Published August 28, 2019

Wayne Arsenault
ARSENAULT, Francis “Wayne” of Port Dover, passed away August 8, 2019 in his 75th year, at Norfolk General Hospital, Simcoe. Much loved partner of Angela Walker. Dear father of Brandie Arsenault Gairns. Loving grandfather of Tavia, Amara and Elina. Predeceased by his son Rick Huff and brother Lee Arsenault. Wayne always enjoyed Port Dover’s Friday 13th biker day. He loved to cook and was always happy when family and friends were gathered. Wayne was a positive person and always looked on the bright side. In keeping with Wayne’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Thompson Waters Funeral Home, Port Dover (519-583-1530). For those wishing, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or Muscular Dystrophy would be greatly appreciated. On-line donations and/or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca

Keith Badger
BADGER, Keith William (1942-2019). Suddenly, at home, Keith passed away on August 16, 2019. Predeceased by his parents Harry and Dorothy Badger and in-laws George and Georgina Hedden. Loved and deeply missed by wife Shirlene Hedden Badger. Keith loved his family: Steven (Joanne Pettit-Myers) Dundas, Susan Badger Gall (Mark) Pennsylvania. Grumpy grandpa leaves his wonderful grandchildren too soon: Callum and Kieran Badger; Willow, Xavier and Ulysses Gall. Brother-in-law and quirky Uncle to Sharon Marks (Ron 2009) Alisha, Noah, Nati Marks; Melanie and Phil Perron, Georene and Jon, Malia, Jack Cea, Adrian Perron (Margaret). Keith was a quiet man who enjoyed a simple life. A good basketball game, fishing days gone by, walks on the pier in his hometown of Port Dover, dinners at the Erie Beach Hotel’s Terrace Room, annoying or teasing those he loved, both family and friends. Honey, you were a ‘presence’ that many will talk about for years to come. ‘Badge has left the pier’. In keeping with Keith’s wishes, there will be no funeral. Serenity Burial & Cremation Services, 361 Main Street, Port Dover, (226-290-9093) in care of arrangements. A memorial service will be held at a later date. For those wishing, donations in Keith’s memory can be made to the World Wildlife Foundation Canada, 410 Adelaide St. West, Suite 400, Toronto, ON, M5V 1S8 for his love of all things nature. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, or you can do what he would want – smile, open your eyes, love and go on. Online condolences can be left at www.serenityburialandcremation.com

Peter Fowler Barrett
1939-2019
It is with great sadness that the family of Peter Barrett announces his passing on August 21 2019, peacefully at the age of 80, with his family by his side. Son of the late H.J.H. (Tim) Barrett and the late Dorothy MacPherson. Devoted husband of Karen. Cherished father to Christopher and Jenny (Steve). Adored grandfather of Cassie, Katherine, and Sarah. Dear brother of the late James (Judith) and of the late Michael (Terry), and affectionate uncle to Kim, Scott, Allison, and Andrea.
Peter was born in Port Dover in 1939 in the family home on Prospect Hill, just down the street from young Karen Kolbe; by 1948 he had carved their initials together into a maple tree. Peter earned full scholarships to study at Queen’s (B.Sc., M.Sc.) and as a Junior Fellow of Massey College, U. Toronto (Ph.D.), before he and Karen moved to London for two years as newlyweds in the 1960s with a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Imperial College.
As a Professor at Trent University for 30 years, Peter’s gifted teaching touched the lives of many students in his First-Year Chemistry and Environmental Sciences classes. As a talented researcher and patented inventor he was elected Fellow of the Chemistry Institute of Canada, and served the University community as Don of Trail College, Department Chair for a decade, and then another decade as Trent’s Dean of Science. Family will always cherish memories of sabbatical years living in Yorkshire in the ’70s, and in Colorado in the ’80s. Peter and Karen returned to their hometown of Port Dover in 1999, building a retirement home on Lake Erie where the old family cottage stood, with his vegetable garden, sailboat, piano, and basement laboratory for his continued experiments in home wine and beer making, pickles and preserves.
Peter was also a talented and accomplished musician, sharing much of his retirement time volunteering with local choirs, running youth music festivals, traveling to operas, and serving as church organist in Port Dover. Peter will always be remembered for how much he enjoyed hosting large and lively family gatherings, complete with him at his piano singing, and demonstrating his latest home-built squirrel-proofing contraptions for his many birdfeeders; a few of which even worked. His kind and gentle nature, and quick warm smile, will be missed by everyone who knew him.
In keeping with his wishes, cremation will take place and no service will be held. A private memorial for family will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local youth music charity or a palliative care family support program of your choice. Peter and his Family will always be grateful to the wonderful staff of CBI Home Nursing in Norfolk County, and of the oncology and 3E/4B units at McMaster’s teaching hospitals in Brantford, and in Simcoe. Arrangements have been entrusted to Thompson Waters Funeral Home, Port Dover (519) 583-1530. On-line donations and/or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca

Published August 21, 2019

Billie Frances Farmer
FARMER, Billie Frances – Billie peacefully slipped her earthly bonds to be with her Lord in the early hours of August 14, 2019. Billie packed a lot of life into her 96 years. Whether she was playing a piano for sing-alongs for seniors or veterans; playing the organ at numerous churches or out on a church crawl; whether volunteering at countless Royal Canadian Legion events; playing cards; throwing darts; selling raffle tickets; driving patients to a doctor or just being busy, those who knew her would all agree that no grass would ever grow under her feet. Billie was born in Brantford on July 10, 1923 the beloved daughter of Lillie (Knightley) and Bert Farmer and the little sister to her big brother Kyrle, who have all predeceased her. During WWII Billie was one of the first young women hired at the Massey plant; in fact she was an early member of the Massey Girls, a loose knit group of women with similar ties to Massey. After our boys returned from the war Billie went on to a career in accounting with Massey, McCracken’s and the Salvation Army. Later, in retirement, she would keep the books for the Grand River Prayer Book Society. Always conscious and respectful of her Six Nations’ Peter Miller and Jemima Claus family heritage; Billie was a staunch supporter of indigenous rights. Billie will be fondly remembered by nephews Blake (Judy) Farmer of Carp and Eric Farmer of Stittsville. Also remembered by her sister-in-law Winnifred Farmer, nephew Ross (Kathy) Farmer of Manotick as well as grand-nieces; Katie, Jessica and Alexis and grand-nephews; Cayle, Sam and Zak. Special thanks and hugs to; Rev. Paul Luth, Arthur Lefebvre, Dr. Paul Medve, Heather Hingley Campbell, the entire staff of Norview Lodge in Simcoe and especially the care staff of Willow Walk for their excellent care, endless compassion and attention to detail. And to Billie’s Ladies; Pam, JoAnne, Sheila, Jenn, Sue, Leslie, Tanya, Chris, Jayne and Tish for their support, loving care and always knowing in which sleeve Billie’s tissue was hidden and finally Alex Mallory for all his visits with smiley faced balloons inflated with happiness and love. Billie’s final arrangements are entrusted to Thompson Waters Funeral Home, 102 First Avenue in Port Dover. Cremation has already taken place. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2019; immediately followed by the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 158 memorial service, then at approximately 11:15 a.m. a service from the Book of Common Prayer officiated by Rev. Luth. A light luncheon will follow. A private interment will be held later at the Knightley Family plot in Mount Hope Cemetery, Brantford. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Harbour Museum in Port Dover, St. George’s Reformed Episcopal Church Hamilton, Royal Canadian Legion Br. 158 Port Dover or simply “help save a life” by donating a unit of blood in Billie’s name.

Laureen Montague
MONTAGUE, Laureen – Peacefully at Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home, Simcoe on Monday, August 19, 2019. Laureen (nee Kelly) Montague, formerly of Jarvis, in her 95th year. Wife of the late Michael (2006). Beloved mother of Michaela Montague and Wray Anderson of Caledonia, Kelly and John Goldsmith of Jarvis, Stephen and Maggie Montague of Jarvis, Owen Montague of Montreal, Laurie Montague of Simcoe and Tara and Sergio Restagno of Ancaster. Loving grandmother of 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Sister of Joseph Kelly (late Marg and Jean) of Simcoe, Helen and Frank Dubniczky of Jarvis and the late Leonard (Andra Kelly of Toronto), Frances and Roland Erickson. Laureen was a lifetime member for 64 years of the C.W.L. Friends are invited to call at Cooper Funeral Home, 19 Talbot St. W., Jarvis on Thursday, August 22, 2019 from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial for Laureen will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Hagersville on Friday, August 23, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Interment, St. Ann’s Cemetery, Walpole. Parish prayers will be held at Cooper Funeral Home on Thursday at 3:45 p.m. Donations to St. Ann’s / St. Mary’s C.W.L., The Alzheimer Society or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Friends are invited to sign the Book of Memories at www.cooperfuneralhome.ca

Carol Pos
POS, Carol Ruth (nee Wright) of Port Dover passed away peacefully on Friday, August 16, 2019 at Stedman Community Hospice in her 69th year. Loving wife of Harry, dear mother of Kimberlee (Warren) Copley and Kathryn Lawrow (Adam Booker). Proud grandmother of Kayla, Gavin and Ethan. Sadly missed by brother David (Lucille) Wright and sister in law Jo-Anne Pos-Williams (Ross Williams). Forever remembered by nephew John (Sarah) Wright and cousin Peter Whyte. Predeceased by her parents Gerald and Ruth Wright and infant daughter Stephany. The Pos family would like to thank the nursing staff at Stedman Community Hospice for the excellent care given to Carol. In keeping with Carol’s wishes cremation has taken place with all services being private. Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Waters Funeral Home, 102 First Ave., Port Dover (519-583-1530). For those wishing, donations to the Stedman Community Hospice or St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Port Dover would be greatly appreciated. Online donations and or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca

Published August 14, 2019

Jack Draker
DRAKER, John “Jack” of Port Dover passed quietly amongst his family, on Friday, August 9, 2019 in his 82nd year. Cherished husband of Janet. Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Scott of B.C. and Marianne and John Russell of Waterloo. Loving grandfather of Alannah and Cory Annable and Stephen Russell. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Norman and Lil Draker of Burlington, Roberta Pokoradi of Dundas, Muriel and Fred Palermo of Burlington, John and Joan Richardson of Owen Sound, Marion Richardson of Hamilton, and Hugh and Darleen Richardson of Hamilton. Predeceased by his parents, Albert and Nellie Draker, brothers-in-law John Pokoradi and William Richardson and his wife Sandra. Jack retired from Stelco after 36 years of service, he worked at Hilton Works and Lake Erie. He loved spending time golfing in the summer and curling in the winter. He was a member of The Green’s at Renton Golf Course and the Simcoe Curling Club. Jack was well respected for his easy nature and his ability to connect with people. He was a mentor to many and guided numerous people with challenges in their lives. Jack will be missed by all who knew him. Friends are invited to meet with the family to share their memories of Jack at Thompson Waters Funeral Home, 102 First Ave., Port Dover (519-583-1530) on Saturday, August 17, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the service in the funeral home Chapel at 1 p.m. Inurnment at a later date at Port Dover Cemetery. For those wishing, donations to the Juravinski Cancer Centre would be greatly appreciated. On-line donations and/or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca

Published August 7, 2019

Patricia Coffer
COFFER, Patricia – Passed away on August 2, 2019 in her 95th year at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Wife of the late James Coffer (1995). Loving mother of Michele (Ernie) Vilcsak, Susan (Steven) Apro and Stephen (Nancy). Predeceased by her daughter-in-law Pat. Dear grandmother of Danielle (Jeff), Nicole (Cliff), Peter (Chandrika), David (Ashley), Christopher (Shelley), Caitlin (Joe) and Matthew. Step-grandmother to AmyLynn (Brian) and Andrew (Jennifer). Dear great-grandmother of 10 and step great-grandmother to 10. Mum was born on the Isle of Wight, England in 1925. She was the youngest of 9 (all predeceased). She is survived by many nieces and nephews and managed to maintain contact with most of them throughout the years. She was especially close to her niece Glyn and her husband Peter Groves, who called her every month for years to keep her updated on Isle of Wight news. Mum spent much of her later life living in Port Dover where she had a rich social life. She was a Lifetime Member of the Port Dover Legion and a member of the Horticultural Club. Mum had an amazing ability for facts and was the conduit for family news. We were truly fortunate to have had her in our lives for so long. She will be missed. Special thanks to Dr. Brandt-Vegas and his team and also the special nurses on the fourth floor at St. Joe’s for their kind and compassionate care of our mother. According to Mum’s wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no service. If desired, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to M.A. Clark Funeral Home, Hamilton.

Becky McGee
McGEE, Rebecca “Becky” (nee Hagen) of Port Dover, passed away suddenly at her home on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at the age of 56. Loved and cherished mother of Sarah McGee of Port Dover. Dear sister of Jennifer Miller and Steve Wallace, and Tim Hagen all of Port Dover. Becky will be sadly missed by her beloved companion Allie. Predeceased by her parents Terry and Veronica Hagen. In her younger days Becky loved to play sports and over the years developed great compassion for all animals. Family and friends are invited to share their memories of Becky at visitation at Thompson Waters Funeral Home, 102 First Ave., Port Dover (519-583-1530) on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A Service to Celebrate Becky’s life will be held at Grace United Church (Chapman and St. George Streets), Port Dover on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at 11 a.m. The Reverend Kathryn Vance officiating. Cremation to follow. For those wishing, donations to the Simcoe and District Humane Society would be greatly appreciated. On-line donations and/or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca

John Squires
SQUIRES, John G. A. “Jack” – Passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 surrounded by his loved ones in his 80th year after a short battle with Leukemia. He leaves behind his beloved wife Sharon of over 50 years. Loving father of Niki (Ian) Mitchell and amazing Gpa to Brittany (Hope) McGilly Mitchell and Jadian Mitchell. John is survived by Tammy Paterson, Terry and Kevin Squires and their children, his sister Carol (Joe) Torrente, brother Keith Squires and all of his nieces and nephews. John is predeceased by his mother Dorothy Kishinsky, son Scott Squires and brother Brucie Kishinksy. Formerly of Port Dover, John operated Ace TV for over 40 years with his wife. He was known for his kind heart, a great sense of humour and his contagious laughter by his family and friends. Special thanks to Lorraine White and his entire care team for making John’s final weeks comfortable. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at the Port Dover Legion, 208 Market St. E., from 1 to 3 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in Jack’s memory are asked to consider Camp Trillium/Rainbow Lake in Waterford or a charity close to your heart. Arrangements entrusted to South Coast Funeral and Cremation Alternatives, 71 Norfolk St. N., Simcoe. Online condolences at www.southcoastfuneralservice.com

John Taylor
TAYLOR, John – The love of my life died on August 2, 2019 in his 87th year: Born May 11, 1933. He will be dearly missed by his wife Gail Heald-Taylor; his sons, Adam Taylor (Tamy), Wesley Heald, Blake Heald (Gina), Ron Heald (Maureen) and sister, Gloria Taylor. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Kasey, Kody, Nathan, Matt and Amy. He was predeceased by his loving daughter, Kimberly Dawn. He will forever be remembered for his wicked, dry sense of humour, his love of family, friends and his dedication to Qigong. Celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, September 1, 2019 at “The Lodge”, 733 Lakeshore Rd., Selkirk, Ontario N0A 1P0. A gathering between 1 and 4 p.m with a brief reflection at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Haldimand War Memorial Hospital, Dunnville. www.rhbanderson.com