valet parking provided. In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s memory may be made to Parkinson Canada. Friends and family are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.millerfuneralchapel.ca