Helen I. Wekner passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
She is survived by her husband, Alvin, of 55 years; son, Bradley and his wife, Joan; granddaughter, Stephanie; and sister-in-law, Norma Pattison and family.
Helen was predeceased by her grandson, Sean; and brother, Leslie Pattison.
As per Helen’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
NANCY LEE HOWDEN
It is with great sadness that the family of Nancy Lee Howden, 57, announces her passing on Monday, July 2, 2007 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in Thunder Bay, Ont. after a brief illness. Nancy was born in Fort Frances, Ont. on Aug. 5, 1949 to Bill and Joan Cross. She married Robert Howden on Nov. 1, 1969. Together they operated the Rijnol jewellery store in Fort Frances, and most recently the Canadian Trading Post on Sandpoint Lake. It was at “the lake” that they found the most joy. Nancy enjoyed the birds singing, the deer in the yard, the sunsets, and the peace and tranquility of life on the lake. Her spontaneous nature took her on many a road trip to new and exciting places, as well as her favourite casinos. She also never passed up a shopping trip with her girlfriends. Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, and doting grandmother whose life centered around her family. Many warm and special memories will remain amongst her family and very large group of friends of time spent in her company. Nancy will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her husband, Robert; daughter, Kristi and husband, Jay Albright; and the “sunshine of her life,” her grandson, Jacob. She also will be sadly missed by her brothers, Brad (Pam) Cross, Tom (Sandy) Cross, Mike (Kayleen) Cross, and Pat (Dana) Cross; sisters, Cheryl (Jay) Handberg, Lynne Wiebe (Paul Brown), Wendy (Don) Potter, and Karen (Mark) Hagen; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Nancy was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Joan Cross; and her in-laws, Lorrie and Marj Howden. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 7, 2007 at 10 a.m. at the Green’s Funeral Home in Fort Frances. In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to a charity of your choice. “Though you cannot always see the bird singing, If you listen with your heartyou will always hear her song.”
JEAN LAMBERT
It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved mother, Jean Lambert, on Monday, July 2, 2007. Jean was born with her twin, Jane, on May 5, 1945 in Fort Frances, Ont. to Emile and Mary Fournier. They were the first set of identical twins born at La Verendrye Hospital. Jean is survived by her partner of 26 years, Larry Tkachyk; daughter, Tana and son-in-law, Mel Langtry, and their daughters, Taylor and Jillian; and daughter, Rochelle and son-in-law, Duff Mosbeck, and their sons, Ryan and Tyler. Also surviving are four sisters, Elaine (Rosaire) Mercier of Nestor Falls, Ont., Gale (Hugh) Niblock of Midland, Ont.; twin, Jane Johnstone of Fort Frances, Ont.; and Donna (John) Handberg of Fort Frances, Ont.; two brothers, Paul (Joyce) Fournier of Jackson, Mich. and Larry (Patrice) Fournier of Blaine, Mn.; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Jean was predeceased by her parents, Emile and Mary Fournier; one sister, Joan Dietrich; brother-in-law, Larry Falk; and nephew, Bradley Johnstone. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 7, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with Chaplain John Chornabay officiating. Visitation will take place prior to the service. A private family interment will happen at a later date. The honourary pallbearers will be her two son-in-laws, Mel Langtry and Duff Mosbeck, and her four grandchildren, Taylor and Jillian Langtry, and Ryan and Tyler Mosbeck. Jean spent her childhood at Clearwater Lake making wonderful memories with her brothers and sisters. After high school, she went to barber college in Winnipeg, Man. She was the first female barber in Fort Frances and was very proud to work beside her father, Emile, who also was a barber. Jean also enjoyed a 17-year career working at the Canadian Tire store. Jean adored her companion, Larry, and they enjoyed trips on the motorcycle and spending time together. Jean also was very close to her brothers and sisters, and had a very special bond with her twin, Jane. Jean and Jane were soulmates for life and always will be. Jean was very proud of her two daughters, Tana Rae and Rochelle, and their accomplishments. Her biggest joy in life, though, was her grandchildren, Taylor, Ryan, Jillian, and Tyler. Jean and Larry spent countless hours at the arena proudly watching Ryan, Jillian, and Tyler playing hockey. They also loved to watch Taylor dance so gracefully at all her recitals. Jean was an avid gardener and spent many hours working in her yard every summer to make it beautiful. She loved her flowers, deer, birds, and even the occasional bear that made their homes in her backyard. Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to CMHA-Older Adults Program, 414 Scott St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 1H2. Jean loved people and will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, caring nature, and witty sense of humour. She will be sadly missed by all who loved her.
KATHERINE ZUB
Katherine Zub, 87, of 923 Sixth St. E., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away suddenly on Friday, June 29, 2007 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances. She was born Nov. 30, 1919 in Arbakka, Man. to the late Magdary and Mary Nastiuk. Katherine’s family moved to Fort Frances when she was very young. She attended school and lived in Fort Frances all of her life. On June 12, 1938, she was united in marriage to Alex Zub and together they raised their young family. When she was younger, she worked at the Fort Frances Hotel for several years. At home, she was a devoted member of St. George’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Katherine loved to work in her garden, go blueberry and mushroom picking, and knit for her family. For relaxation, she loved spending time at the cabin near Windy Point on Rainy Lake. Her other pleasures included going to Bingos and casinos. Katherine’s heart and love for her family was her main focus, and she so loved being involved in her family’s gatherings at any time. Katherine had given her heart to Jesus Christ as her Saviour and Lord many years ago. She was predeceased by her husband, Alex Zub; one sister, Anne Franko, and one brother, Metro Nastiuk. Katherine is survived by one daughter, Sonja and husband, Larry Arch, of International Falls, Mn.; two sons, Walter Zub and wife, Maudine, of Lone Tree, Colo. and Jerry Zub of Fort Frances, Ont.; six grandchildren, Connie, Howard, Robert, Brian, Susan, and Kristie; 10 great-grandchildren, Joella, Autumn, Ariel, Forrest, Kevin, Alec, Waytt, Gracyn, Devryn and Dayne. She also is survived by two brothers, Bill Nastiuk of Everett, Wash., and Nastor Nastiuk and wife, Norma, of Frot Frances, Ont.; in-laws, Elly Zub, Eddie Zub, and Roy (Joyce) Zub; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 5, 2007 at 10 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. The Right Rev. Dr. Oleg Krawchenko will officiate, with interment in Riverview cemetery in Fort Frances. A luncheon will follow the interment at the Ukrainian Hall, all are invited. Friends may visit Wednesday, July 4, 2007 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home, with prayers offered at 7:30 p.m. Pallbearers will be Howard Arch, Robert Arch, Brian Arch, Perry Nastiuk, Jamie Nastiuk, Ryan Zub, and Chris Pollard. The honourary pallbearers will be all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to Community Living Fort Frances and District, 340 Scott St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 1G9, St. George’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 804 McKenzie Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B2, or to the charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
GWENDOLYN GEDDES HUBBELL
A life-long resident of Winnipeg, Man., Gwen, in her 99th year, passed away peacefully Sept. 25, 2007 at the Oakview Extended Care Home.
Gwen was predeceased by her husband, Major E.L.(Ted) Hubbell; sister, Muriel Grant of Toronto, Ont.; and her daughter, Sherrie, and son-in-law, Sid Asselin of Fort Frances, Ont.
She is survived by her loving grandchildren, Tracy (Dale) Newman of Brampton, Ont., Rick (Michele) Asselin of Winnipeg, Man,, and Ted (Nancy) Asselin of Fort Frances, Ont. She was equally proud of her six great-grandchildren, Dustin, Danny, Janelle, Chantal, Jeremy, and Brody.
Two special people in her life were niece and nephew, Joan (Tom) of Toronto, Ont. and Don (Marie) of Markham, Ont. Her family always brought joy to her life as she did to theirs.
Nanna was a longtime member and worker in Augustine United Church. She was a tireless volunteer with the war effort through the Red Cross and during the great Winnipeg flood in the early 1950s.
In accordance with Nanna’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private graveside service will be held in St. John’s Cathedral cemetery with ashes interred beside her husband, Ted.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Oakview Extended Care for the great care and friendship she received while she was there.
In memoriam donations may be made to Augustine United Church, 444 River Ave., Winnipeg, Man., R3L 0C7 or Oakview Place, 2395 Ness Ave., Winnipeg, Man., R3J 1A5.
Condolences may be extended through Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway Ave., Winnipeg, Man., R3C 0X4.
DONALD ALEXANDER ‘DON’ ROSS
Donald Alexander “Don” Ross passed away Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007 at his home at the age of 90.
Don was born at the family homestead at Blackhawk, Ont. to Gladys and Alex Ross on Sept. 2, 1917.
He left school early and worked throughout the district, logging and driving horses, then hauling with his own truck for his father and other loggers.
He was one of the workers on the Kenora Highway in the 1930s. He also built the original dance hall in Blackhawk that he and his family ran until after the war.
In 1939, he joined the 17th Forestry Corp and served along with many men from this area in Scotland, Holland, Belgium, France, and Germany. He was very proud of his military service; he left the army at the end of the war with the rank of sergeant.
After returning from overseas in 1945, he married Odell Gill. Together with his brother, Delbert, they owned and operated Ross’s Camps at Clearwater Lake.
In 1952, Don and Odell moved to Courtenay, B.C., where they owned a tourist business.
In 1954, Don joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and from then until he retired in 1967, Don, Odell, and family moved and travelled extensively throughout Canada and Europe.
After retiring from the military, he again switched careers and became a real estate agent in Ottawa until 1979, when they moved back to Fort Frances.
In all his careers and endeavours, Don was dedicated and hard-working. But he still took time to enjoy life: skiing, fishing, reading, visiting with his friends, and helping his neighbours and friends with maintenance on their homes and cars.
He was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Don was a superb raconteur and would tell stories of people and escapades from his many careers. He brought the early years in the district and his time in the war alive as he talked; we could hear the voices and see the people as he acted out his stories.
Throughout their journeys, Don and Odell made many lasting friendships. Their door was always open to whoever wanted to visit or stay.
Until Odell’s passing in 1994, they spent their retirement years travelling to see their friends and family and hosting them at their winter home in Florida.
In 1997, he married DeLoris Camirand.
Don was predeceased by his wife, Odell; his parents; his brothers, Delbert and Norman; his sisters, Katherine and Margaret; and two infant siblings.
He is survived by his brothers, Sid (Eva) and Gordon, and sister, Irene Donnelly; his wife, DeLoris Camirand; brothers-in-law, Doug and George (Marg) Gill; and sister-law, Muriel Ross.
He will be dearly remembered by his children and their spouses, Barbara (Len Grupp) of Fort Frances, Ont., Gill (Nancy) of Calgary, Alta., and Nancy (Jim Piaskoski) and Doug (Linda), both of Ottawa, Ont.; his eight grandchildren, Heide (Rodger Suddard), Terry, Janna Piaskoski, Ross Piaskoski, Dan, Paul, Kathryn, and Christina; his great-grandson, Gus; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Chaplain John Chornabay will officiate, with interment in Fort Frances cemetery.
Friends may visit Wednesday, Sept. 26, from 7-9 p.m. at Green Funeral Home.
The pallbearers will be Delbert Ross, Wade Armstrong, Terry Ross, Ross Piaskoski, Janna Piaskoski, and Kathryn Ross.
The honourary pallbearer will be Doug Gill.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests in memoriam donations may be made to the Riverside Foundation for Health Care, 110 Victoria Ave, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7 or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
CALVIN RADBOURNE
On Friday, Sept. 28, 2007, Calvin “Cal” Radbourne, 57, passed away suddenly while doing what he loved—being at camp.
Cal lived life to the fullest each and every moment, whether at work or play.
Cal worked as the Building and Maintenance Supervisor at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium for more than 20 years. He was respected and loved by his co-workers, and took great pride in his work there.
A member of the Elks organization, Cal played hockey, remained involved in the community, and always enjoyed the fellowship of good friends.
Cal was born on July 14, 1950 in Fort Frances, Ont. He grew up in Emo, Ont. and moved to Thunder Bay in 1968.
He loved Thunder Bay and the region, and enjoyed its natural beauty and recreational pursuits, including hunting, fishing, riding snowmobiles, walking, boating, and camp, and he was a true son of Northwestern Ontario.
Cal and his wife of 37 years, Betty, raised three children, Dwayne, Jason, and Kirsten in Thunder Bay. Cal cherished the time spent with his wife and family, especially his two grandchildren, whether at home, at their sports and recreational activities, or at camp.
His grandchildren held a special place in his heart and “Papa” took enormous pride in being with them as often as possible.
Camp was the fulfillment of a life-long dream; a place for family and friends to gather in the glory of the outdoors for fun, friendship, love, and peace. His passing leaves an enormous gulf in both the community and his family, and he will be sorely missed.
Cal is survived by his wife and best friend, Betty; children, Dwayne (Christy), Jason (Kathleen), and Kirsten (Mike); grandchildren, Caitlynn and Lucas; sister, Barb (Joe) Hickerson; nephews, Dave (Marla) Hickerson and Don (Kathleen) Hickerson; sister and brothers-in-law, JoyAnne (Gary) Tolen, Doug (Linda) Bourre, Drew (Denyse) Bourre, and Everett Jackson; and mother-in-law, Joy Bourre.
Cal was predeceased by his mother and father, Minnie and Leonard Radbourne; and sister-in-law, Carol Bourre.
A memorial service and celebration of Cal’s life will take place Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007 from 1-3 p.m. at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. A private family service will occur Wednesday, Oct. 3.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
