Tragically passed away on Monday, August 27, 2018 in Brandon, Manitoba at the age of 47.
 
Andy will be sadly missed by his children Jasmine and Jesse and by their mother Nelita, all of Kitchener. Dear son of Nicholaas and Hannelore Branje, little brother to Raymond and Rick, uncle to Devon, Janine, Chris and Emily.
 
Andy worked for Royce Air Tooling in Cambridge, Ontario for close to twenty years as a CNC Programmer.
 
Although quiet and reserved by nature, Andy liked to joke around, often playing pranks on family and friends. Andy enjoyed anything outdoors. He loved camping, hunting, fishing, etc. Although his illness prevented him in engaging in these activities over the last few years.
 
Cremation has taken place as well as a private family service. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to a charity of choice. Messages and condolences can be made through tricitycremations.com or 519-772-1237.
 
Ever Close in Mind and Heart
 
No further away than a picture
A smile or remembered phrase,
Our loved ones live in memory…
So close in so many ways.
 
For how often does a sunset
Bring nostalgic thoughts to mind,
Of moments that our loved ones shared
In days now left behind.
 
How often has a flower
Or a crystal autumn sky,
Brought golden recollections
Of happy days gone by!
 
Yes, memory has a magic way
Of keeping loved ones near…
Ever close in mind and heart
Are the ones we hold most dear.
 
-Marjorie Frances Ames

Please visit Andy's obituary notice on Facebook.

Rob Henry’s Story

In the end, Mother Nature and family history proved too much, and the warrior stood down from his fight. On August 26th, 2018, Rob Henry passed away from cancer at his home in Waterloo, Ontario. 

 "I found a mass". 
"Hello, I am Dr. x".
"You have stage 4 rectal cancer"....
 
How does a person hear those words and figure out what to do next?

Rob did somehow. In his words, “by getting up each day and putting one foot down and then the other”.  He faced each new day with an unbelievable level of bravery and courage; never losing his sense of humour or his positivity. He fought this battle fiercely to the end with the unwavering support of his amazing wife Heather, his children Tom and Maureen, and his sister Laurie at his side.

A lover of quotes, Rob’s mantras became - “Illegitimi non carborundum” (Never let the bastards grind you down) and “It’s my story to write”.

Rob’s story began in Shawinigan, Quebec on February 27th, 1961. His father, Walter Henry and mother, Mary Joan, along with his brother, David, moved to Renforth, New Brunswick in 1964. His sister Laurie was born in 1970; and there his family roots remain. Rob’s mother Joan passed from cancer in 1971; his brother David died from a heart attack in 1999.

Rob grew up in Renforth, reveling in the "charms" of the Kennebecasis River, playing basketball and creating the kind of friendships that only strengthened throughout the years no matter the time nor the distance. How perfectly fitting that lifelong friends Bill Mayberry, Chris Magee and Krisan Palmer joined Rob’s family in his final days to ensure this great man left the world with a “great send off of love and comradery”.

Rob’s accomplishments are too many to list. He undertook everything he did with a level of excellence…and a well-thought out plan. He graduated first in his class from Kennebecasis Valley High School in 1979. He served as a reserve communications operator in the Canadian Forces, and graduated with distinction in Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton in 1983. 

At UNB, lifelong friendships- too dear to single out here - continued to grow out of those brought from KV down the highway near Saint John. He played three intramural sports, was President of Aitken House, and won the Lieutenant Governor’s medal (first in his faculty) from the Faculty of Administration. 

After a call-out to the communication center at the Canadian Air Force Base in Lahr, Germany, Rob returned to Saint John to start his business career, earning his Chartered Professional Accounting designation with KPMG in 1987.

Rob considered himself so lucky to be married to his best friend Heather (Atkinson) for 32 years, and unbelievably blessed to have had two beautiful children. Their son, Tom was born in 1989, and their daughter, Laurie Maureen (Mo) was born in 1990. Hours were many in hockey arenas, dance studios, gyms and running shoes.

In Saint John and the “Valley” and the “Soo”, Rob would build the skills and the contacts that would see him spend over 20 years in the wood panels industry; a career that would take him and his family to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, back to New Brunswick, to Markham, Ontario, and ultimately to Atlanta, Georgia as V-P of Finance for Arauco North America. 

Rob’s legacy will live on through all the lives he has touched. He was a brilliant, genuine, kind man who has left a tremendous hole in the hearts of his wife and children, their partners, Alex McCaul (Mo) and Heather Mann (Tom), his sister, Laurie, his mother in-law, Sandra Atkinson, his brothers in-law, David Young (Laurie), Norman (Chantal) and Mike (Andrea) Atkinson and sister-in-law Paula (Martin-Henry) Cullinan. He will be forever missed especially by his niece Ali Krieger (Jon) and his nephews Greg Henry (Courtney), Dominic, Peter, William, Ben and Michael Young.

If there was a set of personal values that carried through, it was that Balance - athletics with academics, career with family, flexible operations with tough financial standards - would earn you the relationships you needed. Success might come, not by promotions or material gains, but by treating others the way you would want to be treated, never losing your positivity or sense of humor or compassion. And of course, you can never spend too much time in a canoe on trips with your family (which Rob and Heather did from the time Tom and Mo were three). 
 
All these values - together with a lifelong commitment to physical fitness - gave Rob the grounding he needed to hear those difficult words in 2016. These values deepened his love for his family - and his love for a little piece of heaven they had found on Otter Lake, near Parry Sound, Ontario. You’ll find him there now - at Henry’s Hollow - sitting in the sauna or sipping a scotch by the fire. 

Rob did not wish to have a funeral service. Instead, in true Aitken Animal fashion, we will celebrate a life well-lived and a battle valiantly-fought, sharing stories of this great man with food, drink and song in his hometown of Saint John, NB in October. Details will be shared in the coming weeks.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the charity of your choice; spend some time with someone you love; or celebrate Rob in a way that feels right to you.

Rob and his family would like to thank Kelly Shotbolt and Rob’s colleagues at Arauco North America; Dr. Wolff and the exceptional care staff of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Grand River Hospital and Paramed who offered tremendous support, compassion and care throughout this journey.

Cancer sucks. No one fights alone.

Please visit Rob's obituary notice on Facebook.

 February 5, 1953 – August 24, 2018
 
On August 24, in the early hours of the morning, our Father, Husband, Opa, Brother, Nephew, and Uncle slipped peacefully away in his sleep, freeing him from the pain of his cancer.  In his last days, he was surrounded by family and friends, reveling, reminiscing and cherishing their moments together. 

He had a full and busy family life. He had 24 grandchildren and 9 children: Lisa, Tammy (Mike), Daniel (Karen), Teresa (Dan), Kristy (Dave), Cherie, Melissa (Matt), Richard (Jessica), and Stefanie (Eric).  He will also be remembered by his wife, Marina Bruinsma and by Joanne Euler. 
​
He influenced many young people through scouting and took great joy in being outdoors.  Some of his favourite times were spent camping with family at his brother’s property.

Jake was a handyman:  a “Jake-of-all-trades”.  He was generous with his time and helped those who were in need.  He was outgoing and sociable; often strangers quickly became friends.  He was quick with a joke and loved to make people laugh.

He had many careers throughout his life where his talents were never wasted; these included small business owner, property manager, landscaper and welder.  Tools in hand, he was excited for each new project, his tools were his prized possessions.  He leaves his work ethic as a legacy to his children and grandchildren.  We can never know just how many people Jake influenced, but recognize that his ripples are far reaching.
​
He lived his last few weeks at Innisfree House in Kitchener, in peace and comfort.  We are grateful to the staff and volunteers for their care of our father.    

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Innisfree House or the Grand River Hospital Cancer Center.

There will be a Celebration of Life on September 2, 2018 from 6-8pm at Elevation Church, 22 Willow Street, Waterloo, Ontario, N2G 1V5. 

​Please visit Jake's obituary notice on Facebook.

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather in his 75th year.

Rubén will be missed tremendously by his wife of almost 50 years, Gloria.  They were inseparable. He was the loving father of Carmen (José) Lopez and Robert Rodriguez. He was a master storyteller to his grandchildren, Gloria (Lori) and José Rubén (Joey), whom he loved so much.

Rubén was born in Coacalco, Mexico on May 21, 1944.  There he leaves behind his brothers German and Gabriel and his sister María del Carmen, as well as countless cousins and other family members. He is predeceased  by his brother Pablo and his parents Soledad and Nagge.
He will be missed by his in-laws in England, especially Ian and Susan Beale.

His absence will be greatly felt by his dear friends Jim and Cheryl Dolson of Cambridge and their family, as well as Milton and Maria Ramos of Hamilton.

As per his wishes, there will not be a memorial service.  He would have liked for donations to be made to The Lupus Foundation of Canada or to your local food bank.

As a kidney recipient in 2005, he would have also liked for everyone to register as organ and tissue donors.

​Please visit Rubén's obituary notice on Facebook.

Bonnie passed away at St. Mary’s General Hospital on Tuesday August 21, 2018 at the age of 76 years.

Bonnie looked after the Waterloo Region Daycare for many years.

Dear daughter of Thelma Halliday–Gibbons. Loving mother of Joanne (Larry) and Carol Picard. Fondly remembered by her grandchildren; Brad, Danielle, Ben and Jamie, and by her great grandchildren Taylor, Riley and Landon. Predeceased by her father, Charles Halliday, by brothers Gerald and Greg and by a sister Jane Binkley.

Cremation will take place. A private family graveside service will be held. Friends and Relatives are invited to a Reception on Tuesday August 28 from 1 - 3 at the Dundas Legion Branch #36, 280 King St. West Dundas.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society or by a Mass Card. Messages and condolences can be made through www.tricitycremations.com or 519-772-1237.

​Please visit Bonnie's obituary notice on Facebook.

On August 19, 2018 Lorna’s courageous battle with cancer came to an end. She died peacefully at Freeport Hospital in Kitchener, Ontario.

Lorna was predeceased by her parents Byron Morrison and Gladys McPhee, sisters Brenda, Lois, Marilyn, Gayle and Norma and brothers Wally, Robert and Bruce.

Lorna is survived by her beloved husband James E. Mercer, loving son Edward Bernard and his partner Lesley Ann Gairns, sisters Alma, Lynda (Bud) and Karen, brothers Richard, Donald and Wayne and step-children Cheryl (Allen), Donette (Allan), James (Jackie) and Jason. She will also be missed by her best friend Peggy Kemble (Howie Layton), Peggy’s daughter Bridgette (Tracy) Cook, their son Kelly, and step-grandchildren Jamie and Joshua. Lorna was Gramma Shorty to dear Cassandra.

Lorna was born in Glace Bay, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. She moved to Toronto in early childhood. She worked in publishing most of her life, including Burns and McEachern, Home Publishing and Magna Playback.

The family would like to express great gratitude to the staff at Freeport Hospital Palliative Care Ward for the wonderful care that Lorna received there.
​
As per Lorna’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Please visit Lorna's obituary notice on Facebook. 

Guy Robert Boudreau, 39, died peacefully at home in Cambridge, ON, on August 13, 2018 after battling epithelioid sarcoma for over 20 years. He fought hard and never gave up.

Guy grew up in Petit-de-Grat, Cape Breton. When looking back at photos of Guy as a child he always had a smile. He loved playing with Tonka trucks and later, playing hockey. Eventually Guy left Cape Breton to attend Acadia University and then Dalhousie University to become a mechanical engineer. Guy moved to Ontario in 2003 to work. During these years he became passionate about car rally sport and mountain biking, as well as continuing to play recreational hockey. Car rallies took him all over the Ontario backroads and he travelled as far as Utah for mountain biking. He participated in the Ride to Conquer Cancer and the Spike for Sarcoma volleyball tournament, which he attended this year, despite being very ill. Most importantly, moving to the Guelph area brought his wife, Akiko, into his life, and although they had a brief time together she brought so much joy and meaning to his life. They bought a house together in Cambridge, where they have been living with their cat, Minion, for the past two years.

Guy is survived by his wife, Akiko Kanagawa, his parents Rena (d’Entremont) and Vincent (Junior) Boudreau, and his brothers Ryan (Christie) and Justin (Carrie). He was predeceased by his infant sister Leanne, his maternal grandparents, Lucie and Denis d’Entremont and his paternal grandparents, Cecilia (Landry) and Vincent (Severin) Boudreau.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Hespeler Legion, No. 272, in Cambridge, on August 22, 2018 from 4 - 9 pm. A mass and burial of the ashes will occur in Petit-de-Grat at a later date.

Guy would want people to live and laugh, please hug your loved ones tight and remember that life can be too short. If you wish, donations will be accepted for a commemorative tree to be planted in Cambridge, or to the Sarcoma Cancer Foundation of Canada. Please contact the family if you wish to make a donation for the commemorative tree.

​Please visit Guy's obituary notice on Facebook.

While resting comfortably in his favourite spot, Ian passed away Saturday August 11, 2018 at the age of 62 years, surrounded by his loving family at Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Waterloo, Ontario.

Beloved husband of Hennie (nee Hoed), loving father of John (& Kate), Krysta Lajoie (& Kevin) and Julie-Anne Lloyd, and doting grandfather to Curtis Lloyd and Eloise Lajoie. He is survived by his brothers Christopher, Michael, Terrence & Jeffrey Lloyd.

Ian was a self employed computer programmer and the sole operator of Free Spirit Computing Inc.

As per Ian’s wishes, Cremation and a private spreading of the ashes has taken place. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 25th, 2018 from 1-4 p.m. at 3861 Victoria Avenue, Vineland, ON, L0R 2C0. Dress casual and bring lawn chairs as needed please.

Psalm 23:

The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures; leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul; He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me, Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and loving kindness with follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Grand River Conservation Authority as expressions of sympathy. 

​Please visit Ian's obituary notice on Facebook.

Passed away peacefully at Grand River Hospital – Freeport Site, on Friday August 10, 2018 at the age of 80.

Gladys and her husband Ralph were long time owners of Dairy Queen’s in Kitchener and Cambridge. Gladys enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandkids. In her free time she enjoyed spending it with her husband on cruises and testing her luck at the casinos.

Beloved wife of 54 years to Ralph Naylor. Loving mother of Kevin Naylor (Jennifer) and Mark Naylor (Carrie). Cherished grandmother of Emerald, Jacob, Lillia, Damian, Olivia and Chloe. Dear sister of Richard, Brian and Jean all of England. Lovingly remembered by nieces, nephews and family in England.

At Gladys’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service. Messages and condolences may be left at tricitycremations.com or 519-772-1237.

Passed away peacefully at Pinehaven Nursing Home, on Wednesday, August 8, 2018.

Ursula was a homemaker and her home cooked meals were enjoyed and will always be remembered by her family.

Beloved wife of 56 years to the late Werner Leo Josephs, who predeceased her on August 20, 2017. Loving mother of Georg W. Josephs and Martina Merpaw. Lovingly remembered by many family and friends in Canada and Germany.

Cremation has taken place, with burial at Parkview Cemetery. Messages and condolences may be left at tricitycremations.com or 519-772-1237.

Please visit Ursula's obituary notice on Facebook.