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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 “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.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Christine Ruth Reichert on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at the age of 54. Loving Mom of Matthew Slatina and Christopher Slatina of Welland, Ontario. Beloved sister of Johanna Schmelter and brother-in-law Tillmann Schmelter and aunt of Daria and Dominic. Christine is predeceased by her parents Edward and Margaret Reichert, former owners of Lincoln Meat Market of Fenwick. She will be missed by her extended family in Canada, England, Germany and elsewhere.

Christine was active in many local charities in Pelham including Open Arms Mission Food Bank and Pelham Cares and received a commendation from Tim Hudak for her volunteer hours. She was also involved in the Business Society, Kidney Support and the Lupus Society.

Christine’s family would like to thank the staff and friends she met at Welland Hospital-LTC during dialysis for their support.

A Rite of Committal has taken place at Hillside Cemetery in Ridgeville. Memorial donations made to Open Arms Mission Food Bank or the Welland Humane Society (Seaway Mall) would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lampman Funeral Home.

It is with great sadness that the family of Wesley Crowe Sr. announces his peaceful passing on July 7th 2022 at the age of 90, at the Welland hospital. Born December 6, 1931 to parents Elsie and Naaman Crowe.

Predeceased by his wife Eileen on July 29th, 2018. Wesley and Eileen were married for 63 years in which they were very seldom seen apart. Now, they are finally together again.

He will sadly be missed by his sons Jeff (Mary), Wesley Jr. (Patty). Predeceased by Harvey (Kathy).

Wesley will be fondly remembered and cherished by his 7 grandchildren David (Sherri), Sharon (Dwight), Jason (Alex), Crystal (Richard), Wesley III (Kaleigh), Tyler, Chris (Rachel) and Tommy(1978).

He will be sadly missed by his 12 great grandchildren Faith, Wyatt, Alanna, Grace, Landon, Riley, Wesley IV, Christopher, Hailiy, Madison, Chloe and Piper.

Wesley will be deeply missed by his brothers Alan and Kenny as well as sister-in-laws Pearl, Shirley, Irene, Doreen and Ina.

Loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by brothers Glen, Leo, Carson, Roger and sisters Dorothy and Melba and sister-in-law Joan..

Wesley worked at the papermill in Thorold as the General Maintenance Foreman for over 30 years until his retirement. He was a very proud, hard-working, dedicated family man who was always there to help his family. Wesley has left us a beautiful legacy, a lifetime of memories and a smile we will never forget. You are in our hearts forever.

To honour the wishes of Wesley, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lampman Funeral Home.

Elizabeth Anne (Bette) Wiley passed away peacefully in her 88^th year, on Monday, July 4, 2022.   Elizabeth was born in 1935 in Toronto. She moved to St. Catharines when her parents began farming in the area west of the city. She was a proud wife, mother, family farm partner, dedicated volunteer  and well-known member of the Rockway community.

Elizabeth will be greatly missed by her sons David (Mary), Greg, and Jamie (Sharon); and her grandchildren, Philip, Sarah and Rachel Wiley. She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Donald Victor Wiley, in December, 2020.

Elizabeth is survived by her sister-in-law Myrna Watson of Orillia, and brothers-in-law Warren (Catherine) and Bill (Barb) Wiley. She was predeceased by her brother Stan Walpole (Margaret); brother Walter Watson and sisters Marg (William) Robertson and Mary (Mel) Bulmer; as well as brothers-in-law John (Ruth), Keith (Helen) and Clair (June) Wiley.

Elizabeth was one of four children of Harry Watson and Sarah McGarvey. Sarah passed away from childbirth complications, and Elizabeth was lovingly adopted by her paternal aunt, Emily (Watson) Walpole and husband Arthur Walpole. Elizabeth married Donald Wiley November 3, 1956 in Vineland.  She worked for many years in the family grape farming business, and especially enjoyed greeting customers at the Wiley Brothers Farms retail store.

Elizabeth volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society and many of her sons’ school events over the years. She loved seeing her boys play sports, driving ‘mom’s taxi’ to many practices, games and rowing regattas. She was an avid gardener, made great preserves, loved her pet cats, and was a big fan of the Toronto Blue Jays and Raptors.

Cremation has taken place, and a private family interment will follow at Rockway Cemetery. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Please visit www.lampmanfuneralhome.com to leave an online condolence.  Donations in Elizabeth’s memory may be made to the Niagara Fund of the Niagara Community Foundation, online, at: https://niagaracommunityfoundation.org/niagarafund/  ; or by calling 905-684-8688, extension 24.

1. John K. Haverkamp, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 11, 2022, in his 78th year.
   John will be deeply missed by his best friend and loving partner, Margaret. John was an irreplaceable and dear father of John Ashley Haverkamp and “Poppy” to his loving dog Zito.
   John is predeceased by his parents, Johanna and Jan, and his brother Keith.
   Treasured by his extended family, Dennis, Sandy, Debbie, Jim, Valerie, Cathy and Pete. Blessed with eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
   John’s working life revolved around the paper mill. John was happiest at home outdoors chopping wood and planning his next travel adventure with Marg.
   Private cremation has taken place and a Celebration of John’s Life will be held at a later date.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Margaret “Gre” Eshuis, 88, of St. Catharines, Ontario passed on peacefully to be with the Lord on June 1, 2022.  Margaret was born on June 4, 1933 in the Netherlands to the late John and Frances Moraal.

Margaret immigrated to Canada with her family in 1953.  It was in Essex, Ontario that she met and married her loving husband of 64 years, Henry Eshuis.  Margaret is survived by her husband, her children Sonya Bechard (Joe), Jim Eshuis (Jocelyn), Mark Eshuis (Elaine), Jamila Eshuis, her 10 grandchildren, Gabrielle, Monique, James, David, Danielle, Samantha, Reuben, Ingrid, Brandon, and Diego, and her siblings Emmy (Wassenaar), Ruth (Schinkel), and Lawrence (Moraal).  She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Tina (Wassenaar), her grandson, Bradley, and her granddaughter Anneke.

Margaret was a homemaker at heart and will be remembered for the devotion she gave to being a loving wife and mother.  Although there were years when she worked a number of jobs outside the home, she could always be counted on to be there for her family – always providing,  supporting, and caring for them.  Forever a hostess, she will be remembered for her meal preparation and for providing a welcoming environment.  This extended into her partnership with her Pastor husband as they ministered to the families of the churches they belonged to.  Selfless and giving, she valued a life of service and was always there for others.  She will also be fondly remembered for her love of beauty, as evidenced in her crafting, for her  industriousness, as evidenced in her gardening, and for her love of adventure as she took advantage of opportunities to travel.

We are so saddened that Margaret has passed on but we are confident she is happy at her home in heaven.  We will always miss her presence in our lives but she leaves us with so many beautiful memories.  She has shown us love.  Please honor her passing by always sharing your love with those around you.

Interment will take place on Monday, June 6, 2022 at 9:30am at Pleasantview Memorial Gardens, 2250 Highway 20, Fonthill, Ontario.  A funeral service celebrating her life will follow at Trinity Christian Reformed Church at 11:00am, 1230 Old Martindale Rd., St.Catharines, Ontario.

The family requests that all donations be made to World Renew.  Please click on this LINK to find out more.

JANUARY 21, 1929-MAY 30, 2022

It is with much sadness that the family of Josie Melon announce her peaceful passing in her 93 year at Idlewyld Manor LTC Hamilton on Monday May 30^th.

Beloved and cherished loving mother of Irene and John devoted gramma to Gregg, Kyle (Tara) and Lacey (Stephen). Loving great gramma to Jack and Ava. Also, she will be greatly missed by ex-daughter in law, Fran, who was a like daughter and whom she loved dearly.

Josie was predeceased by her husband, John, who passed away in December 1994, brother Roman and parents Adam and Magdalena Kedziora.  She is survived by two younger sisters: Marysia and Kasia who live in Poland. Our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful care our mom received at Spruceview and the compassion and kindness of those caring for her. It will not be forgotten.

Josie was born in Wojkow, Poland and spent some years in Germany before emigrating to Canada. She spoke three languages.

John and Josie were dairy farmers for over 38 years in St. Ann’s until John’s health failed and they moved to Hamilton. She was an extraordinary cook and baker as well as an avid gardener whose beautiful garden was filled with many varieties of blooming flowers, shrubs and trees and many lawn ornaments.

A private graveside service will be held on Friday, June 3^rd at Holy Cross Cemetery.  If desired, in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made to Idlewyld Manor.

Josie leaves a legacy of kindness, generosity and a true love of animals and nature. She will be forever missed.

“God Bless You Mama,

Spread Your Wings and fly our angel, your life touched us all.”