Harold Albert Smith, 77, of 846 Fourth St. E., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Thursday, July 3, 1997 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances.
Harold was born Feb. 10, 1920 in Sackville, N.B. to the late Albert and Verla Smith. He grew up in Sackville and in 1940, joined the Canadian Army. Harold was a member of the 8th Princess Louise’s N.B. Hussars and served overseas in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany, where he earned three medals and three stars.
He was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. No. 29, and also was a member of the Kiwanis Club in Fort Frances.
After his army service, Harold graduated in 1949 from Mount Allison University in Sackville. In 1959, he became an Ontario Land Surveyor and moved to Fort Frances, where he opened his own office on Portage Avenue.
For many years, Harold worked throughout the district meeting many people. During those years when not working, he could be found in his garden, at the cottage, curling club, Legion, or the Spot with his wife, Joan, and their family. With his retirement from surveying in 1985, Harold continued to be seen around town, going for coffee in the west end every morning with his truck and dogs.
On Sept. 6, 1958, Harold was united in marriage to Joan Allanach and together raised their three children in Fort Frances. He was predeceased by his wife, Joan C. Smith, on Sept. 3, 1996.
Harold is survived by his three children, daughter, Heather, and her husband, Gilles Arsenault, of Gruchet le Valasse, France; daughter, Sharon, and her husband, John Helder; and son, Robert Smith, all of Fort Frances. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Jordan and Dylan Helder, and Corey Smith; his mother-in-law, Jean Allanach of Fort Frances, Ont.; sister, Margaret and her husband, George Sudds, of Sackville, N.B.; sister, Helen and her husband, Jack Hamilton, of Etobicoke, Ont.; brother, Nelson Smith and his wife, Margaret, of Toronto, Ont.; as well as several nieces, nephews, and their families.
Funeral services were held Monday, July 7, 1997 at 2 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Rev. Patrick Playfair officiated, with interment in Riverview cemetery in Fort Frances. The Royal Canadian Legion Br. No. 29 "Colour Party" performed their Legion tribute following the service.
Pallbearers were John Helder, Gilles Arsenault, Larry Kivimaki, Chris Kivimaki, Morris Wonfor, and Trevor Scott.
In memoriam donations may be made to Friends of Animals, Box 545, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Always loved and always remembered.
LEONARD RALPH COOPER
Leonard Ralph Cooper, 74, of 913 McKenzie Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Friday, July 11, 1997 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances after a long battle with cancer.
Leonard was born Oct. 29, 1922 in Emo, Ont. to the late John James and Annie Jane Cooper.
He grew up and continued to operated the family farm east of Emo until it was sold in 1976. He also drove transport truck, and worked at the paper mill as well as various other jobs.
On July 8, 1943, Leonard married Anna Belle Norris and together they raised three children.
Leonard was active in the Emo community, including the Emo municipal council, Carpenter school board, and the cattlemen’s association.
After retirement, he and Anna Belle moved to their cabin on Footprint Lake, where they enjoyed gardening and the social and recreational delights of lake life. They travelled through every province and territory in Canada, as well as to Alaska, California and Florida.
Leonard is survived by his loving wife, Anna Belle; and his brother, Gordon and his wife, Florence, of Ladysmith, B.C. He also is survived by his son, John and wife, Gail, of Logan Lake, B.C. and their children, James and Ryan; his daughter, Joan and husband, John Warner, of Kingsville, Ont., and their children, Timothy and Donald; and his son, David and his wife, Joanne, of Thunder Bay, and their children, Richard and Robyn.
Leonard was predeceased by his sister, Muriel McLeod; and his brothers, Elmer and Allen.
Following cremation, a memorial service was held Tuesday, July 15, 1997 at 2 p.m. at Knox United Church in Fort Frances.
In memoriam donations may be given to the Canadian Cancer Society, Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A
ARLO ALLAN LITTLEFIELD
Arlo Allan Littlefield, 74, of 851 Colonization Rd. W., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Wednesday, July 9, 1997 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances.
He was born Dec. 9, 1922 in Emo, Ont. to the late Grant and Vera Littlefield.
Arlo was raised and received his education in Emo. During the 1940s, he joined the air force and was stationed in Canada. Upon his discharge from the services, he returned to Emo, where he worked for the Department of Highways for several years.
In Emo, he was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 99.
In 1966, Arlo was united in marriage to the former Marie Mathieson. Arlo and Marie later moved to Kenora, Ont., where he continued his work with the Department of Highways until his retirement, at which time they moved to Fort Frances.
Arlo enjoyed their cabin, boating and fishing at their cabin at Morson, on Lake of the Woods. In his later years, he enjoyed having coffee with the company of his buddies.
Arlo was predeceased by his wife, Marie Littlefield, on Jan. 13, 1993. He also was predeceased by one daughter, Bonnie Burnside; and one brother, Aldon Littlefield.
He is survived by one son, Terry Littlefield and wife, Karen, of Tumbler Ridge, B.C.; one daughter, Cheryl and husband, Frank Curtis, of Emo, Ont.; four stepdaughters, Kristine, Carol, Ronda and Joann and their families; one stepson, Colin and his family; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Adele and husband, Gordon Meyers, of Emo, Ont., and Lorraine and husband,Kendal Nauclear, of B.C.; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation took place, followed by a graveside service at Forest Lawn cemetery in Rainy River, Ont. on Wednesday, July 16, 1997 at 10 a.m., with Rev. John McFarlane officiating.
In memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
PANSY LEVERA GIBSON
Pansy Gibson, 83, of RR#2, Emo, Ontario passed away on Friday, July 18, 1997 at Dryden District General Hospital in Dryden, Ont.
Pansy was born on June 9, 1914 in Emo Township to the late William and Annie Moulton. She was raised in Mather Township, where she lived her entire life. On July 15, 1942, Pansy was united in marriage to Harold Gibson and together worked and raised their children on the family farm. Pansy was a lifetime member of the Chapple Women's Institute. She enjoyed milking the cows, quilting, gardening and berry picking. Most of all, Pansy had a special love for her family and will be sadly missed.
She was predeceased by her husband, Harold Gibson (Jan. 15, 1988); son, William Harold "Bill" Gibson (Aug. 8, 1991); son-in-law, John Watts (Nov. 25, 1983), and two sisters, Arlene Moulton and Thelma Carrier.
Pansy is survived by three sons, Robert Gibson and his wife, Marie, James Gibson, and his wife, Kathy, all of Emo, Ont.; and Douglas Gibson of Dryden, Ont.; two daughters, Mary, and her husband, Steve Shandro of Edmonton, AB; and Isabel Watts of Barwick, Ont.; one daughter-in-law, Donna Gibson, of Emo, Ont.; 18 grandchildren; one great-grandson; two sisters, Fronie Moulton, and Alva Irvine of Emo, Ont.; two brothers, Wellington Moulton, of Emo, Ont., and Ivan Moulton and his wife, Jean, of Napanee, Ont.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 22, 1997 at 1:30 p.m. at Off Lake Evangelical Covenant Church in Barwick, Ont., Reverend Earl Swanson officiated with interment in Barwick cemetery in Barwick, Ont.
Friends visited Monday, July 21, 1997 from 7-9 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, Ont.
The pallbearers were Glen Hart, Neil Grant, Bob Angus, John Angus, David Carr and Rudy Meyers.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Arthritis Society, 209 McIrvine Road, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3N3, or to the charity of your choice.
JAQUILYN RUTH TURNER
Jaquilyn Ruth "Jaqui" Turner, 49, of 714 Church St., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Sunday, July 13, 1997 at La Verendrye General Hospital. She was born Aug. 24, 1947 in Fort Frances.
Jaqui was employed for 20 years at the local mill, and was the mill’s first female shift supervisor. She always enjoyed sports, especially curling and golf. She could never resist small children and just had to play with them.
Jaqui is survived by her mother, Melba Turner; brother, Jon and wife, Karyn, of Unionville Ont.; sisters, Jean and husband, David Bushey, of Vernon, B.C., Jill Kawulia of Fort Frances, Ont., Janet and husband, Vic, of Mississauga, Ont., and Jody and special friend, Dan Willicome, of Burnaby, B.C.; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as friend Helen Krag; and grandchildren of heart, Jennifer and Steven Krag.
She was predeceased by her father, George Turner; and her niece, Cindy Kawulia.
Memorial services were held Wednesday, July 16, 1997 at 10 a.m. at Green Funeral Home with Rev. Patrick Playfair officiating.
Honourary pallbearers were Barb Asplund, Jean LaFoy, Carol Cassabo, Maxine Howarth, Linda Shannon, and Maureen Ross.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario c/o Dave Thornton, 840 Frenette Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2N5.
MICHAEL FRANCIS BENINGER
Michael Beninger, 43, of 150 Cedar Cres., Atikokan, Ont., passed away peacefully at McKellar Hospital in Thunder Bay on Sunday, July 20, 1997 after never regaining consciousness following a tragic accident on Friday, July 4, 1997.
Michael was born June 28, 1954 in Emo, Ont. where he lived until 1961, when he moved with his family to Atikokan. Following high school, Michael graduated from a welding course and was a certified welder. He worked for eight years with Great Lakes Woodlands as a welder/mechanic, and more recently as a mechanic with Buchanan Forest Products until his sudden passing.
Michael was also a guide for many years, and taught a guiding course at Confederation College for a semester. Michael loved the outdoors and made several movies about fishing. He also enjoyed hunting and tinkering with vehicles and motors.
Michael was a real people person, and was always helping others out by fixing things for them. Michael loved his family, especially his two children, Noelle and Bradley, and will be sadly missed by them.
He was predeceased by his father, William Beninger, on April 28, 1977.
Michael is survived by his two children, Noelle and Bradley Beninger; mother, Margaret Beninger of Atikokan; brother, Patrick Beninger of Atikokan; two sisters, Ruth (John) Ritchat and their children, Conrad, Maeghan, and Graeme, of Waterford, Ont., and Cathy (John) White and their sons, Conor and Broghan, of Guelph, Ont.; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorial services were held Thursday, July 24, 1997 at First Baptist Church in Atikokan, with Pastor Bert Baxter officiating. Honourary pallbearers were all of Michael’s family and friends.
In memoriam donations may be made to Noelle and Brad’s education c/o 150 Cedar Cres., P.O. Box 1905, Atikokan, Ont., P0T 1C0, or to the charity of your choice.
WAYNE L. RABOIN
Wayne L. Raboin, 57, formerly of International Falls, Mn., passed away in Brea, Calif. on Monday, July 28, 1997.
He was born in International Falls in November, 1939 and graduated from Falls High School in 1958. He played on the Broncos football team. He also served four years in the U.S. Navy.
He retired from Lucky Stores Inc. of Buena Park, Calif. after 27 years as a truck driver.
He was predeceased by his father, Edward Raboin; and brother, James Raboin.
Survivors include his wife, Rosemary Cookson-Raboin; sons, Timothy, Ronald, Steven, and Scott; mother, Eleanor of the Falls; brothers, Richard and wife, Marlys, of the Falls, and Jerry and wife, Beverly, of Long View, Wash.; sister, Dorothy and husband, Jerry Hinricks, of Fort Frances; and three grandchildren.
Services will be held at St. Angelus Church in Brea on Friday, Aug. 1, 1997 at 8 a.m.
Cards of condolence may be sent to Rosemary Raboin, 1345 Summer Lake Cir., Brea, CA, 92821-2838.
VIOLET MAUD ASHLEY
Violet Maud Ashley, of 45 Colonization Rd., Emo, Ont., passed away Wednesday, July 23, 1997.
In loving memory of Violet Maud Ashley, who passed away in Emo hospital July 23, 1997 after several years of bad health.
Having suffered several strokes in Ottawa, she came to Emo in 1989 to make her home with her sister, Lily Rathwell.
Violet was the youngest of the Robertson family of eight. Clark Robertson of Fort Frances was her only brother. She had worked in his office before moving to Nepean, Ont. and receiving a position as secretary in the House of Commons, where she was employed for 27 years.
Lastly, she had worked in the office of MP Gordon Towers, who later was appointed Lt.-Gov. of Alberta.
Violet was predeceased by her husband, Elgin Ashley in 1977; her father, who made his home with them until his passing in 1952; her mother in 1925; brother, Clark Robertson; sisters, Lousie Pierce of Vancouver, and Jean Robertson and Nellie Mead of Winnipeg; nephew James Rathwell of Dryden; and brother-in-law, Lorne Cole of Nepean, Ont.
Surviving are sisters, Isabelle Robertson of Winnipeg and Mary Cole of Nepean, Ont.; and several nieces and nephews in Canada and the United States.
Violet was a very private person who dearly loved her family. All were very close. A kindly person who was charitable to everyone in need. She had prepared her own private funeral arrangements, that were carried out to perfection by Mr. Frank DeBenedet of Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
Burial was at Darlingford, Man. in the Ashley family plot.
Emo hospital was her final home the last four years. She greatly appreciated the excellent care of Dr. O’Sullivan and wonderful nurses in Emo. She will be greatly missed by many.
