Thomas Wayne Richardson, 76, of Cambridge, Ontario, (and formerly of Oshawa, Ontario), passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 after a courageous, five-year battle with cancer.

Tom, a.k.a “Butch” or “Red” was born on July 30, 1944 to parents Tom Richardson Sr. and Johanna Richardson (nee Montag) in Oshawa, Ontario. He was a big brother to Brian (Ruth) (predeceased) and Leann Smith (Rick), who loved him dearly.

After graduating from O’Neill Collegiate in Oshawa, Tom spent 40+ years as a grocery store manager with A&P/Metro retiring in 2008.  Working at stores in Lindsay, Peterborough and Oshawa, Tom was loved by his customers and the many, many employees that worked with him over the years. 

In 1969, Tom married the first love of his life, Joanne Richardson (nee Grant), spending almost 40 years of love and happiness together until Joanne lost her battle with cancer in 2009.  Together Tom and Joanne raised two children, Tom Richardson Jr. (“TJ”) and Katherine-Joanne (Kate) Richardson and provided a home, safety and love to many of TJ and Kate’s friends over the years.  Tom and Joanne loved each other madly every single day and gave their children everything in life. 

In 2012, Tom met the second love of his life, Gay Bast (nee Marsh) and the couple wed in 2014.  Gay and Tom became avid travellers, laughed together and spent most of their time at the cottage or at the trailer in Arizona where they had many friends and spent their days hiking and rocking out on the dance floor.  Tom never met a dance floor he did not like. 

Tom was passionate about everything life had to offer.  He loved to learn and to read and spent countless hours studying world politics, history and social issues.  He loved riding the open roadway on his motorcycle and was in love with rock and roll, the blues and opera.  Tom also loved food and enjoyed many of his favourite meals right up until the very last days of his life.

Tom will be greatly missed by Gay, Kate and Tom, by his daughter-in-law  Stephanie (Peshal), and son-in-law Gary (Melanson), by his grandchildren, Trisha, Megan, Sydney, Leah, Drew, Myles, George and Ben, by his step-family, Kathy and Jody, Leane and Jay and Melanie and Hugh, and by his fur babies Lucy and Linus.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations are made to the Hospital for Sick Children (“Sick Kids”), the Canadian Cancer Society or your local humane society.

As Tom “sailed into the mystic” he asked that his family and friends live and laugh as large as he did and, to “be good to each other”…and always dance like everyone is watching. The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life event in Cambridge following the pandemic when it is safe for everyone to gather together.

Messages and condolences may be left at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.267.7199. Please visit  Tom's obituary notice on Facebook.

On Tuesday December 29, 1931, William Ewart Hetherington was born in Brantford Ontario, and on Tuesday December 29, 2020 he peacefully passed away at RiverGardens in Stratford.

He is survived by his wife Isabel (Huitema), His children Sarah Downes (Tony), Jeremy (Robbie), and Tom (Tamara): His six Grandchildren, Tom, Clancy, Patrick, Benjamin, Naomi and Joshua. His stepchildren, Morgen and Natalie Grigg. He also leaves behind his sister Mary and many many brother and sister in laws (Huitema Clan), nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Ryerson in 1954, he successfully completed his Professional Engineering Degree in 1966.

His many interests included Free Flight Model Airplane in his youth, Basketball (a natural for his 6’6” lanky frame), Tennis, Skiing, and in his retirement a Beekeeper. He also enjoyed spending the day in his bush on his country property, with his Argo and Chainsaw. 

His children remember his hearty laugh, in a movie theatre watching “Blazing Saddles” or on a plane reading “Stark”.  He had a love of reading (Wilbur Smith), the beaches of Florida and Australia. His favourite giving gift was Roses and Champagne.

The words that describe Bill the best would be “a class act, humble, gentle, generous, patient and brilliant”. He lived life to the fullest and one of his strengths, he was able to connect with all who he had the privilege of meeting.

One of his best friends Dave Carse described him as a “Golfer and a Gentleman”. In his business career he was described as an “easygoing, lanky engineer”.

He has had a long successful and varied career in Management and Engineering. He was President and CEO of Allen-Bradley Canada, Rockwell Canada, Chairman of the Board of Rockwell International of Canada Ltd., and The Gore Mutual Insurance Company of Canada. 

​He held positions on the Boards of numerous national associations including Chairman of the Board of EEMAC (Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers of Canada) and Director of CMA (Canadian Manufacturers Association) and Chairman of the IMS Canada, and Chairman of the International Secretariat and Steering Committee.

Locally he has served as President of the United Way of Cambridge, and Advisory Boards of REMAT and the Deans Advisory Council of WLU, and a member of the Council of Regents for the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology.

A thank you to the wonderful staff at RiverGardens in Stratford Ontario who shared so much good conversation with him, and thanks also to the chefs and kitchen staff for the wonderful gourmet meals they always prepared.
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Cremation has taken place and a Recognition of his life will be scheduled at a later date.
Messages and Condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or (519) 772-1237. Please visit Bill's obituary notice on Facebook.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dick at home on Saturday December 26, 2020, at the age of 84 years.

He is sorely missed by his third wife Vivian Pavanel and her children, Wendy, Susan, Gary and Patrick. He is predeceased by his first wife, Barbara Merkel (1957-1979), by whom he leaves three adored children, Kimberley, (Mrs. Scott Hetherington), Dawn (Mrs. Ken Bisch Jr.) and Leslie (Mrs. Wilf Lennon), and in 1980 by his second wife, Marjorie McKenzie George. Also, adored by grandchildren Brock and Brandon Wesson, Evan and Blake Hetherington, and Ciera and Celina Bisch.

Dick was Kitchener’s City Purchasing Officer from 1961 – 1972, after joining city employment in 1954 and retiring in 1976. During his city career he became a national force with industry purchasing organization. In retirement he has been an Agent, The Waterloo Group. During his years with the City of Kitchener, Dick took a prominent role with professional groups. In 1965, President of the Ontario Municipal Purchasing Agents Association, 1968, National Chairman of the Public Buyers Group and Purchasing Management Association of Canada. In 1969, President of Purchasing Management Association of Canada, Central Ontario District, 1970, National Chairman of Buyers Groups - A111, Purchasing Management Association of Canada, 1973, Director of National Institute of Governmental Purchasing Inc., Washington D.C.

Cremation has taken place. Those wishing to honour Dick’s memory may do so by donations to the charity of one’s choice. Messages and condolences may be left at www.tricitycremations.com. Please visit Dick's obituary notice on Facebook.

Passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 26, 2020 at the age of 76.

Sadly missed by the love of his life of 39 years, Wendy Brown. Proud father of Jeff Pelley (Connie), Christine Pelley, Ryan Brown (Michelle), Chrissy Cahoon (Rory), Cory Brown (Shannel), Kayla Brown (Dan) and 13 grandchildren. Survived by his siblings Linda (Wayne), Donna, Baxter, Gary and Nelson. Lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Joseph and Annie, his brother Melvin, his sisters Barb and Viene, and brothers-in-law Danny, Delbert, Gord.

Gerald was born in Come By Chance, Newfoundland and grew up Harcourt, Newfoundland. He was a long-time resident of Hespeler, Ontario. He was employed by Stamped and Enamel Ware Ltd., O’Krafka Brothers and Royal Contractors before retiring from Creative Design Property Maintenance in 2020.

He enjoyed a good game of bingo and frequently played the lottery as well.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no formal memorial service. As expressions of sympathy, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Messages and condolences may be left at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.267.7199. Please visit Gerald's obituary notice on Facebook.

May 20, 1982 – December 25, 2020

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Rob on December 25, 2020.
 
Sadly missed by his father Claude Caron (Evelyn), his mother Debbie Caron (Howard) and his children Julian and Gavin Caron. Lovingly remembered by his brother Jason (Cori), his sister Rachel (Doug), his stepbrother John Galway (Eileen) and his stepsister Darlene Rea.
 
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held when it is safe to do so. Messages and condolences may be left at www.tricitycremations.com. Please visit Rob's obituary notice on Facebook.

Glen Carruthers, former Dean of the Faculty of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University, died of cancer on December 24, 2020, at his home in Kitchener.

Loving and devoted husband, pianist, musicologist, administrator par excellence, friend to legions, natural born teacher and mentor to so many, lover of bourbon and trains, but above all a servant of music. He leaves behind his broken-hearted wife Heather; brothers Ken and Ross; sisters-in-law Carole, Jackie, and Sheryl; goddaughter Hazel; and countless friends across Canada and around the world.

He was an insatiable and enthusiastic concert goer, and he and Heather travelled the world together, planning trips to visit specific concert venues or to hear particular artists in signature performances.  Both lovers of opera – they always enjoyed musical masterpieces together, whose love stories many would say rival that of Glen and Heather’s own. Glen might have irreverently pointed out here, that there was as much angst as love in an opera libretto, so perhaps an unfair comparison has been made, and then remind you to have him tell you a story about it some other time. There are few that know Glen and Heather that haven’t marvelled at witnessing their singular partnership and deep and enduring devotion to one another.

Glen unabashedly loved a wide range of music, and when asked about his favourite concerts over the years, he would mention Neil Young and Vladimir Horowitz in the same breath. It was this egalitarian philosophy that made him particularly proud of Wilfrid Laurier’s new MA and B.Mus degrees in Community Music, which were introduced under his leadership. In 1977, Glen graduated with a Bachelor of Music from Brandon University where he studied with his life-long mentor Lorne Watson. His MMus degree from Carlton University resulted in the first comprehensive study of the works and life of the Canadian composer S.C. Eckhardt-Gramatté, which remains a standard reference work to this day.

In 1983, Glen attended the University of Victoria, graduating with a PhD in Musicology in 1986, and it was also there that he met his soulmate, Heather. They married in 1984 and moved to Thunder Bay in 1988, where Glen became the Founding Chair, Department of Music, at Lakehead University. During the ensuing decade, Glen realized he had an intuitive flair for administration (many would say he was genius at it), and his career trajectory changed accordingly. He next served as Dean, School of Music, at his alma mater in Brandon, Manitoba for 12 years.

In 2010, Glen and Heather moved to Kitchener, and Glen took on the position of Dean, Faculty of Music, at Wilfrid Laurier University. He remained in this position until earlier this year. During all this time, Glen was a tireless advocate for students and their musical education. He was a provocateur in his attempts to break down barriers in University music education, weighed decisions with gravitas and compassion, and always in the best interest of ‘his people’, the students. This drove his relentless pursuit of exceptional facilities for the students at Laurier. In recognition of Glen and his lasting impact on the university community, the Carruthers Practice Studios, a bank of high-quality, light-filled practice rooms will be named to honour him. Glen was also a very active in a number of national and international music organizations, and was especially proud to be appointed an honorary member of the Canadian University Music Society in 2016, and received the Arts Leadership Award of the Canadian Association of Fine Arts Deans in 2018.

A gifted conversationalist, Glen would jokingly start many a story with “I was born and raised in Winnipeg”, when in fact, he was fiercely proud of his prairie roots and of being Canadian. Wherever he landed, he soon became a familiar sight, walking to work in every city he lived in. He kept the tradition in his adopted hometown of Kitchener, his lanky form and instantly recognizable ponytail easily and often spotted during his twice-daily, 45-minute walk between Glasgow Street and the University. Glen was well known on campus for insisting that meetings not take place over the noon break so he could share lunch, every day, at home with Heather.

In their not-long-enough life together, the two shared an infectious glee in each other’s company, embracing the beauty of sights, sounds, tastes, conversations, laughter, friendships and (always) trains, with each other. Their connection was an exuberance of love, with more than enough go around, and their delight as a couple spilled over to all in their company, be it friends, colleagues or students. There is no word but heartbreak for Heather’s great loss.

Above everything, Glen valued the students he worked with over the years. He found young people interesting, inspiring, and exciting, and was never so happy as when he could chat with them about what they were up to, how things were going, or what they thought of a concert. Glen’s promenades around the music building meant the world to them – touch points that in turn inspired the students to strive to reach their own potential, through a kind word or thoughtful exchange with him.  He always made time for anyone that sought him out – and he made everyone feel special in those moments – his genuine dedicated dean superpower.

There will be a celebration of Glen’s life when we are able to gather and make music together again. In the meantime, in place of flowers, Heather suggests those interested make a donation to the “Making Space for Music” campaign at Laurier, a project dear to Glen’s heart, or to an arts organization of their choice. Messages and condolences may be left at www.tricitycremations.com. Please visit Glen's obituary notice on Facebook.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of James Cameron Washburn at St. Mary's hospital Kitchener on Tuesday December 22, 2020 at 89 years of age.

​Beloved husband of Bonnie (Schmidt) for 66 years. Much loved father of Tracey Zehr (Don) and Todd. Lovingly remembered by grandsons Zachary (Cheryl), J.D. (Georgina) and Colton (Abbey) as well as three great granddaughters and friends.
 
As per James’ wishes a private family gathering will be held. As expressions of sympathy donations to the Alzheimer's Society would be appreciated.  Messages and Condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com
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 1933 - 2020

Passed away peacefully at A.R. Goudie (People Care) LTC on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at the age of 87 years.
 
Mary was born in Guelph, Ontario on January 4th, 1933.  Loving mother of Ronald (Diane) and Shawn.  Cherished grandmother of Michael (Ashley) and Patrick.  Special great-grandmother to Carter.  Dear Sister of Allan Stevenson. Predeceased by her parents John and Rose Stevenson as well as brothers, Donald and Brian Stevenson. 
 
Although she lived locally for most of her life, as a young woman she lived for a time in Germany, California as well as Michigan.  

Mary spent her working years primarily working within the grocery industry.   She was the Bookkeeper for Dominion Store in Guelph, and later became a Baker for a local Zehrs store, where it was said that Mary “made the best Apple Fritters in Town”.

Mary loved to travel and visited England, Spain, Greece, Portugal, New Zealand and Argentina.  She also spent many holidays in Florida, Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Mexico.

In her spare time, Mary loved to paint, shop, dance and garden.  Mary was most proud of her flower gardens and lawns, and tended to all independently until she moved from her home into an apartment when she turned 85!!!

Mary also drove herself around town until she turned 86 which proved her independent spirit and determination.
 
She will be fondly remembered by family and friends, near and far.
 
Cremation has taken place. A Private family gathering will be held at later date. Donations may be made to the Veteran’s WARAMPS as expressions of sympathy.

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.

On December 16, 2020, Lynda Ecclestone peacefully passed away in her home surrounded by her loving family. 

Lynda was born in Kingston, Ontario to Jack and Norma Lowry.  She enjoyed gardening, music, reading and being a hairdresser.  Lynda is survived by her husband of 44 years, Gordon Ecclestone, her children Dawnne, Craig (Michele), Wendy (Rui), and Jon (Sabrina), grandchildren Andrew, Mark, Stephanie, Ashley, Shaina and Darrin, great grandchildren, and her sister Ardie (Greg).
 
Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Donations may be made to the Canadian Lung Association (local chapter) as expressions of sympathy.
 
Arrangements entrusted to  www.tricitycremations.com. Please visit Lynda's obituary notice on Facebook.