Gerald "Jerry" Gregory Billo, age 79, of Stratford passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at the Stratford General Hospital on Tuesday August 17, 2010. Born in Stratford, son of the late Jacob Billo and the former Leita Nicholson. Jerry lived all of his life here and was part of the Kroehler family as an upholsterer for 43 years retiring in 1991. In his younger years he was active in sports as a player and coach. Jerry was a member of the St. John's Ambulance Men's Division in Stratford, where he volunteered many hours of duty at local events and served as a volunteer on weekends with the City of Stratford Ambulance. He was an avid bowler on various teams in Stratford for many years, in his later years enjoyed being a spectator or listening to his "beloved Cullies". Jerry was a member of St. Josephs Roman Catholic Church. Jerry and Margaret shared many memorable trips and bus trips with dear friends, including camping in Port Elgin for over 25 years. He always enjoyed horseshoeing and a good game of Euchre with friends. He played a major role in his family's life, and was always proud of them and their accomplishments. Dearly beloved husband of 56 years to Margaret (Sinclair) Billo whom he married June 26, 1954. Dearly loved father of Leslie McRae, Stratford, Susan Straus and her husband Murray, Tavistock and Sandra Wicke and her partner Tim Parker, Stratford. Cherished Poppa of Jeremy McRae, Stratford, Jessica McRae and partner Joe Bender, Stratford, Michael Straus, Rachel Straus, (both Tavistock) and Matthew Wicke, Stratford. Loving great Poppa of Cassandra and Jason Bender, Stratford. Survived by sisters-in-law Rose Billo and Anita Billo, both of Stratford, brother-in-law Mort Wilson, Winnipeg and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brothers Edward Billo and wife Madeline, Donald Billo, Gordon Billo, Karl Billo and wife June, sister Marie Wilson and husband Jack, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Douglas Sinclair and wife Hilda and granddaughter Terri Billo in infancy.
Friends and relatives may call at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford on Thursday August 19th from 6-9 p.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church on Friday at 11 a.m. Rev. Fr. Dick Bester will officiate. Interment will follow in Avondale cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or St. Joseph's Church Building Fund through the funeral home. Parish prayers will be held at the funeral home on Thursday at 8:30 p.m.
Audrey Margaret Ashley
Audrey Margaret Ashley, age 83, of Stratford passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Monday August 16, 2010. A world traveller, Audrey was the theatre critic for the Ottawa Citizen 1961-1985, as well as the Citizen's Music and Drama editor from 1961 to 1977. During this period she covered a roster of professional and amateur theatre companies from the National Arts Centre to the Ottawa Little Theatre. In addition to her Ottawa beat, she regularly covered the Stratford and Shaw festivals as well as occasional productions in Toronto, Montreal, Halifax and New York. Following her move to Stratford, Ontario, in 1985, Audrey continued to review on a free-lance basis for the Ottawa Citizen and the Stratford Beacon Herald. She was awarded the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal for her service to the arts. Loving wife of James Ashley whom she married August 19, 1948. Dear mother of Warwick (Erin) Ashley of Sammamish, Washington and cherished grandmother of Devon and Meredith Ashley. She will be deeply missed by her sister Jenny (Sean) Bergin and niece Meg.
She is predeceased by her parents Albert Harris and the former Mabelle Barker. The Memorial Service to celebrate Audrey’s life will be held at St. James Anglican Church on Tuesday August 24 2010 at 2:00 pm. The Reverend Canon Dr. Lorne Mitchell will officiate. Interment of the ashes will immediately follow in God's Holy Acre at the church grounds. Light refreshment will be served after. As Audrey was first and foremost a writer, written expressions of sympathy or remembrance in lieu of flowers or donations, would be gratefully received through the funeral home.
Martha Jane Kent
Martha Jane Kent, age 83, of Stratford passed away peacefully at the Stratford General Hospital on Thursday August 19, 2010. Born in Elgin County, daughter of the late Robert and Agnes (Ferguson) Walker. Beloved wife of 63 years to George Kent. Loving mother of Judy Gutmanis and husband Raymond. Cherished grandmother of Jeffrey Gutmanis. She will be missed by her brothers John Walker and wife Doris, Bob Walker and wife Barbara and sister Bessie Ruel. Besides her parents she was predeceased by a son George Jr., sisters Margaret Walker (1948), Mary Andersen (1980), Kathleen Walker (1998), Joan Dielman (2002) and Elizabeth Eveland (2003). A private family memorial service will be held at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford. Interment will be in Aylmer cemetery at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Perth County Humane Society through the funeral home.
Douglas Fulton
Douglas Alvin Fulton passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at University Hospital London on Thursday August 19th, 2010 at the age of 67 years. He was born in Stratford on April 17th, 1943 the son of the late Alvin Fulton and the former Mildred Pehlke. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathryn Hicks whom he married on October 14th, 1961. Dear Dad and Grampa to Steven and wife Anne-Marie (Andrew/Emily), Paul and wife Helen (Nikki/Tommy), David and Scott all of Stratford. Doug will be sadly missed by his brother Larry and wife Joyce of Elimville, sister-in-law Marilyn McCann of Forest, his nieces and nephews and his trusted companions Amy and Vince. Doug spent his lifetime working as a truck driver until his retirement in April 2008 from Steed Standard Transport of Stratford. He was an avid sport enthusiast and over the years volunteered in Rotary Hockey, Stratford Minor Baseball Association, Stratford Baseball Association and Stratford Minor Sports Council. He loved to watch his sons and his grandkids play. Doug enjoyed to travel and spent many weekends and winter months relaxing in their RV with new and old friends and family. He is a member of the Oddfellows Lodge Avon 41 and the ANAF Unit 261. His final gift was as an organ donour. Friends and relatives may call at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford, on Sunday August 22nd from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the W.G. Young Funeral Home on Monday August 23rd at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Andrew’s cemetery , North Easthope. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Camp Trillium or The Stratford General Hospital through the funeral home. The Oddfellows will be holding a service on Sunday at 6:15pm.
Frank Kearsey
Frank Richard Kearsey, age 77, passed away at the Stratford General Hospital on Thursday August 19, 2010. Frank was a long time resident of East Gore Street and in partnership with his brother Bob operating Kearsey Brothers Plastering for many years. Predeceased by his parents Frank and Jessie (Geldhart) Kearsey. Dear brother of Mary Sumarak, Mississauga; Bob Kearsey and wife Sharon, Stratford; Ann Kovachevich and husband Rudy, Kitchener and Nancy Schmitte and husband Bernie, Stratford. Frank will be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews, David Pallister, Marilyn Pallister, Jane Tollefson, Rade Kovachevich, Bernard Schmitte, Karen Bell, Frank Kearsey and Mark Kearsey and their families. Friends and relatives may call at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford on Monday August 23rd from 7-9 p.m. and on Tuesday from 12 noon - 1 p.m. A private family service will be held at the Funeral Home. Interment will be in Avondale cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Diabetes Association or to the Stratford General Hospital through the funeral home.
Donald 'Jim' McRae
Donald James "Jim” McRae, age 69, of New Hamburg passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the Stratford General Hospital on Saturday August 21, 2010. Jim was a gentle man who had a compassionate heart for people who needed a hand. He spent many years working for Mutual Life of Canada. After retirement he continued working in financial services part-time. He was a past member of The Kiwanis club and a member of Memorial Baptist Church in Stratford. Loving husband of Ruth Anne whom he married June 08, 1963. Dear father of Lori (John) Window, David (Connie) McRae and Alison (Steve) Habermehl. Cherished grandfather of Jordan, Lachlyn, Colin, Michael and Liam. Jim will be missed by his brothers Bill (Nancy) and Allen McRae and sisters in law Carol and Melba McRae. He is predeceased by his parents Donald and Ada McRae and brothers Neil and Hugh McRae. Friends and relatives may call at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St. Stratford on Wednesday August 25, 2010 from 6-9 pm. The Memorial Service will be held at Memorial Baptist Church on Thursday at 2:00 pm. Rev. David Elliott will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Stratford House of Blessing or Christian Horizons through the funeral home.
Florence Martin
Mrs. Florence Mary Martin, age 82, long-time resident of Stratford, passed away peacefully at the Mitchell Nursing Home on Saturday August 21, 2010. Florence Mary Swallow was born in Scunthorpe, England in 1928. She married the love of her life, Frank Leonard Martin, on March 17, 1951. In 1957, Mary emigrated to Canada to join her devoted husband who had arrived in Canada two months previously. They started out their life in Canada in Sydney, Nova Scotia, moving to St. Bruno, Quebec, Scarborough, Ontario and finally settling in Stratford in 1973. Mom loved Stratford, except for the fact that it is located in the "snow belt".
Mary was an avid bridge player, quietly keeping track of each card and never losing patience with less skilled partners, such as her daughter. From an early age, Mom was an excellent knitter, making many beautiful outfits. She was known for her contribution of knitted teddy bears to the Cuddle Bear program of the Alzheimer Society as well as baby outfits for premature infants at the Stratford Hospital. Mary was a golf enthusiast, whose consistent "straight as an arrow" shots caused no end of frustration
for Frank. Mary also enjoyed bowling, walks with friends and enjoyed special outings with her bridge buddies. Mary was known for her beautiful garden as well as being a plant doctor for indoor plants. She had a particular talent with African violets. On her many travels with Frank, they both enjoyed touring various gardens.
Mary was predeceased by Frank in 1989, prematurely ending a true love affair. She continued to live in her own home until Alzheimer's made it necessary for her to move in early 2003. Mary was extremely fortunate to find a second home at Anne Hathaway, where we were constantly told, "they take such good care of me". Mary was the loving mother of Lynne Martin (Joan Ashlee) of Thunder Bay, Andrew (Ruth Anne) Martin of Stoney Creek and Nadine (George) Rutyna of Brampton. Cherished grandmother of Katherine (Dan), Heather, Ashlee (Aaron), Sandy, Bobby, Patti, Suzie, James (Dannielle), Laura, Christopher, Amanda and Sarah. Great grandmother of Kieran and Emily. Friends and relatives may call at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St. Stratford on Wednesday August 25 from 11:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 pm. Private family interment will follow in Avondale cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer Society through the funeral home.
John 'Grant' Parr
John "Grant" Parr, age 76, of Stratford passed away peacefully at the Stratford General Hospital on Monday August 23, 2010. Born in Guelph and lived most of his life in Stratford. He is the son of the late Harry Parr and the late Kathleen (McGrorey) and her husband (step-father) Harry Nichol. Grant's passion was baseball having coached the Women’s fastball team in Shakespeare and the Ladies Slow-Pitch team in Stratford. He is survived by son Stephen Parr, Calgary and daughter Leanne Parr (William Buckley), Stratford. Cherished grandfather of Chloe Buckley, Stratford. Dear brother of Sylvio Parr, and wife Shirley, Stratford and Jim Nichol, Kitchener. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by a son John, sister Dawn Anderson and husband Joe and sister-in-law Dianne Nichol. At Grant's request his body has been donated to medical science at the University of Western Ontario. A private family service will be held at a later date. A Celebration of his life will be held at Molly Blooms Restaurant, 26 Brunswick Street, Stratford on Friday August 27th from 4-7 p.m. (all ages are welcome). As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Perth County Humane Society or to the charity of one's choice through the funeral home.
William 'Bill' Gorvett
William "Bill"Gorvett, age 85, of Stratford passed away peacefully at the Stratford General Hospital on Monday August 23, 2010. Loving father of Maureen (Bruce) Burkholder, Bruce (Louise) Gorvett and David (Barbara) Gorvett. Dear grandfather of Dean, Amber and Nathan. Bill will be missed by his sister Ferne (Charles) Weiss.
He is predeceased by his wife Elsie (nee Burt) in 1996 and by his parents Edwin and Alice Gorvett.
Before his retirement, Bill was a professional photographer in Stratford for over 30 years with his studio at Spackman & Ross Drug Store on Ontario Street.
Friends and relatives may call at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St. Stratford on Saturday August 28 from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Avondale cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Stratford Meals on Wheels and Neighbourly Services or M.A.D.D. through the funeral home.
