On Oct. 28, 1997, John T. (Jack) Egan passed away at Fort Frances, Ont. at the age of 77 years.
He was the second-oldest in the family of Patrick Philbert Egan and Gertrude Rose Egan (nee Harrigan), and was born at Mazenod, Sask. on Nov. 17, 1919 "out on the bald-headed prairie," to quote his father.
The family moved to Fort Frances in 1923, where Jack grew up during the Great Depression of the "Dirty Thirties." He had vivid memories of those days of little or no indoor plumbing, no radios, no refrigeration; in fact, none of the conveniences we take for granted today.
However, he also remembered those days as very active, enjoyable times--learning to swim at Pither’s Point Park on Rainy Lake, large family gardens, piling, sawing and splitting wood, "running" the sawlogs in water storage at the two large Shevlin-Clarke sawmills on the upper Rainy River, swimming at the "old ‘red dock’ swimming hole," also on the upper Rainy River, delivering daily papers (the Daily Bulletin and the Fort Frances Times) in the east end of Fort Frances, and picking wild fruit (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc.) all over the area in season, for winter preserves, which were essential "in the continuing struggle to keep body and soul together," to quote his mother.
But, he often reflected, it couldn’t have been much fun for our parents.
After graduating from high school in the mid-30s, Jack, as did most of the youngsters of his generation, worked at whatever seasonal jobs became available. He fought forest fires all over the lake and bush country of the district, including the major forest fire south of Flanders in the hot, dry summer of 1936 and the tragic Dance Township fire in the autumn of 1938.
In the summer of 1937, he worked as a "bull cook" at a Crow Lake tourist camp on the newly-opened strip of loose gravel called the Kenora Highway. During the first half of the following winter, he worked with a group of young men cutting out and improving telephone lines in Quetico Park, under the supervision of park rangers, in what was called a Youth Training Rehabilitation Program of the Province of Ontario. During the second half of that same winter, he worked as a "swamper" in a Shevlin-Clarke sawlog camp on the Maligne River in Quetico Park.
He also worked as a logman on two Shevlin-Clarke sawlog river drives--one on Bear Creek south of Flanders, which was a "piece of cake," and the other a drive "rear" on the Namakan River, which was not a piece of cake. Both were memorable experiences. He enjoyed the hard physical work and camaraderie of the camp life of those days.
Finally, in July of 1940, he got a steady office job at the local paper mill and there (except for service in the Canadian army during World War II) he stayed until his retirement at the end of November, 1984, after working at a number of different jobs.
Jack and Sheila Peterson of Fort Frances were married on Sept. 22, 1952. They had two children, Janet Doris and John Paul. Jack liked fishing and hunting, and built a cabin on Redgut Bay of Rainy Lake, which he and his family enjoyed very much. But he had a bit of wanderlust in his makeup and often when fishing would say, "Let’s forget the fishing and go for a boat ride," or if hunting, he would say "Let’s forget the hunting and drive to the end of the road."
So during very busy times in his working life, he managed to take his family on two driving trips to the west coast of Canada and on one trip to the east coast of Canada, including Quebec. Later on, he made three trips up the Alaska Highway to Alaska and the Yukon and Northwest Territories, and two trips over the Dempster Highway, which starts near Dawson City in the Yukon and angles northward over the mountains and tundra to Inuvik at the mouth of the Mackenzie River in the Northwest Territories.
During the second of these Dempster trips, he joined a group of other campground travellers in a same-day return trip by Twin Otter to nearby Tuktoyaktuk, a hub of oil and gas exploration in the area, which he found fascinating.
He always regretted not at least "having a look" at Newfoundland and Labrador.
Besides his parents, Jack was predeceased by an older sister, Anastasia, in childhood (1927); by two brothers, Bertram ("Bert") in 1955 and Martin ("Red") in 1978; his wife, Sheila in 1991; and by a brother-in-law, Charles Folino, in 1993.
He is survived by his daughter, Janet and her husband, Bill Plumridge, and grandson, Neil Plumridge; son, John; his daughter-in-law, Carol (nee Ronmark); sister, Doris Ferguson and Alex Kapac; brother, Ken and his wife, Dede (nee Armit), all of Fort Frances; sisters, Frances ("Pat") and her husband, Ray Cottrell, and Jean Folino, of Thunder Bay, and Agnes and her husband, Lorne Swanson, of Pinawa, Man.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
There was visitation at Green Funeral Home from 7-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, 1997.
At Jack’s request, there was no funeral service. Family and friends were invited to visit at Bill and Janet’s, 839 4th St. E., on Friday, Oct. 31 from 2-4 p.m.
Interment was in Riverview cemetery in Fort Frances.
WILFRED RYERSON COULSON
Wilfred Ryerson Coulson of Sparwood, B.C., formerly of Atikokan, Ont., entered into rest on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 1997 at the Cranbrook Regional Hospital. He was 88 years of age.
Wilf leaves to mourn his passing, his loving wife Lorna; four sons, Clayton Coulson (Marilyn) of Provo, Utah; Larry Coulson of Sparwood; Gerald Coulson of Trail, B.C. and Doug Coulson (Lynda) of Castlegar, B.C.; three daughters and sons-in-law, Shelva, (Ray) Seguin of Wycliff, B.C., Karen (David) Kannegeiser of Thunder Bay, Ont., and Sandra (Ron) Cenerini of Atikokan, Ont.; one son-in-law, Wally Davidson, also of Atikokan; his sisters-in-law, Belle Coulson of Fort Frances, Ont., and Gladys Coulson of Rodney, Ont.,; twenty-two grandchildren; twenty-six great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Anna Coulson; two sisters, Nellie and Edith; two brothers, Gordon and Raymond, and his daughter Linda Davidson.
Wilf was born in LaVallee, on Nov. 26, 1908. On Oct. 17, 1934 he married Lorna Lilian Leveridge in Fort Frances, Ont. Their sixty-three year union was blessed with eight children and many beautiful memories. They began farming in Burriss, Ontario and later Wilf worked on the dredge for the Steep Rock Iron Mine in Atikokan until its closure. Prior to his retirement in 1975 he was employed as a maintenance man for the Atikokan Hospital, settling in Sparwood in 1983.
He enjoyed wildlife and gardening, and was particularly proud of the tomatoes he produced this summer. Wilf was a loving family man who has left a precious legacy for his many grandchildren and great grandchildren to treasure. He will be deeply missed.
Visitation was held on Friday, Oct. 24, 1997 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Funeral services followed at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25 with Bishop Bill Forrest officiating.
Pallbearers were Wilf's grandchildren, Darryl Seguin, Peter Nelson, Ryan Coulson, Sean Coulson, Aaron Coulson, and Mark Coulson. Words of remembrance were spoken by his son, Clayton, his daughter, Shelva, and his granddaughter, Heather Burton.
Wilf was laid to rest at the Rivercrest cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services.
NEIL KEITH LEATHERDALE
Neil Keith Leatherdale of Olds, Alta., passed away Saturday, Nov. 8, 1997 at the age of 79 years at Foothills Hospital Calgary, Alta. as a result of complications brought about by pneumonia.
Neil was born Feb. 28, 1918 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Neil together with his two brothers, Dick and Lyall, and sister, Betty, grew up in Fort Frances, Ont. Following his discharge from the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943, Neil moved to Olds, Alberta where he entered the newspaper field, publishing the Olds Gazette, a career that spanned 53 years.
Neil was predeceased by his parents, Ambrose and Eliza Leatherdale; brothers, Dick and Lyall; one son, William Neil.
Mourning his passing is his wife of 55 years, Norma; children: Brian (Edna); Marlynn, Mary Jane Harper, Leslie (Monica) all of Olds; grandchildren, Tammy Graham, Scott (Sandi) Leatherdale; Tanya (Murray) Schaber, Todd Leatherdale; Shawna Leatherdale; Brad Harper; Stacey (Danny) Carefoot; Chad Harper; Daniel Leatherdale; Lisa Leatherdale; great-grandchildren, Christopher Graham; Reanne & Emma Schaber; MacAulay Carefoot; Zachary Leatherdale. Neil is also survived by his sister Betty (George) Beaushene of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.; sisters-in-law Marjorie and Lydia Leatherdale of Fort Frances, Ont.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Neil's commitment to the community in which he lived was extensive, having served as Olds Town councillor, school trustee, hospital board trustee, member of Olds College Board of Governors and Red Deer College Board of Governors, and appointments to many boards and committees locally and provincially. He was past Worshipful Master of the Mountain View Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M.; life member of B.P.O.E. Olds Elks Lodge #100 and life member of Royal Canadian Legion.
Memorial Services will be held Friday, Nov. 14, 1997 at 2 p.m. from the Royal Canadian Legion, Olds Branch. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial tributes be sent directly to S.T.A.R.S. 1441 Aviation Park NE Calgary, AB T2L 8M7 or the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation, 101 5208 53 Ave. Red Deer, AB. T4N 5K2.
Mountain View Funeral Chapels, Olds, entrusted with arrangements 403-556-3223.
NORMAN BLAKLEY MUNRO
Norman Munro, 78, of 725 Morrison Cr., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Sunday, Nov. 9, 1997 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Norman was born on Nov. 20, 1918 in Port Arthur, Ont. Following his schooling, Norman served in the Royal Canadian Medical Corp. and served overseas in England, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Following the war he worked as a park ranger and then in the local paper mill. Norman was united in marriage to Rita Bernardi on May 30, 1950. He enjoyed playing cards, the outdoors, camping and especially spending time and caring for family.
He was predeceased by his wife of over 40 years, Rita Munro (Feb. 6, 1991); brother, William; sister, Florence; father and mother, George and Agnes Munro.
Norman is survived by his sons Leonard and wife, Julie, of Red Deer, AB.; Timothy of Thunder Bay, Ont.; four granddaughters Kelly and husband, Jamie Collier, of El Paso, TX.; Loralei and husband, Mike Michner of Red Deer, AB.; Stephanie and Dana Munro of Ottawa, Ont.; one great-grandson, Riess Michner; and a brother John of Winnipeg, Man; brothers-in-law, Ron Bernardi and Albert Bernardi and wife, Rose, all of Fort Frances, Ont.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, Nov. 13, 1997 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Father J. Lorne MacDonald will officiate with interment in Riverview cemetery in Fort Frances, Ont.
In lieu of flowers memoriam donations may be made to the St. Andrew's Ward, c/o La Verendrye General Hospital, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7
IDA STEVENS
Saturday, Nov. 8, Ida Stevens mother and grandmother, died peacefully at the Middle Church Nursing Home where she has resided since 1995 to be closer to her family.
Born in Muskoka Township Oct. 16, 1909 to Frederick and Sarah Tolton, she moved to Stratton, and had lived most of her life in Fort Frances, independent in mind and spirit until the end.
On Nov. 9, 1946, she was married to Murnie Stevens, who predeceased her in 1963. She as a member of the ladies' auxiliary and the Moose Club of International Falls. Ida served in the Canadian navy during the second world war.
Ida kept busy with her house, yard; good cooking and travels.
She leaves to mourn her daughter, Malinda Kozik (David); granddaughters Krista Lee and Sarah Michelle of Winnipeg, Man. and sister, Mae Blyde of Sarnia, Ont.
Cremation took place. Memorial details will follow at a later date if friends so desire, donations in Ida's memory can be sent to Continuing Care, La Verendrye Hospital.
GERTRUDE TIBOLD
It is with deep sorrow that our family announces the passing of our dearly loved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Gertrude Tibold, on Nov. 5, 1997 after 88 active years.
Gertrude was born on April 9, 1909 in Punichy, Sask. to the late Julius and Anna Molnar. She moved to North Branch, Ontario in 1934 where she resided until 1973 when she moved to Emo, Ont. until her death. She loved to cook, garden, and crochet, and many organizations benefited from the donation of her crocheted works for raffles. Gertrude also was a long-standing member of the Women's Institute and the Catholic Women's League.
Gertrude was predeceased by her husband, Joe Tibold, on May 26, 1985; one daughter, Lenora Colvin, on Oct. 15, 1985; and by several brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her children, Bill Domik and wife, Rita, of Sudbury, Ont., Frances Hart of Fenelon Falls, Ont., Ann and husband Lawrence Pollard, and Joe Tibold and wife LaVerne all of Emo, Ont., Art Tibold and wife Jackie of Selkirk, Man., and Ernest Tibold and wife Paula of Kamloops, B.C.; nineteen grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; two sisters Edith of B.C. and Vivian of Saskatchewan; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 7, 1997 at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Emo, Ont. Father James Panikulam officiated with interment in Pineridge cemetery in North Branch, Ontario.
Friends visited Thursday evening from 7 p.m. at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church with parish prayers offered at 7:30 p.m.
Pallbearers were Shawn Spence, Robert Caldwell, Daniel Pollard, Jamie Tibold, Mark Tibold and Glenn Tibold.
Honourary pallbearers were Neal Grant, Len Jordens, Mike Zimmerman, Mervin Alberts, Richard Schulzki and Cliff Crawford.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Emo Hospital Memorial Fund, 260 Front Street, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
MARTY JOHN VANDERAA
Marty Vanderaa, 36, of Emo, Ont., passed away following a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, Nov. 6, 1997 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Marty was born in Winnipeg, Man. on Aug. 6, 1961 and lived in Emo all his life. Marty went to school in Emo and graduated from high school in Fort Frances. He was employed since 1981 with the Ministry of Transportation in Kenora, Dryden and Emo area as a Construction Technician and later as a general foreman. On May 21, 1988, Marty was united in marriage to Vicki Besyk and together they settled in Emo, Ont. and raised their daughter, Melissa, who was born on April 13, 1990.
Marty enjoyed farming with his dad, raising Charolais cattle, hunting and fishing with his brothers-in-law in Dryden, going to family gatherings and especially spending time with Melissa. Most of all Marty loved his family and will be sadly missed by them all.
He is predeceased by his grandparents and several aunts and uncles.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Vicki Vanderaa, and daughter, Melissa, of Emo, Ont.; mother and father, Ann and John Vanderaa, of Emo, Ont.; brothers, Anthony Vanderaa and wife, Anita, of Fort Frances, Ont., Tim Vanderaa, Rick Vanderaa and wife Angie, and sister Jackie Vanderaa, all of Emo, Ont.; mother and father-in-law, Faye and Bert Besyk, sister-in-law, Linda, and husband, Fred Sombrutski, and brother-in-law Brian Besyk and wife, Beth, all of Dryden, Ont.; nieces and nephews Rocky, Alyssa, Holly and Adam; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 10, 1997 at 2 p.m. at Emo Christian Reformed Church in Emo, Ont. Father James Panikulam officiated with interment in Emo cemetery in Emo, Ont.
Friends visited on Sunday, Nov. 9, 1997 at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Emo, Ont. from 7-9 p.m., with parish prayers offered at 7:30 p.m.
The honourary pallbearers were Gary Jolicouer, Wayne Yeryk, Don Kinnear, Colleen Jolicouer, Sylvia Yeryk and Anne Marie Rick.
The pallbearers were his cousins, George Floresco, Mario Floresco, Mark Tibold, Glenn Tibold, Jamie Tibold and Len Van Uden.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Melissa Vanderaa Trust Fund, c/o C.I.B.C. Emo Branch, Front St., Box 270, Emo, Ont., P0W 1L0.
