Announcements

Featured image for WALTON, Gordon

WALTON, Gordon

March 17, 2026

Peacefully at Edgewater Gardens, Dunnville, on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in his 89th year. Gord is predeceased by his loving wife, Lylla (Murphy). Loving father of Barb (Francis) Topp and Darlene (late Ron) McIntee. Cherished grandpa of Melissa Topp (Dan Humphrey), Krystina (Eric) Wheatley, Tom McIntee, Emily McIntee, Wesley (Emily) Minor, Aimee Minor (Chad Rochon), and six great-grandchildren. Dear brother-in-law of Carol Murphy (Dan Lannigan) and Donna Murphy. Predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Bernice (Craig) Nagel, Jean (Neil) Moerschfelder, Richard Murphy, and Dale (Linda) Murphy. Gord was a farmer and truck driver, operating a hay and straw business for many years. He enjoyed hauling water locally to his customers, making many friendships along the way. He was passionate about competitive plowing, cutting wood, and playing his guitar with family and friends. Gord was an honorary member of the Haldimand Plowmen’s Association and the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, where he was a member for over 75 years. Many hours were spent in his shop restoring old tractors. Gord’s pride and joy was his old Rumely. He enjoyed participating in antique shows and tractor pulling.Friends will be received at J.W. Hart Funeral Home, 113 Lock St. E., Dunnville, on Wednesday, March 18, from 2–4 and 7–9 p.m. Funeral service in the chapel on Thursday at 1:00 p.m., followed by burial at Windecker Cemetery. Special thanks to the staff at Edgewater Gardens for all their extra care and compassion. Donations in Gord’s memory can be made to the Haldimand Plowmen’s Association, Edgewater Gardens Council, the Alzheimer’s Society, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences at www.jwhartfuneralhome.com.

MCCONACHIE, James David “Dave”

March 16, 2026

November 8, 1941 – March 16, 2026 At the West Haldimand General Hospital, Hagersville on March 16, 2026, Dave McConachie age 84 years.  Loving husband of the late Kim. Loving father of Drew and Willo, Shelley and Jeff, Joanne, and Jay and Ann.  Dear grandfather of Caitlin and Jeff, Joseph and Danelsy, Amber, Matthew, Victoria and Aslan, and Bridget and Piper, and Riley and Olivia.  Brother of the late Joyce Partridge, Ken Mallet, Don Mallet, Merlin Mallet, Doug McConachie, and Kathy Muller. A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 1 p.m. at the Gore Cemetery, Oneida Twp.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Diabetes or Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.  Arrangements by Hyde & Mott Chapel, Hagersville.  www.rhbanderson.com
Featured image for GARMON,  John Gregory “Greg”

GARMON, John Gregory “Greg”

March 16, 2026

Peacefully passed away at the Stedman Community Hospice, Brantford on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in his 73rd year. Beloved husband of Sandra (Dennis) Garmon. Loving dad to Dan (Amber) and Breanne (Adam). Cherished grandpa to Hannah, Leah, Mya and Hunter. Predeceased by his parents Jack and Marjorie (Johnson) and siblings Marion (John) Sewarun, Jackie (Michael) Brooks and Marjorie (Neil) Sommerville. He will be greatly missed by the Garmon and Dennis families and many friends. After a lengthy battle with Lymphoma cancer, Greg has been called home to our Heavenly Father. He slipped away peacefully in his sleep, quietly, as he wished, with his immediate family by his side. We are so relieved Greg is now resting in peace, happy in heaven. Greg spent many years involved in coaching with Hagersville Minor Hockey and as an executive member with the Hagersville Flyers and Hagersville Hawks. He was an avid golfer, bowler, baseball and hockey player. Most of all he enjoyed proudly watching his children and grandchildren play hockey, baseball, ringette, soccer, volleyball and dance. Cremation has taken place. SERENITY BURIAL & CREMATION SERVICES INC., 361 Main Street, Port Dover (226) 290-9093. A private service has been held for the immediate family, and a Celebration of Greg’s Life will be held at a later date. For those wishing to make a memorial donation in memory of Greg, they are asked to consider Juravinski Cancer Centre, 699 Concession St, Hamilton, Ontario L8V 5C2 or Hagersville Minor Hockey Association, PO Box 1349, Hagersville, Ontario N0A 1H0. Many Thanks to Dr. Berg and staff members at Juravinski Cancer Clinic/Hospital Oncology and ODS departments. Online condolences can be left at www.serenityburialandcremation.com
Featured image for MACKENZIE, “Bill” William

MACKENZIE, “Bill” William

March 16, 2026

June 3, 1949 – March 8, 2026 Bill passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Brantford General Hospital.Beloved husband of 45 years to Debbie MacKenzie (nee Ward). Loving father of Lori, Ward (Kristy), and Katie. Cherished grandfather of Carson, Scott, Benjamin, and Asher. Dear son of Laura MacDougall (nee MacKenzie) and brother of John MacDougall. Bill loved his community and was a chartered member of the Townsend Lions Club for more than 40 years. Over the years Bill held many positions on cabinet of A2, council of MDA and Lions International including District Governor of A2 and chair of the A2 International Youth Exchange. A Celebration of Life for Bill will be held on July 11, 2026 at the Townsend Lions Hall,  58 Forest Park Drive, Townsend. Donations to the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice, Lions Camp Dorset or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements entrusted to COOPER FUNERAL HOME, Jarvis (519-587-4414). Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.cooperfuneralhome.ca
Featured image for LEACH, Edward “Ed”

LEACH, Edward “Ed”

March 16, 2026

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 at West Haldimand General Hospital in his 80th year. Son of the late Clarence and Eva Leach. Beloved husband of Ellen for 59 years. Caring father of Patti (Bruce) and Dave. Proud Papa of two grandchildren Megan and Olivia. Ed had a love of cars and racing his whole life. He was an avid racecar driver at Merritville, Speedway Park, and Ohsweken. Many thanks to the Turner family for all of their support at this time. The family would also like to thank the doctors and nurses that cared for him.At Ed’s request cremation has taken place and donations can be made to the local S.P.C.A. Funeral arrangements entrusted to COOPER FUNERAL HOME, Jarvis (519-587-4414). Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.cooperfuneralhome.ca
Featured image for LYONS, Dennis Freere

LYONS, Dennis Freere

March 13, 2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Dennis Lyons announces his passing, in his 67th year, on Monday, March 9, 2026. Dennis passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital, Hamilton, with his beloved wife, Maggie (née Crane), of 47 years by his side. He was the son of Lawrence “Joe” Lyons and Dorothy “Eleanor” Lyons, and a loving father of Nicholas (Jennifer) Lyons, Tara (Shandon) Jarvis, and predeceased by his son, Dayton Lyons. He was blessed with grandchildren Sawyer, Becker, Hudson, and Stella. He was the brother of Gary Lyons, Karen (Harry) Lammes, and Brenda (Mike) Aman. Dennis was the son-in-law of Robert and Marcelle Crane and brother-in-law of Cindy (late Paul) McLaren and Carol (Doug) Jones. He was the uncle of Trevor, Cory, Adam, Heather, Jacquelyne, and Zachary. Dennis was born on July 12, 1959, and raised in Picton, Ontario. He worked as a millwright at Dofasco for 40 years and was a long-time resident of Canfield, Ontario. Dennis was an avid snowmobiler, enjoying many long-distance trips and making many memories along the way with friends. He also enjoyed hunting and the camaraderie that came along with it. His favourite season was winter, and he loved the outdoors and spending time with family and friends at the cottage, his favourite place of all. Although he didn’t like to have the spotlight on him, Dennis never missed a chance to celebrate life with the people he loved. We would like to extend our thanks to Dr. Coschi, the oncology team, and the staff at Juravinski Hospital and St. Peter’s Hospital for the excellent comfort and care they provided to Dennis. Dennis will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. A celebration of life will take place at the MILLER FUNERAL CHAPEL, Caledonia, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 1–4 p.m., and at the Friendship United Church Hall in Demorestville on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 1–3 p.m. Friends and family are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.millerfuneralchapel.ca.
Featured image for WARDELL,  Joan Elizabeth

WARDELL, Joan Elizabeth

March 13, 2026

Joan Elizabeth Wardell, 71, passed away on March 10, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family and the wonderful staff at Norfolk General Hospital. Born on May 10, 1954, to John and Doris Wardell, she lived a life dedicated to her children, grandchildren, and community. She was the heart of our family. She was a warm and generous Nannie and the best hugger in the world. Her home was always open, and her kindness was a gift to everyone she met. She leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished by her children, Jason (Jen) Church and Jenny (Josh) Dewaard; her sibling, Mark (Jenny) Wardell; and her grandchildren, Lucy, Molly, Claire, Kaitlyn, and Lucas. Friends are invited to call at Cooper Funeral Home, 19 Talbot Street West, Jarvis, on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Jarvis Community Church, 19 Church Street, Jarvis, on Sunday, March 15, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Wesley United Church Cemetery. If desired, donations to Norfolk General Hospital would be appreciated by the family. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.cooperfuneralhome.ca.
Featured image for MCCONNELL,  Gary Ernest

MCCONNELL, Gary Ernest

March 13, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Gary Ernest McConnell on March 11, just eight days before his 63rd birthday. Gary was a loving father to Tara and Lucas, and a proud grandfather to Bayzen, who brought immeasurable joy to his life. He was the beloved son of Gary and Grace; the big brother to Derek (Lisa More) McConnell, Natalie (Jack) McConnell/Carreira, and Tracy (Victor) Rodrigues; and the proud uncle to Chloe (Brett), Madison, Adam (Katelyn) McConnell, Rachel (BJ) and Nolan (Shae) Krisko, Michael Kenney, and Nicholas and Matthew Rodrigues. He was a loving cousin to Jay (Sarah) Smith. He is survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Ernie and Reta Nunn, and Rita (McConnell) Coates. As a young boy, “Duke” had many talents. Despite many personal challenges over the years, he found humour in things and enjoyed his time visiting with friends and family. He was always quick to shed a tear and was soft at heart when you might least expect it. He reveled in the accomplishments of others with a smiling nod, saying, “Right on.” May Gary have the peace he deserves, free from pain at last. His strength and resilience will be remembered always. In accordance with his wishes, some of Gary’s organs were donated through the Trillium Gift of Life Network, and he has been cremated. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the EMS team, NGH ER staff, and Dr. Kennedy for their efforts to help Gary. They also express deep appreciation to Dr. Wynveen, who provided care for him for many years. A special thank you is extended to his dear friend Shakara Sinclair, whose care and companionship brought him comfort over the last several months. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the Army & Navy in Simcoe. All who knew Gary are invited to join his family on that day. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Norfolk General Hospital Emergency Department. Online condolences may be shared at www.smithfuneralchapel.ca or by calling 519-426-0199.
Featured image for CARPENTER, Dale Mary (née Middler)

CARPENTER, Dale Mary (née Middler)

March 10, 2026

Passed away peacefully on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Grandview Lodge, Dunnville. Predeceased by her husband, Paul, and her mother, Mary Middler. Loving mother of Beth Comfort (Tom Braidwood) and Stephanie Carpenter (Garnet Slater). Cherished grandmother of Tommy (Rachel) Braidwood, Jessy Braidwood (Mike Henituk), Luke Braidwood (Neda Delnavaz), Sara Braidwood (Quinn Hasenbaucher), and Declan Slater. Great-grandmother of Lena Braidwood. Dear sister of Dianne (Roy) Graham. Dale will be sadly missed by her niece and nephew. The family would like to thank the staff of Grandview Lodge for their exceptional and compassionate care. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to BALLARD MINOR FUNERAL HOME, Dunnville (905) 774-7277. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.ballardminorfh.ca.