February 7, 1951 – April 30, 2020

Richard passed away, peacefully in his sleep at the Hospice Wellington after a short battle with cancer.

Richard was a caring and supportive partner of Anne Jenner for 26 years, and a loving father to Megan and Robyn Smith and his two sons-in-laws Micah Gordon and Craig Tremblay. His two grandchildren Milica and Lachlan will remember their Papa with fondness. He will be missed by his in-laws, Wendy Hamilton-Smith, Brian Jenner, Holly Dunn and her husband David Bastedo. Richard and Anne always appreciated the love and friendship they received from Bruce and Alberta Tomkins and their children, Leah, Brent and their families.

Richard grew up in St. Thomas Ontario and left home at 18 to join the Canadian Armed Forces. After boot camp he joined the navy and served on the HMCS St. Croix and the HMCS Provider in the Pacific. He was seconded for a short time to the USA Navy stationed out of Alemda, California as a Canadian Navigation Specialist.  Upon leaving the Canadian Navy, Richard lived in Victoria, British Columbia prior to moving to Ontario to work in telecommunications with Algonquin College in Ottawa, and successfully completed courses delivered by Nortel.  In 1992, he completed a Post-graduate program with Sheridan College for Telecommunication Management.  The last position he held before he retired in 2011 was with William Osler Health Centre supporting hospitals and health clinics in Brampton, Georgetown and Etobicoke as a Telecommunication Specialist.

When Richard found Anne, he came without any family and with her and her two girls he found a home. Richard relished his role as a father and a Papa. He lived in Guelph, Cambridge and Kitchener over the last 26 years supporting his “adopted” family. Richard was a man of the utmost integrity who was intelligent and technically minded with a great sense of humour.  He was passionate about and protective of those he loved. Later in his life, he rediscovered his love of motorcycling and took many trips around Ontario and in the USA.  Richard, Anne and the girls had many enjoyable times at several trailers during the summers. Richard loved music and a close friend once said “is there any topic that you can’t put to song” which he indicated no there wasn’t.

Richard received exceptional services and medical treatment during his illness from the Grand River Cancer Centre and through the home palliative care team, who helped him remain at home as long as possible. Richard’s final days were spent at Hospice Wellington in Guelph. The calm, dedicated, empathetic and compassionate staff went above and beyond to make his final weeks as pleasant and comfortable as could be.  They were so creative in providing methods and ways for him and his spouse, Anne to keep connected with family through these challenging pandemic times.

Richard was a truly unique and memorable person and will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date once this covid 19 pandemic is finally over.  One of Richard’s last wishes was that individuals who wished to make memorial donations to do so to Hospice Wellington - https://www.hospicewellington.org/donate or call 519-836-3921. 

Messages and condolences may be left at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237. Please visit Richard's obituary notice on Facebook.

It is with profound sadness that we announce that, after a recent diagnosis of cancer and extremely brief illness, Mary Helena Kodric died on April 29, 2020 at the too-young age of 61. Mary was predeceased by her parents Vinko and Ivanka, and is survived by her siblings, Irene (Garry), David (Marrianne), and Sonja (Dev) as well her four beloved nieces, Laura, Heather, Lief, and Caitlyn, as well as by her beloved cat, Phoebe.
 
Born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario, Mary was always a bright star. Considered by many to be the smartest person they knew, she shone intellectually throughout her schooling, was addicted to reading from an early age, loved watching movies and good television, and had a searing wit that could both cut and coddle, depending on whether you were on the receiving end of it or not. Her family was part of the small Slovenian community in Kitchener. Mary and her siblings have great memories of spending Sundays at Slovenski Park on the 401, swimming in the water hole, kids races, dancing and pig roasts. 
 
Mary left Kitchener to attend the University of Toronto for her undergraduate degree, obtained her law degree at the University of Windsor, returning to make Toronto her adopted home and the place where she practiced law. Mary’s incisive mind and generous heart made her a wonderful family lawyer, while her skeptical nature and strong sense of social and moral justice gave her an edge many needed to contend with. Most recently, Mary was a panel member of the Office of the Children’s Lawyer.  She passionately protected the rights of children in various family law cases, knowing she was often the only one actually thinking about the kids in bitter family battles. Her disdain for some of the antics of the parties involved was palpable as she kept her eye on the welfare of those children.

Beyond her professional life, Mary was a sister, a devoted aunt, a cousin, and a friend. She had a diverse circle of friends, in the legal world, with extended family, and in her own community. Her friendship, once obtained, did not waver. Being as well-read as she was made Mary wise in the ways of the world; she was supportive and generous with advice to all of us. On the flip side, Mary always had boundaries with her family and friends letting us in just to a certain point. This was a frustration to many, but something she stayed true to right to the end of her life.
 
Mary was an avid and devastatingly competitive game player and trivia whiz. You always wanted to play with and not against, as she invariably found answers to the most obscure questions or could provide detailed background the rest of us couldn’t muster. She loved reading her daily newspaper, drinking coffee, and staying up way too late most nights, being a night owl. Her incredible intelligence, great friendship, sense of humour, and dedication to her friends, family and clients as well as her stubbornness and withering glances will be missed by us all.
 
A celebration of Mary’s life will take place at a later date. At this time cremation has taken place. To honour Mary’s love of helping youth and her love of animals, a donation can be made in Mary’s memory to YouthLink or an animal rescue of your choice. 
 
Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237.  Please visit Mary's obituary notice on Facebook.

November 3, 1925- April 28 2020
 
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our matriarch Marie Tobin in the early morning of April 28th at the age of 94, after a long and difficult battle with Alzheimer’s. 
 
Marie is predeceased by her parents Annie and Bernard Tobin, brothers Sidney Tobin (Libby), William Tobin (Mary), Sisters Bernadette Marks (Samuel), Corina Moriarty (Gerald), her late husband Daniel Winstanley, son Daniel Winstanley, and grandson Shawn Carrigan.  She is lovingly remembered by her beloved daughters Carol Carrigan (Brian) and Pat Winstanley, son Blair Winstanley, Grandson Andrew Winstanley (Kristen), and her great grandchildren Taylor, Faith, Jordan, Jaylen, Ari, Elyse, and many nieces and nephews.
 
Marie was born in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, where she graduated high school. She became a nurses aid working at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 1974 she moved back to Ontario and eventually settled in Kitchener, Ontario where she spent her final years.
 
Marie was known for her infectious smile, incredible sense of humour, and her ability to win over any room. She loved her family fiercely and without judgement. She was an influential mother, and an active grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an enthusiastic story teller who could make anyone laugh whether she was telling the story for the first or 50th time. She was a gentle soul loved by all who knew her, a joy to be around, so easy to love, and we will miss the role she had in our lives forever. 

The family would like to express a huge thank you to the nurses and PSWs of Paramed, who without we would not have been able to keep Marie home with us as long as we were able to—for that we will be forever grateful. We would also like to thank the staff of Sunnyside Long Term Care, especially those at Cider Mill who took such tremendous care of Marie until her final minute. The care she received during her almost 2 years there was better than we could have asked for. We will cherish eternally the love and support both Marie and the family received at the end. 
 
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society would be greatly appreciated. Cremation has taken place, and a burial in Toronto, as well as back home in Nova Scotia will take place at a later date. 
 
Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycrematons.com or 519.772.1237.  Please visit Marie's obituary notice on Facebook.

July 22, 1955 - April 26, 2020

Peacefully on Sunday April 26, 2020 at Grand River Hospital at the age of 64.

Predeceased by his Father Bert Rideout. (2008) Survived by his Mother, Velma Rideout of Pacquet, Newfoundland. Loving husband of Erma Juan, fiercely protective and loving Father to April (Darren) McCreedy, and Cory (Jennifer) Rideout. Proud Poppy to Ava and Lana McCreedy.  Loving Stepfather to Nove (Romel) Manding and proud Stepgrandad to Vheena Karyl and Karl Jaycee Manding. Left with fond memories are his siblings Roger Rideout, Karen (Harvey) Boone, Harvey (Donna) Rideout, Leon (Sharon) Rideout, Neville (Dianna) Rideout, Norman Rideout, Christopher Rideout, Richard Rideout, Byron (and the late Geraldine) Rideout, Jason (Krystle) Rideout, and Kira Rideout, and his many nieces and nephews. Also left to mourn are Cheryl and David Walker.

The family would like give a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Naresh Murty, at Hamilton General Hospital, for providing life saving brain surgery (2015) Juravinski Cancer Centre, Grand River Hospital Stroke Unit, and Cambridge Memorial Hospital Stroke Rehabilitation, to all PSW's for their compassionate care. (2015-2020).

​Cremation has taken place, with a Celebration of Life to follow at a later date. Messages and condolences may be left at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.267.7199. Please visit Gene's obituary notice on Facebook.

July 25, 1946 - April 25, 2020
 
The world has lost a bright light. Elizabeth (Libby) Anne Pavey (nee Harris) passed away at Stirling Heights Long Term Care Home, in Cambridge, Ontario, early in the morning, April 25, from Alzheimer’s disease at the young age of 73, with family by her side.
 
Libby's life was full of joy, adventure, curiosity and compassionate support for others. Born in Toronto to Robert Harris and Margaret (Mansell) Harris soon after they had both returned from Europe serving Canada in WWII, Libby was one of the first baby boomers.
 
She and her younger sister, Kathy, had endless mischievous adventures growing up in Lindsay, Barrie and Windsor. As kids, they would visit their grandmother in Mitchell during the summers. Being a wonderful grandmother, she had very few rules and didn’t hesitate to spoil them, allowing her grandchildren free rein during these visits.  They ran wild in their pajamas all day and made trips to Stratford to take in Shakespearean drama when it was still under a tent. Libby’s love of antics and theater was instilled from a young age.
 
Libby finished high school in Windsor. She often fondly reminisced about the times she crossed the river with her dad to go to jazz clubs, the Fisher Theater and attend baseball games at Tiger Stadium in Detroit.
 
Libby completed her undergraduate degree in Languages at the University of Western Ontario. There she met a  lifelong group of friends, known, to this day, as the Big Chill Group, with whom she would travel the world, gather around dining tables and ski the hills as their families grew.
 
Her summer adventures in university were the source of some of the best stories, from her days as an elevator operator at St. Andrew's-by-the-Sea, to a chambermaid at Jasper Park Lodge. To supplement her income in Jasper she moonlit as a go go dancer, much to her parents' dismay! By her final year of university her interest in community oriented  projects was developing. She joined  CUSO as a development worker in Mexico for the summer, helping with the logistics of getting a bridge built across a river and setting up an immunization clinic, a far cry from being a go go dancer in Jasper.
 
After graduating from Western, Libby headed to teacher's college at the University of Toronto in the autumn of 1968, living in a house on Bedford Road with four other girls. Their first house party that fall brought Don into Libby's life.  By December they were engaged and in August of 1969 married.
 
Libby began her career in education at Palmerston Elementary in Little Italy. Meagan was born in 1971 and Erin came along in 1975. Looking for a quieter pace of life, Libby and Don moved to Cambridge in 1976, where Libby quickly immersed herself in volunteer work at the YWCA, teaching English to new immigrants.
 
Keen to get back to the classroom, Libby joined the Waterloo Region District School Board in 1977 and began her specialization, teaching English as an Additional Language. There she formed strong bonds with the ELL team who also became her close friends at work and through retirement. She moved from elementary into secondary education and worked at Kitchener Collegiate Institute and then Galt Collegiate Institute, where she threw her passions into supporting her "new Canadian" students, coaching cross country running and serving on the steering committee for the 150th anniversary of the school. Her helping nature led her to become a guidance counselor where she set up the Careers Center and made sure that her students felt valued and were supported to reach their goals.
 
A life-long learner, Libby retired from teaching and went back to university in 2001, completing her Masters of Social Work at Wilfred Laurier.  She excelled in both theory and practice, but was the first to credit her husband Don’s typing skills and her cousin Mary’s understanding of statistics, in her success. Her younger classmates were always impressed with her thoughtfulness and organization, and her profs impressed so much that they asked her to stay on and pursue a Ph.D. Instead, she returned to the thing she loved most, helping kids and families in need, by working as a social worker with the WRDSB. After her second retirement in 2006, she continued to give to the community through her volunteer work with Argus House, an emergency housing organization for young people, and the Cambridge Library Book Outreach program. In 2010 she was recognized with the YWCA Women of Distinction Award for voluntary, community and humanitarian service.
 
A believer in healthy living, which included her one beer a day, Libby  was a lifelong runner with her running buddies, a regular user and supporter of the YMCA, a member of the "hiking herd", skier, cyclist and gardener. Libby loved to orchestrate the "forced family marches" no matter what the weather, and she is credited for passing on the habits of an active life and love of nature to her family -- great gifts. And in keeping with her love of learning, she thrived through her involvement in the book club, the Third Age Learning series and always had the most questions for any tour guide when she and Don would travel.
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Libby was a serious fan of theater and live music. She and Don had a full calendar of arts events, especially after they both retired. Our family fondly remembers her participating in the sing-along-Messiah at Whistler one Christmas, and refusing to leave the stage when the solo performances began. And travel -- Libby could have been a travel consultant with all of the experiences and adventures she had in her life. Some of our best family memories are from trips we took with Libby leading the charge -- evening church concerts in Europe, insane free upgrades in hotels, obscure museums and ’off the beaten path‘ hikes to name a few. Paddle boating in the canals of Holland while eating lunches we sneakily made at our hotel breakfast buffet and stashed in baggies she took from our rooms while sipping Heinekens bought at the corner store was the brainchild of Libby, an experience we will never forget.
 
With her Big Chill group and with her sister, there were also many travel tales. Kathy and Libby hiked the Cotswolds in England one summer, and Libby took it upon herself at an evening social to share her rendition of the Queen’s Christmas address to the delight of the other hikers and the horror of the “Royals” in the group. Our “Queen Elizabeth” certainly had a twinkle in her eye.
 
Libby took great delight in becoming a grandmother with the arrival of Caleb in 2004, Lucas in 2007 and Rowan in 2011. In her spirit of adventure she shared many family trips with the boys, including Disney World where she enjoyed the rides more than anyone! She also spent many hours reading to them, playing games and enjoying rambunctious family dinners where she, the boys and Dante would laugh endlessly at the chaos of it all.
 
Libby was the light and energy in a room. She was a driving force that kept groups together and took tremendous joy in family and friends. She was engaging, happy and fun to be around. She was a person who listened to others with genuine interest and made them feel important and valued.
 
Libby is greatly missed by Don, her husband of 50 years; her daughters Meagan and Erin, her son-in-law, Dante Morra, her grandsons Caleb, Lucas and Rowan, her sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Steve Bellringer, her nephew, David and niece, Katie and their families. She is missed by her cousins. On hearing the news of her passing, one of them said "It’s hard for me to think of her as gone. Libby was always just the opposite of being gone. She was always full of life. Everything she did, she did with a zest." She is also greatly missed by Don's brothers, sister and their families. All of her family and friends are so grateful for her energy and organizational prowess that have kept us so close over the years.
 
To honour Libby's life going forward, a fund has been established named  the "Elizabeth Pavey English Language Learner Scholarship" which will be awarded annually to a graduating ELL student from Galt Collegiate Institute, going on to pursue post-secondary education. Libby was passionate about her students and so proud of what they were able to accomplish after leaving GCI. Donations to the scholarship fund can be made via the Cambridge and North Dumfries Community Foundation linked through their website at https://www.cndfoundation.org/
 
Libby’s family thanks friends, extended family and neighbours for their love and support over the years, as Libby was increasingly challenged by Alzheimer’s.  Thank you also to the incredible people with the Alzheimer’s Society, the Minds in Motion Program, the Sunnyside Day Program, YODA, Warm Embrace Elder Care and the amazing staff of Stirling Heights Long Term Care Home. All of the people in these programs and places supported Libby to live her final years with joy, grace and dignity.
 
A celebration of Libby's life will be held in the future when we are all able to hug each other, laugh, cry, share stories and raise a glass to this incredible woman. 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of David Thomas Hogg on April 23rd 2020, in his 73rd year at St Mary’s Hospital.

Resident of Forest Heights Long-Term Care for the past 7 years. Member of the Galt Legion. Father of Brenda Reidt, David High, Grand-pa to Justin &Cody Reidt, & Connor High, Great-Grandpa of 6. Brother of Mary, Sandra, Robert, Lorie, Alex, & Jim.

Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Messages and condolences may be left at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.267.7199. Please visit David's obituary notice on Facebook.

July 22, 1933 – April 23, 2020

Margaret passed away peacefully, after a short illness, in Kitchener, Ontario.  She was in her 87th year.

Survived by her five children Patti Lynne (Bruce) Hoare, Paul Wheeler, Brenda Meier-Hans, David (Sheri) Wheeler & Beth (Paul) Van Walleghem. Proud Grandma to 14 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren and sister to Louise (Gary) Hempel.

Predeceased by her parents Arnold and Mina Wilkinson, brother Royden (Elaine) Wilkinson Sr, sister Marina (Case) Jansen, granddaughter Catrina Gramenz, son-in-law Theo Meier-Hans, and most recently her beloved “baby”, her grand-dog Zira.

 A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237. Please visit Margaret's obituary notice on Facebook.

Passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on April 20, 2020 at the age of 65.
 
Ken will be sorely missed by wife, Jeanne Pursell, her sons; William (Lauren), Paul & Graeme (Kaayla Fox). Brothers-in-law: David Andrews (Lisa), Stephen Andrews (Karla), as well as Father-in-law Roy Andrews.
 
Also survived by brothers; Gary (Val Fitzgerald) & Kevin Bonham (Carole), Brother-in-law Reid Howell, Uncle Harold Rolls, Stepsister Donna Voisin (Norm) & Stepbrother Tim Bonham and 8 cousins. Special uncle to 11 nieces & nephews and 8 great-nieces & nephews.
 
Fondly remembered by life-long friends David Gallant (Carol) & Paul Lantz (Janice).
 
Predeceased by parents; James (1998) & Wilma (1997) Bonham & Mother-in-law Doris Andrews (2019). Sisters Colleen Becker (2007), Marlene Howell (2008) & Lynn Sandford (2017). Stepbrother James C. Bonham (2019) (Glenda).
 
Ken retired from Canadian General-Tower after 40 years of service.
 
Both Ken and Jeanne loved to travel, mostly in the Caribbean during the winter. He loved all sports, but his passion was golf – anywhere, anytime! They also enjoyed the annual BBQ every summer and time spent with family.
 
Per Ken’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral or service. Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society – Prostate Research would be appreciated by the family. Messages and condolences may be left at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.267.7199. Please visit Ken's obituary notice on Facebook.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Rita at her home, on Monday April 20, 2020 at the age of 77 years. Rita was born on June 9th, 1942 in Minto, New Brunswick to Edgar and Valida Arsenualt.

Rita will be lovingly remembered by her children, Kelly Goods (Greg) and Kevin Chosen; sister Val Hazelton (Bill) and brother Roger Arsenault;  5 grandchildren, Michael and Kate-Lynn Goods, Kristen, Tyler and Lauren Chosen; numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

She was predeceased by her husband and love of her life, Michael Joseph Chosen, as well as her sister, Claudette and brothers Laurie and Al.

Heaven gained a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and best friend. Rita was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Nan. We'll always remember your special smile, caring heart, and that warm embrace you always gave us. We will always remember you and the love we have for you. You will forever be in our hearts.

As per her wishes, Cremation has taken place and she will be laid to rest at Memory Gardens.  A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date due to the recent pandemic. Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237.  Please visit Rita's obituary notice on Facebook.

Ron, 79, passed away at home in Baden on Wednesday, April 15th with his beloved wife Jackie by his side.

He will be missed by his brother Roy (Faye) and many stepchildren and their families. Predeceased by wives Shirley (2004) and Nancy (2018) and sister Audrey (2016). Cremation has taken place. Private interment at Memory Gardens at a later date.

Donations may be made in Ron’s memory to the New Hamburg Christian Centre. Messages and condolences may be left at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237. Please visit Ronald's obituary notice on Facebook.