STEPHEN JEVCAK
(January 31, 1953-October 19, 2022)
Stephen Jevcak passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, October 19th surrounded by his family.
He will be sorely missed by his siblings; Lind de Vries, Tom Jevcak (Rosemary), Sandra Jevcak, and Ed Jevcak (Helen), as well as his nephew and nieces; Kurt de Vries (Cleo), Quinn de Vries (Jeff), Leah de Vries (Dustin) and Jordy Jevcak-Hall. Predeceased by his father and mother; Stefan Jevcak and Anna Jevcak (nee Sincak).
Steve is best known for his kindness and altruism. He would go out of his way to help anyone in any way he could. He was a farmer, truck driver, musician, mechanic, animal lover, heavy machinery operator, party host (The Webber Road Parties) and, most importantly, a great friend. Steve had a way of inciting the extremes in both himself and others–it was always full tilt, pedal to the metal. Whether you loved him or hated him, he made you feel something. He was a very special person, truly one of a kind. Many people will remember him bar-hopping with his best friend, Butler (pictured above).
In his final years, Steve mostly kept to himself, but found comfort in a new close friend – Sadie. They found one another when they needed each other most. Sadie will miss all their truck rides together.
Steve’s family would like to thank Mike, Ron, Bruno, his nurse Lisa, and the care teams at the Juravinski Innovation Tower (St. Joseph’s) for their kindness and care. Any donations to the Niagara SPCA in Steve’s name would be greatly appreciated. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lampman Funeral Home. www.lampmanfuneralhome.com
“Maybe somewhere down the road a ways
You’ll think of me, and wonder where I am these days
Maybe somewhere down the road when someone plays
Purple Haze”
“End of the Line” by the Traveling Wilburys
PETER MARTINAK
October 21, 2022. Peter Martinak, 95, passed away peacefully at CAMA Woodlands facility, in Burlington, Ontario following a recent brief illness.
A devoted husband of 64 years, to Evelyn (Comfort, 1934-2016); Peter is survived by his three sons, Michael (Gail), Brian (Debbie) & David (Caroline) and daughter Elizabeth Martinez (Robert); seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Born July 11, 1927, in Skalite, Slovak Republic, son of Michal Martiniak and Dorata (Comecky) and eldest brother to three siblings, Anne (Chester), Joseph (Irene) and Mary (Steve). The family immigrated to Steinbeck, Manitoba in 1938 and later moved to the Niagara region. Peter and Evelyn purchased a home in Fenwick in 1953 where they raised their family and remained esteemed members of the community and Church, renowned for their volunteer efforts in later years, prior to moving to Vineland in 2015.
Peter was a crane operator at Atlas Steels in Welland, for more than 45 years until transitioning into his retirement by working part-time for the Town of Pelham. A farmer at heart, he took pride in his vegetable garden, fruit trees and sharing the harvest with family and neighbors. He enjoyed bowling, horseshoes, crokinole and family vacations. As a proud father and grandfather, he was always eager to attend sporting and community activities of all.
At Peter’s request there will be no funeral service. If desired, the family suggests memorial donations to CAMA Woodlands or Church of Christ, Fenwick.
Peter will be missed by all who loved him and remembered as an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, brother, in-law, uncle, friend, and mentor.
Adieu.
EDITH MAY WALDRON
Edith May Waldron (Morrison) of Port Colborne and formerly of Wellandport died October 15, 2022. She was born in Wolverhampton, England 98 years ago to the late George and Helen (Canning) Morrison.
She is predeceased by her husband, Eric (2005), sister Muriel Cutler and granddaughter, Nicole. Edith is survived by her daughters, Jane (Dennis Cartier) of Blenheim and Ann of Port Colborne, sons, Clive of Fenwick and Ken (Debbie) of Esquimalt, B.C., grandchildren Michelle (Andrew) Stewart and Jackie (Kenny) Waldron, Karen (Aric) Stoner and Shawn (Rebecca) Cartier and great-grandchildren Grace and McKinley Stewart, Samantha Bennett, and Scott, Colin and Evan Stoner. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Edith was the last family member of her generation being predeceased by sisters- and brothers-in-law Frank Priest, Wilf Cutler, Maisie and Leonard van der Hooft, Pearl and Bryn Thomas and Shelagh and George Lynham.
Edith served Christ Church, Wainfleet well over the years as Sunday School teacher, Vestry Clerk and Organist. She received the Order of Niagara in 2015. Although she had no formal training, she was in demand as a soloist for various functions over the years and enjoyed being a member of the Centennial Choir.
Funeral service will be conducted by Rev. Nirmal Mendis at Christ Church, Wainfleet on Saturday, October 22nd at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow.
Donations in Edith’s memory may be made to Christ Church, Wainfleet or Community Living Port Colborne-Wainfleet.
CHRISTINE ELIZABETH VERNON
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Christine Elizabeth Vernon (Helsby), 72 years young, 1950-2022. Survived by loving husband Thomas, children Brian (Lynne), Adam (Amy), Alisha (Jeremy) & Kyle (Josethy), siblings Linda, Jamie, Jody, Susan, Jeffrey & 12 beloved grandchildren. Predeceased by son Nathan, parents Doris and Jack, brother John and mother-in-law Jean.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 16th, 2022 from 5-8pm at Lampman Funeral Home, 724 Canboro Rd., Fenwick, L0S 1C0. Interment on Monday, October 17th, 2022 at 11am at Niagara Lakeshore Cemetery, 1483 Lakeshore Rd., Niagara-On-The-Lake, L0S 1J0.
Christine was proud to be a member of Scouts Canada, Fenwick Lioness and the North Pelham Youth Association.
In lieu of cards or flowers, donations in memory of Christine to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lampman Funeral Home. www.lampmanfuneralhome.com
BETTY KILTS
It is with extreme sadness that our family announces the passing of Mrs. Betty Doreen Kilts (Swayze) on Saturday, October 8th 2022. She was peacefully called home to be with her Lord and Saviour in her 91st year. Born on March 10th, 1932, in Wainfleet, daughter of Richard and Dorothy Swayze, she is predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Donald Marvin Kilts (2001) and her two sons George (2007) and Mark (2022).
Don and Betty lived their lives in Wellandport and enjoyed the country life. A devout Christian and volunteer, she was always on the go, spreading God’s love to others and helping out any way she could. She enjoyed being outdoors, walks, gardening, lunches with her friends and family, dogs (and cats) and her horses Velvet and Sugarfoot. She loved being surrounded by her family as it grew in numbers and enjoyed get togethers for birthdays, special occasions and summer picnics.
She is survived by her sister Shirley Frausel, and her children Bonnie Visser (Bill), Wayne (Wendy), daughter in law Cathie, Bruce (Elaine), Dale (Larae) and Melanie. 16 Grandchildren, 33 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great, Great Grandchildren!
Betty was loved by many and impacted so many lives during her journey here on earth by her kindness and caring and love for others. If you knew Betty, you would smile at your memories of her.
For those who wish, memorial donations to Open Arms Missions in Welland would be greatly appreciated. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 13, 2022 from 6-8 pm at Lampman Funeral Home, 724 Canboro Road, Fenwick and a Funeral Service at 10 a.m on Friday October 14th. Interment following the service at Hillside Cemetery, Canboro Road, Fenwick. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lampman Funeral Home. www.lampmanfuneralhome.com
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.