VERNA COPELAND
Verna has left to be with her husband Russell of 49 years, her granddaughter Carrie and other family members. She is survived by her sister Dorothy. Her lectures on life and her financial advice will be missed by her grandchildren: Steve (Susie) and Patricia (William). Great grandchildren will miss the Sunday night phone calls to be interrogated as to what they had done that week and also what they should have done: Eric, Rachel & Mitch, Autumn and Joshugh, Nathaniel and Abigail, Jessica and John.
In keeping with Verna’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial donations made to the Welland SPCA would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lampman Funeral Home. www.lampmanfuneralhome.com
James Richard Summersides
Born in 1924, Jim went on to spend most of his life in Welland, where he was born. Raised by immigrant parents, William and Charlotte, Jim shared his early life with his older sister, Beatrice. When war broke out, Jim joined the army when only 18. He went overseas to defend his country by joining the First Special Service Force. Jim (Red) proudly served with “ The Devil’s Brigade” before it was disbanded in 1944. He completed his war service with the 48th Highlanders in the Liberation of Holland. Shortly after returning home, Jim met Margaret, his one great love, with whom he would create memories for the next 75 years. Daughter Sherry and son Rex would be part of those memories as would their spouses Jorg and Jacqueline. His proudest moments would be the arrival of his beloved grandsons Ivor and John. Adventures at the family cottage would create many fond memories with a myriad of nieces and nephews as well as numerous sisters and brothers-in-law. Jim will be remembered for his devotion to country, his commitment to family, his dedication to youth education with the Canadian Legion, and his ready sense of humour.
The family would like to acknowledge the caring and support of all Lookout staff especially those in the Care Centre. Their kindness and compassion has been without measure. Staff from Rose Hill Lane also played an important role in seeing to Jim’s comfort.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to make a donation do so to the Royal Canadian Legion Talbot Trail Branch 613 Fonthill, Education Division.
A service of Celebration of Life will be held Friday 23 September 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Pelham Community Church, 461 Canboro Rd, Fenwick followed by a reception generously hosted by the Fonthill Legion 130, 141 Hwy 20 E, Fonthill.
Wilfred “Willie” Eldridge
Willie Eldridge passed away peacefully at home with family by his side after a short battle with cancer.
Loving husband of fifty-seven years to Sharon (Beamer) Eldridge. Father to Bonnie (Larry) Cherwinsk, Lisa, and Jim (Carri) Eldridge. Grandfather to six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Viola “Marie” Haywood
Thank you to the EMS Paramedics who assisted my mom and stayed with her until the doctor was available. Thank you to the doctors and nurses at the Welland Hospital site for caring for mom and making her comfortable until the end.
Robert Munro
Robert George Munro passed away peacefully in his ninety-third year at the Welland Hospital on Thursday, August 18, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of sixty-nine years to Shirley, loving father to Kevin (Rachel). Predeceased by mother and father Kathryn and George, and brothers Jack, Don, Bill, and Richard.
Bob was employed at the General Motors Axle Plant for forty years and retired as a Gauge Repairman in 1989.
A graveside service will be held at North Pelham Cemetery on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at 11am.
Carl Mander
Oct 30, 1943 – Aug. 15, 2022
Passed away peacefully at the Welland General Hospital Site with his brother Rick by his side.
Carl is survived by his two brothers Erle in St. Catharines and J. Richard (Susan) in Thorold. Predeceased by his father, Lyle Robert 1993, his mother, Sarah Hazel 1988 and his brother, Keith 2012.
Carl was born in North Pelham Ontario. Unfortunately, he suffered from Cerebral Palsy all of his life. On the family doctor’s advice, Carl was sent to live in a group home in the Barrie area when he was around 7 years old. His name was never mentioned again to anyone, and Mom and Dad did not visit him.
After Mom’s passing and Dad’s decline papers were discovered that mentioned Carl. Rick contacted the agency and arranged to visit him for the first time in 1988. Arrangements were then made for Carl to move to the Welland Pelham Community Living with the help of then MP Peter Kormos.
Carl was a gentle giant. He loved life. Even though he was unable to speak, he always let people know what he wanted. He was loved by all the workers at the group home.
A huge thank you to the staff at his group home, Welland General Emergency staff for the care of Carl during his last few weeks of life.
According to Carl’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside service is to be held on Thursday September 1st at 10:00 AM. The location of his internment is Oaklawn Cemetery, Jordon Station, ON.
Please in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Carl’s name to the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy.
Robert (Robin) MacKay
After a life well lived, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert MacKay (Robin) on July 15, 2022 at age 92.
Beloved husband of Nancy for 60 years, cherished father of Jennifer (John Rockel), and Jill (Chris Vanden Haak); loving Grandpa to Alex and Callum, and Grumpaw to wonderdog Nessie; brother to Elizabeth MacKay Turner; brother-in-law to Frank Gibbs; predeceased by parents James and Lily MacKay, brother James, close cousins Frank Luce and Barbara Luce Mumford, and parents-in-law Arthur and Mildred Gibbs.
Robin spent his childhood in Largs, Scotland, and remained deeply connected to his Scottish roots. This included a love of bagpipe and military band music, and an interest in WWI and WWII history. At 18, he emigrated to Canada, living with relatives in Niagara Falls. He completed an Honors BA in English at Queens University (1959), and teaching qualifications at University of Toronto (1961).
Robin’s first teaching assignments were in Niagara Falls and Burlington. In 1965 he began his 26 year career as Head of English at EL Crossley SS. His students reported that Mr. MacKay’s English class was never boring. He was renowned for his wit, dedication, and creativity. Students were encouraged to explore ideas, collaborate, make good mistakes, reflect, and keep at it!
He was also involved in education outside of the classroom. In the mid 1980’s, Robin was invited to be a member of the team that created and implemented the Writer’s Craft English curriculum for Ontario. Robin subsequently facilitated evening courses at Brock University for teachers interested in expanding their skills repertoire in teaching Writer’s Craft.
He was passionate about tennis! In 1966, as a Canadian Centennial project, Robin was approached by the Fenwick Lions Club to help them devise a tennis court that could be used for skating in winter and tennis in summer. That was the beginning of tennis in Fenwick! Soon the Pelham Tennis Association was created. Together with many volunteers, court supervisors, and junior instructors over the decades, the PTA came to offer tennis lessons for juniors, adults, round robins, and tournaments, and eventually an expanded club with 4 courts and a practice court. In 2007, Robin was honored by a surprise tribute for 40+ years of volunteer service on the PTA executive and the newly installed court was named in his honour – “The Rob MacKay Practice Court”.
A proud Fenwickian, Robin often commented that living in Fenwick meant being “deafened by birds”. He loved the town and his home and would get lost in the “back 40” growing everything from tomatoes to peanuts. He often quipped that “all roads lead to Fenwick”.
An avid reader, Robin was never without a book or three on the go. There was an unspoken rule amongst family to never give him a book if you might need his attention in the next two hours.
Our deep thanks and appreciation to Dr. David Dec and his team for his compassionate care over the years and to the wonderful staff of the Woodlands of Sunset for bringing daily joy, understanding, and quality care to Robin.
Cremation has taken place; arrangements entrusted to Lampman-Muir Funeral Home. A memorial service in Robin’s honour has been held in Scotland. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
As an expression of sympathy please consider making a contribution towards: the “Collaborator Scholarship” at EL Crossley SS, by clicking on “in honor of” Robin MacKay at: https://bit.ly/3QDIH5K or by sending a cheque to EL Crossley Secondary School, Attn: Janet Cripps, 350 Hwy 20, Fonthill ON L0S 1E0, 905-892-2635, or alternatively, to Pelham Cares, 191 Hwy 20 E, Fonthill, ON, L0S 1E6, 905-892-5300, (www.pelhamcares.org), or to a charity of your choice.
Remembrances of Robin may be shared at www.legacy.com or www.lampmanfuneralhome.com
Donald MacPherson
Donald “Donnie” Gary MacPherson passed away peacefully on July 31st, 2022 at the age of 68.
He spent his career working at various golf courses throughout the Niagara region as a superintendent. He was happiest outdoors mowing grass, chopping wood and sitting under the apple tree at his farmhouse with family, friends and his beloved dog daffy.
He is survived by his son Adam (Kaitlin) Beardwood, brother Rennie (Donna) MacPherson, sister Liz McCully and brother Kevin (Lesia) MacPherson. Predeceased by his brother Mickey and sister Linda.
A memorial service will be held on August 23 1:00 pm at North Pelham Cemetery followed by an open house from 2 to 4 at his farmhouse.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to McNally House Hospice in Grimsby.