Announcements

Peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, at Norfolk General Hospital, Simcoe, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in his 74th year. Predeceased by his parents, Steve and Lucy (Kowalchuk). Beloved husband of Susan (Krupa). Loving father of Shawn (Nicole) and Melissa (Matt) Murtland. Cherished grandpa to Stetson, Rhett, Bruin, Aiden, and Aaliyah. Survived by his brother, John (Amelia), and nephews, John Jr. and David (Mandy). Predeceased by his brother, Dan (2007). Wally was welcomed into heaven by many family members and friends with open arms, as well as wagging tails and purrs from pets now passed. Cremation has taken place. As per Wally’s wishes, there will be no funeral; however, a Celebration of Life will take place at Branch #123 of the Royal Canadian Legion, 223 Nichol St. West, Waterford, on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. SERENITY BURIAL & CREMATION SERVICES INC., 361 Main Street, Port Dover (226) 290-9093, have been entrusted with the arrangements. For those wishing to make a memorial donation in memory of Walter, they are asked to consider the Simcoe and District Humane Society, 24 Grigg Dr., Simcoe, Ontario, N3Y 4L1. Online condolences can be left at www.serenityburialandcremation.com

Inez Louise Sherk of Caledonia passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026 with family by her side.  Inez was born June 6, 1930 to Charles and Muriel Elfner where she was raised on their farm in Rainham Centre and in 1948 married her loving husband Bruce Sherk. For a number of years Inez worked as a switchboard operator for Bell Canada. She loved working on her crafts in which she exhibited great talent; canning and often playing host to her many nieces and nephews for overnight stays. Inez was a devoted Christian who spent many joyful hours as a Sunday School teacher at Selkirk Christian Chapel. Inez is survived by her sister Eunice (late Bill) Mageran, Gertrude Elfner, Marlene (Gary) Grant, Sister in-law Jeanine(late Ray) Elfner, brother in-law Ira(late Connie) Sherk and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents Charles and Muriel Elfner, siblings George (Geordie) Elfner, Erma (Joe) Armstrong, Ray Elfner, and extended family Harold and Lilian Sherk, Hazel and Carl Daley and Connie Sherk. Visitation will take place Monday, February 9, 2026 at Hyde and Mott Funeral in Hagersville –  11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a service at 1 p.m. in the chapel. Interment will follow at Selkirk Cemetery followed by lunch at Selkirk Christian Chapel. Special thanks to doctors and nurses of WHFH and the team at RVilla. In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity are welcome. Arrangements by Hyde & Mott Chapel www.rhbanderson.com

June 27, 1968 – January 17, 2026 Our family is heartbroken to announce the sudden death of our beloved husband, father, poppop, son, and friend to so many. For those who knew John, a void will be felt in many ways. John loved his version of a good story made great by his delivery and would rather tell it than be on the receiving line. He was gifted with an ability to tell a story, true or otherwise, as well as simply talk. He had many hats he wore. From funeral director and owner, to biker, ( not to be confused with a bicycle ), cigar aficionado, member of the milk house gang, political consultant (to those who would listen), hunter extraordinaire (his words), whiskey sommelier, decoy and gun collector, story teller, and most of all a good human being. He will be remembered by his huntin’ group for his awesome culinary skills and hosting capabilities, his Florida travel partners that he was so looking forward to joining in a few weeks, his whiskey tasting St. Patrick’s bar  touring groupies, anyone interested in his arsenal of jokes and for those who needed a hand in any situation. His professional skills shone in difficult circumstances and he never forgot that all families, regardless of circumstances, must be dealt with compassion and care. He will be truly missed by his family. His wife, Leanne will deeply miss his support and love and his ability to make her feel treasured and important. John was fiercely proud of all of his family and the paths and partnerships they have chosen. John named all of his sons,  -and proudly held them from the beginning. He could be impatient when they did not listen to his advice but sometimes too much of a free thing loses its value.  John will be deeply missed by his sons Duncan, Drake, Davis and Mitchell as well as his three additional daughters who he loved to embarrass but whom he  greatly respected for their understanding and care of the Hart boys, Keshia, Bre and Neesha. His grandchildren Megan, Wyatt, Teegan, Peyton  and Hayes who will not know the joy he could have  brought to their lives but will be told how precious they were to him. He has left a space around each of us, that can’t be filled but he would be grinning and saying, “What do you expect from greatness”. John was not shy to share his opinion, even unwarranted, but it always came from his love to share his knowledge. He has joined our beloved Meg, his Mom and Dad, John and Marg, good friend Rob in the next chapter, sharing  tales from here and how much they all have been missed in our lives. A celebration of  John’s life has been held this past week. To honour John’s memory, we  simply ask you to show a gesture of kindness to a stranger in your community over the next few days, weeks or months.  Hold your family tight,

Passed away peacefully at Hardy Terrace Long-Term Care Home, Mt. Pleasant on Thursday, January 22, 2026 in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late Ivan Cox (2022). Loving mother of Pat (Pete) Hielema and Brenda (Dave) Bray. Cherished grandmother of Shane (Krista) Hielema, Andrea (John) Gilmore, Richard (Amber) Bray, Samantha (Jeremy) Bray and great-grandmother of Deekyn, Josh, Kloey, Joel, Jacen, Coby, Howard, and Ayanah. Dear sister of Carol (†John) Grenier, Keith (Margaret) Crawley and sister-in-law of Ruth Cox. Ruth was predeceased by her parents Bill and Ella Crawley, brothers-in-law Raymond Cox, and Charles (Peggy) Cox. Ruth loved sitting outside under their maple tree watching people drive by. She also enjoyed camping, playing cards and lawn bowling. Ruth was a school bus driver for 18 years. Memorial visitation and service for Ruth will be held at a later date. 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.

January 9, 1936 – January 12, 2026 With great sadness the family of Guy Paul Ryan announces his passing on January 12, 2026, at Highgate Residence in Ancaster. He was the beloved husband of Judith (McBain), and cherished father of Trudy, Robin (Sue), Kathleen (Jeff) and Jeff (Kim). Guy was the proud and loving grandfather of eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was the brother-in-law of Norman and the late Ian McBain. As a veteran of the R.C.A.F. Guy served his country with honour and integrity. After his military career he became an Assessor for the Hamilton Assessment Office. Guy was a dedicated volunteer with Caledonia Senior Support, a past Deputy Warden at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, and a lifetime member of the Caledonia Men’s Club. Guy was proud to be a lifetime member of the Caledonia Lions Club. Guy was the recipient of Caledonia Citizen of the year in 2005 and received the Caledonia Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025. A special thank-you to Bob Kemp Hospice, Highgate Residence and Guy’s special angels for their care of Guy. Sincere appreciation goes to the many friends and neighbours for the countless meals and support shown to Guy and our family. Guy will be fondly remembered by his friends and family as the “King Tuna” from his legendary fishing trips over the years. He will be remembered as the unofficial “Mayor of Duncan Court” by his many friends who were Iike family. His humour, kindness, and steady presence will echo in the stories shared for years to come. Donations in his honour may be made to the Caledonia Lions Club for the Norfolk Haldimand Hospice Foundation. Please indicate “Re: Guy Ryan NHHF”. This is an initiative by the Caledonia Lions who are applying for a matching grant from Lions International.  Guy, although it hurts to say goodbye we celebrate the great life you lived, and the love you shared.  A Celebration of Life at the Caledonia Lion’s Hall will be announced at a Iater date.

Brian Andrew Armstrong, 64, passed away suddenly on December 23, 2025, at Norfolk General Hospital in Simcoe, Ontario. Born in Hagersville, Brian dedicated 38 years to his work as a welder at ArcelorMittal Dofasco, where he was known and respected for his strong work ethic and unwavering dedication. Outside of work, he found deep fulfillment in helping care for the family farm, especially tending to the beef cattle—something that was not just a responsibility, but a true passion that reflected his love of the land and pride in the life he lived. Brian had a big heart and was always ready to help anyone, at any time, no matter the circumstances. A devoted family man, he gave his love freely and fully to those closest to him. Brian is survived by his loving wife, Janice; his son, Ross; and daughter-in-law, Michelle; and his cherished grandchildren, Charlee, Colton, and Chase, who were the light of his life and always his number one. He is also lovingly remembered by his sister, Betty Hoskin; brother-in-law, John Hoskin; nephew, Lyle (Sandra); predeceased by his niece, Tracey Hartwick; and remembered by Mark; his brothers, Larry and Ralph; sister-in-law, Lynn Wheatley; and nephew, Andrew. His in-laws include Linda Leonard (Mark), Meredith and Laurean, Curt and Lucas, Nancy Aedy, Laura, Don, Becki, and Jack. Brian will be fondly remembered by his extended family, whom he cared for and loved so very much. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, humour, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. His legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply and the many lives he touched through his selflessness and compassion. Please raise a glass of Coca-Cola for Brian. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Cayuga Kinsmen Hall (15 Thorburn St., Cayuga, ON N0A 1E0). Funeral arrangements are 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.

September 16, 1946 – January 21, 2026 On January 21, 2026 we lost our beloved Wife, Mother and Grandmother. Sharon was the eldest of six daughters, born to Herbert † (Hum) and Helen † Ricker and grew up on the family farm in Canborough. Sharon married Stan Meadows in 1966 and they were blessed with almost 60 years of happiness together. She was the treasured mother of Brenda DeRuiter Duffin (Ron)(Herm †), Marlene Meadows (Rob), and Jason (Elva) and adored Grandmother of Dea, Ty, and Amelia. She will be missed by her sisters Linda Sharpe (John †), Cindy Toll (Dennis) and her sister-in-law Velma Shirton (Bruce †). Sharon was predeceased by her sisters Betty Jane Desruisseaux (Norm †), Lorraine Brooks (Dave †), Shirley Houser (Glen), and her in-laws Harold and Elsie Meadows, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Arthur and Nancy Meadows. Sharon was also a treasured friend, neighbour, aunt, and cousin who will be deeply missed by many. She had a special love for all of her many Ricker relatives. While Sharon worked at various jobs throughout her life, nothing was as important as her role as stay-at-home Mom and homemaker. She kept a warm and welcoming home for friends and family alike, always having a big hug to welcome you. Everyone in her life had no doubt that she loved and cared for them deeply. Care packages to take home for her children and grandchildren were always prepared at the end of each visit. The love, support and encouragement she gave to her children and grandchildren was an example that taught them to love as well. We never doubted her love for us. Sharon was sensitive to the needs of others and was quick to lend a hand, make a meal or offer a supportive word. Sharon’s sense of humour was contagious and she enjoyed a laugh while playing a game of cards with friends or doing puzzles and crafts with her grandchildren. With Stan, she enjoyed building beautiful garden décor and bird houses. Saturday morning yard sales were always a highlight of the week to see what treasures they could find. They enjoyed many hours together sitting on the back porch of the home they built together in South Cayuga, where they raised their family and enjoyed many years of retirement together. Sharon’s blue eyes seemed untouched by age and sparkled brightly throughout her life.  Sharon, Mom and Grandma, we love and miss you so much but are comforted in knowing we will be reunited in heaven one day. Please join the family to celebrate Sharon’s life at J.W. Hart Funeral Home, 113 Lock St. East, Dunnville ON, on Tuesday January 27, 2026 from 2–4 p.m. or 6–8 p.m. Donations in Sharon’s memory can be made to Haldimand Pregnancy Care and Family Centre.

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Wayne Edward Bluhm. Wayne passed away peacefully at Dunnville War Memorial Hospital on Thursday, January 22, 2026, with his loving family by his side, at the age of 87 ⅝ (always the mathematician). Wayne is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 65 years, Shirley (née Woods). He was a much-loved father to his children Jeff (Donna) and Susan (Dave), and a proud and loving “Poppy” to his grandchildren Blaire (Spencer), Kyle (Lauren), Kristyn, and Shayne (Ally). He was a cherished great-grandfather to Liliana, with another great-grandchild, Baby Gallant, expected soon. Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Margaret (née Dowd), and is survived by his sister Jeanette Chovance. He will be deeply missed by his many nieces, nephews, and friends. Wayne’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his career as a teacher at Central Elementary and Dunnville Secondary School. Former students fondly remember his calm, patient demeanour and his remarkable ability to make mathematics understandable. He took great care to ensure every student grasped the lesson before moving on, leaving a lasting impression both academically and personally. A man of faith, Wayne served as an elder at Knox Presbyterian Church for many years. He treasured time spent with family and held a special fondness for yearly summer vacations to Manitoulin Island, where many cherished memories were made. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Haldimand War Memorial Hospital for their compassionate and attentive care. In lieu of flowers, donations to Haldimand War Memorial Hospital or Dunnville Knox Presbyterian Church would be appreciated by the family. Visitation will take place at J.W. Hart Funeral Home, 113 Lock Street East, Dunnville, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 4 – 7 p.m. A private service will be held at a later date.

January 25, 1944 – January 16, 2026 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lorraine Levesque on Friday, January 16, 2026 in Montreal, Quebec. She was the beloved daughter of the late Bernardin and the late Gertrude Levesque. Lorraine was the devoted and loving mother to Ray (Brenda) Gallant and Nancy Gallant and a precious grandmother to Brooke †, Taylor and Kaden Myke. Adored sister to:  Albert †, Noella † (Julien †), Rose † (Alphonse †), Albertha † (Robert †), Huguette †, Elise †, Yvon †, Odette (Jean Guy †) and Micheline (Donald). Cherished sister-in-law to:  Ovila †, Jeanne † (George †), Rosario † (Alberte †), Therese (Julien †), Gratien (Jocelyne), Andre † (Pierrette †)and Ginette † (Bertrand). Fiancé and best friend to Gerald Gallant †.  Lorraine will be missed by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Lorraine will be remembered for her warm smile and her deep love for people.   She took great pride in her family and in keeping a pristine home. In her spare time, she enjoyed bowling and proudly won several trophies over the years.  Sadly, during the last decade of her life, Lorraine battled with dementia.  Slowly, this took away so many things, yet her loving spirit never faded.  Her love was always felt through a smile or the gentle squeeze of a hand.  Lorraine will be deeply missed and never forgotten. The family is truly grateful for the exceptional care Lorraine received at Centre d’hebergement Ernest Routhier in Montreal, Quebec. Funeral arrangements will be held at a later date.

July 1, 1934 – January 13, 2026 Psalm 100:5 For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through allgenerations. Our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, Diny, went to be with her Heavenly Father on January 13, 2026. Diny was predeceased by her loving husband, Len. She was the loving mother of †Marilyn (Clarence and Michelle), Richard (Janet), Leah (Rex), Nancy (Ken), †Wanda (Steve and Grace), Helen (Pete), and William (Valerie). Cherished grandmother of 38 grandchildren, 95 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter, Lennon Diny. Gone to glory before Diny are her daughters Marilyn and Wanda, grandchildren Anthony, Scott, and Jennifer, and great-grandchildren Ryan and Grace Marilyn. Survived by her sister Alice DeGraaf, and in-laws Bert Prinzen, Harry and Jannie Blyleven, John and Wilma Heeg and Joyce TeBrake. She had a deep love for God and her family and was a great example to all. She was loved by everyone who knew her. The family will honour Diny’s life with a Visitation at York Maranatha Christian Reformed Church on Sunday, January 18, 2026 from 2- 4 p.m. and 6 -8 p.m. After a private family Graveside Service, the Celebration of Life will take place at York Maranatha Christian Reformed Church on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 1 p.m. If desired, donations to honour Diny’s memory may be made to the Christian School Foundation https://csfca.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3109. 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