Announcements

On Saturday February 1, 2025 I lost my dear friend Toni to that horrible disease called cancer. She was my “cancer buddy” and together we helped each other through the many trials and tribulations that are associated to trying to survive this disease. Although her cancer path was extremely arduous and emotionally and physically painful Toni was always very positive. Every morning she would send me inspirational pictures that would start my day with a smile. At the end of our day she would either call or text me to update each other and compare the many daily cancer challenges we had faced. She would also talk about the events she hoped to help organize for the enjoyment of the children and adults at Peacock Point. She had a special love for the Point and her passing is a great loss for our community. She would always end our exchanges by saying “I love you kiddo”. Toni was a cancer warrior. She helped me through some difficult times and she continues to inspire me to fight. She was a very dear friend and I feel very fortunate to have been a part of her life.                            “I love you kiddo.”         ♥ Diane Reynolds 

Lorraine, my partner in life, we’ve always been side by side, even though there were times we weren’t. You have done a fabulous job of bringing up our children and taking care of me. I love you very much. To my children, thank you for helping out so much with Lorraine and I. Thank you for giving us so much entertainment over the years. And thank you for getting yourselves educated.  Now, when the end is near, you’re all here supporting each other, Lorraine, and me, doing the best you can to help, which is wonderful. I love you all. To all my friends, relatives, hockey buddies, I love you all. I played hockey all my life. I was born in Quebec, and with many others kids out at the park playing hockey, or ball in the summer. I played junior hockey from 14-18 for the Lachine Maroons. After moving to Selkirk, I began playing Old Timer’s hockey for Cayuga, Waterford, and Port Dover. My hockey career ended with COVID when I was 80 years old. I also coached soccer in Selkirk, softball in Selkirk and Fisherville, and hockey in Cayuga. I encouraged all my kids to play sports and they all did, and did very well. I am a staunch Maple Leafs fan, and Blue Jays fan in the summer. As an expression of your sympathy, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. www.rhbanderson.com

At West Haldimand General Hospital with her family by her side Saturday, February 8, 2025. In her 90th year Cecile Louise (Vermote) Poirier Walker went to be with her Lord. Predeceased by her parents Henri and Germaine Vermote and sister Alice Bossy. Predeceased by her husband Roderick Poirier and Ralph Walker. Most loved mom to Henry Poirier (Margaret), Louise McEvoy (Gabriel), predeceased by son Roderick Jr. (Hoss) Poirier (Linda), predeceased by daughter Pauline Seguin (Michel), Lucille Burgess (Rob), Linda Poirier-Wilson (Austin), and stepson David Walker. Cherished Grandma C to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Mom was a 59 year member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the Hagersville Royal Canadian Legion. Moms world centred around her children and grandchildren. She was the best mom ever.Friends may call at The Hyde and Mott Funeral Home at 60 Main Street South Hagersville, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025, with Funeral Services in the chapel at 1 p.m. Friday, February 14, 2025. Special thanks to Nurses and PSW’s at Gardenview Parkview Meadows and West Haldimand General Hospital nursing staff. Any donations can be made to West Haldimand General Hospital.

December 14, 1952 – February 2, 2025 With heavy hearts, we share about the peaceful passing of Parry Moyer. Parry was a loyal husband, loving father and a cherished grandfather.Parry is predeceased by his parents Cleave and Ann Moyer, siblings James, Frederick, Janice Hoffman, Richard, his niece Courtney Moyer and his devoted wife Darlene (nee Jackson). Parry is survived by his older brother Bill (Margaret) and younger brother John (Brenda) and by his many nieces and nephews. He will be forever missed by his two sons Adam (Alicia) and Andrew (Jessica) and step-son Shawn Tilbury (Juliet) and nine grandchildren: Makayla, Zoey, Mira, Claira, Adrianna, Braelyn, Sophie, Iris, and Jameson. Parry had a great sense of humour and was a straight shooter. He was someone you could always rely on. A jack-of-all-trades, Parry was a master builder and tinkerer. He will always be remembered as a fun-loving, generous and hard-working man. A celebration of life will be announced in the near future where we can come together to celebrate both Parry and Darlene. Online condolences jwhartfuneralhome.com

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Linda Ruth McDowall from Norfolk General Hospital, Simcoe on January 28, 2025 in her 78th year. Beloved wife of Jim McDowall for 40 years. Parents †Fred and †Fern Winter. Loving mother of Tracey Lynn (James) Dampier, Michelle (Dustin) Castles and Lisa (David) Maynard. Proud grandmother of †Jennifer Dampier, Christopher  Dampier, Danielle (James) Guay, Jamie Martin (Garrett), Zackary Mondor, Benjamin Mondor, Alexandre Mondor and 7 great grandchildren. Dear sister of †Diane Winter, Wayne (†Peggy) Winter and sister-in-law of Lynn Knack, Lora Campbell, Brad McDowall, Leslie McDowall (Stephen). Linda will be missed by her many cousins, nieces and nephews. She loved spending time with family, her fur babies Bentley, Winston, and Georgia and enjoyed animals. Friends are invited to call at COOPER FUNERAL HOME, 19 Talbot Street, West, Jarvis on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 12 to 2 p.m., followed by a service of remembrance in the chapel. Cremation has taken place. Donations to Haldimand Norfolk Reach would be appreciated by the family. Friends are invited to sign the Book of Remembrance at https://www.cooperfuneralhome.ca

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Don Edwards, surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 26, 2025. He is now reunited with his wife, Isobel (2012). Don led a good life, always busy, honest, with a silly sense of humour, a hard worker, and a family man. He was the last remaining sibling of 7 brothers and 1 sister. Loving father of Scott (Trish), Brad (April). Loving grandfather to Carlee (Zac), Jessie (Carla), Wyatt (Fiona), Sam, great-grandfather to Levi, and was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. Don was a constant source of strength and support, and his absence will be deeply felt by all. Don started his career at Wills Motors in Caledonia as a mechanic. Don continued his career at Dofasco for 32 years. He was an avid baseball and hockey player and dedicated many years to coaching. His other passion was music and was leader of the Country Ramblers band for 46 years. A special thanks for the extraordinary care from the wonderful staff and volunteers at Anson Place for their care and compassion over the years. A memorial service was held at Miller’s Funeral Chapel on January 31, 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Parkinson’s Foundation would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.millerfuneralchapel.ca

November 23, 1977 – January 29, 2025 Wes loved deeply and he was deeply loved. He is survived by his devoted wife, Joanna (Brzozowska), beloved children Maddi and Kylie, parents Fred and Ellen Moodie, sister Jessica (Poland), brother-in-law Scott and nephews Rhys, Lucas and Drew. Wes will also be missed by his father-in-law Jerry Brzozowski (Margaret) and mother-in-law Beata Brzozowska and his extended family, Larry and Debra Moodie, Chum and Judy Phillips, Corrie Gicante, Nick Rykhoff (Margie), John and Cathy Reid, Ray and Marian Tenant, Marty Rykhoff (Heather) as well as many treasured cousins. He is predeceased by his grandparents, Murray and Marion Moodie and Nick and Mary Rykhoff and by his uncle Carmen Gicante and aunt Renee Rykhoff.  Proudly born and raised in Dunnville, Wes cherished his childhood spent adventuring outdoors at Evergreen Point Nursery, building forts, firing slingshots, climbing up the barn rafters, and working in the fields. Wes also played hockey and baseball and loved skateboarding. Family trips to Florida and Darien Lake were among his favourite childhood memories.  As a young man, Wes explored his creativity through attending Sheridan and Fanshaw Colleges for photography before beginning his 22-year career in real estate. After getting started in Hamilton, he joined his Dad at ReMax Riverside Realty in Dunnville where they worked alongside each other for many years. Wes’ clients appreciated his personable nature and straightforward approach. When one particular client commented on his attention to detail, Wes replied, “My Dad taught me well.”  Wes found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially the time spent with Maddi, Kylie and Joanna, whom he loved very much. He cherished spending time with family, travelling, walking at Rock Point with his dog, Jax, winter camping at the cabin, downhill skiing, playing golf, barbecues at the boathouse and pontoon cruises down the Grand. In recent years he discovered a passion for sailing. Wes was a quiet soul who truly loved being at home amongst the trees and on the water.  Wes cared deeply about his Dunnville community. As a devoted member and past president of the Dunnville Rotary Club, Wes was involved in many community service initiatives. He also sponsored community projects, including the walking track at the Dunnville Memorial Arena, the farmer’s market, the skateboard park, and the Dunnville Memorial Hospital, where Joanna is the current Chair of the hospital board. Initiatives that supported youth were particularly close to his heart. Community service was a passion he shared with Joanna; in fact, they first met through Rotary Club.  Friends, colleagues and family will be received at the LifeSpan Centre in Dunnville at 275 Ramsey Drive on Wednesday February 5th, 2025 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Rotary Club of Dunnville or the Dunnville Memorial Hospital Foundation in memory of Wes, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences and donations can be made at www.ballardminorfh.ca. A private funeral will be held. 

March 11, 1940 – January 30, 2025 Called upon to join her parents and sisters, Mabel Marie Spies passed away peacefully at West Haldimand General Hospital from complications of influenza (Norovirus) and pneumonia on January 30, 2025. Mabel was the youngest of three daughters born to Henry Edward (deceased 1980) and Emma Margaret (deceased 1972) Spies of Fisherville on March 11, 1940.  She will be dearly missed by her remaining family members.  Devoted sister to Emma (deceased 2020) (Lloyd Drehmer) and Charlotte (deceased 2003) (Glenn Winger). Cherished Aunt to Kristine Kerfont (Robert) and Kevin Drehmer (Melanie);  Paul Winger (Pam), Elaine DeBoer (Mike), Gary Winger (Tracy) and Brian Winger (Chantal). Great Aunt to Levi and Maggie Drehmer;  Avilee DeBoer;  Josh and Megan Winger;  and Benjamin, Jeremy and Danica Winger. Mabel was an active member of the Faith Centennial United Church in Selkirk dedicating many years as a soprano in the choir, as well as involvement with the United Church Women (UCW).  Mabel was part of the initiative to bring the Bethel Bible Series to the church. Mabel worked at Wabasso Textile Mill in Dunnville, then as a house cleaner.   Mabel in her earlier years enjoyed painting, needle point, flower arranging and quilting, was always an avid knitter, and also enjoyed baking and reading. The family would like to thank the staff at Leisure Living Retirement Home who treated Mabel as family during her almost 9 years of being a resident, especially in the last couple years.  And also the 3rd floor staff at West Haldimand General Hospital during her brief stay. Donations in her memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, or charity of your choice. The family will honour her life with visitation at Faith Centennial United Church (28 Main St. W., Selkirk) on Sunday February 2, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral service will take place at Faith Centennial United Church on Monday February 3, 2025 at 1 p.m. Interment Rainham White Church Cemetery. Arrangements by Hyde & Mott Chapel, Hagersvillle. www.rhbanderson.com

Passed away peacefully after a brave battle with cancer on Sunday January 26, 2025, at the Norfolk General Hospital at the age of 86. He is no longer in pain but rejoices with his Lord Jesus Christ. Devoted husband of Norma nee Mulligan (2011) for 48 years. Loving Dad of Sandra and Art Wright, Sharon and Bruce Wells, and Shelley and Darryl Hagan. Proud Papa of Rachel and Kurtis Morris, Nathan Wells and fiancée Stephanie Nesbitt, and Kaitlyn and Edrianne Caragay. Wonderful great Papa of Charlotte Morris. Brother of Arlene and Peter Thiessen, brother-in-law of Marion and Lawrence Smith. He will be missed by nieces and nephews, cousins, neighbours, and friends.  Gordon was a faithful member of Hartford Baptist Church serving as deacon for 56 years. Gordon was a dedicated farmer, community historian, and helpful neighbour.  We would like to thank Dr. Mark Ghesquiere, CBI Health (Hagersville), Health at Home, and doctors, nurses, and staff at Norfolk General Hospital (floors 3 and 4) for the care and kindness they showed Dad. It was very much appreciated. Family and friends were received at Thompson-Mott Funeral Home, Waterford on Friday January 31st, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.  Funeral service was held at Waterford Community Church on Saturday February 1, 2025, at 1 p.m. Rev. Josh Staats officiated. Interment Waterford Greenwood Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers donations to the SickKids Foundation, Toronto, Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice, or Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF Ontario) would be greatly appreciated.   www.thompsonmottfuneralhome.com 

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Lola Rayner at Hamilton General Hospital on January 22, 2025 in her 70th year. Loving daughter of predeceased parents Emily and Ivan Rayner. Warmhearted sister of †Donna Field, Sharon (†Colin) Clarke, Andy Rayner, Kevin Rayner and Ilona (Gianni) Setten. Lola will be missed by her nieces, nephews, many friends and her dear closest friend Brenda. Lola loved cooking, watching football and a cold beer on a hot summer night. She enjoyed travelling in her later years. Many thanks to physicians and staff at Hagersville and Hamilton General Hospitals. Visitation will be held at MILLER FUNERAL CHAPEL, 28 Caithness Street East, Caledonia on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 5 – 7 p.m.. There will be a service  in the chapel following visitation at 7 p.m. Donations to Heart and Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Canada would be appreciated by the family. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.millerfuneralchapel.ca