Helkaa, Clarence H. of St. Thomas passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family at his late residence on Wednesday February 17, 2016 in his 81st year. Beloved husband of the late Katharine “Kathy” (Smith) Helkaa (2008) and loving father of Kevin and his wife Brenda Helkaa of Port Burwell, Kimberley “Kim” Gillett of Orwell, David and his wife Elaine Helkaa of Aylmer and Don and his wife Kristy Helkaa of St. THomas. Sadly missed by 12 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. Dear brother of Marie Green of Woodstock, Alvin Helkaa of Aylmer and was predeceased by his late brother Eugene. Clarence was born October 1, 1935 in Kingsmill, the son of the late Almon and Mary (Simpson) Helkaa. Clarence retired from the Department of Transport (MTO). He was a member of the Elgin Stewardship (Aymer Wildlife) and was a faithful member of the New Sarum Baptist Church.
Resting at Williams Funeral Home 45 Elgin St. ,St. Thomas where funeral service will be held Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Interment to follow in Orwell Cemetery. Visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Donations may be made to the New Sarum Baptist Church in memory of Clarence.
BINNS, Irene Florinda (Ziegler)
BINNS, Irene Florinda (Ziegler) peacefully passed away at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on February 29, 2016 in her 89th year. Irene was born on March 5, 1927 on a farm outside Harriston to William and Grace Stinson Ziegler. Her Grandfather Christian Ziegler built their farmhouse. Irene was the 4th daughter following Dorothy (Don Aitchison 1986), Fred 1967 (Alma 1966), Jewell (Neil Coghlin 1999), Milton 2003 (Doris 1998) The Twins: Happy/Albert1995 (June), & Ruth 1999 (Eldon Nesbitt 1999) And then three more sisters, Mary (Jim Robertson 1978), Wynifred (Glen Overend 2014)
and Gloria (Warner Tomlinson 1994) completed the family. Irene met Gordon Henry Newton Binns when he returned from the war and noticed her playing baseball in their hometown of Harriston. Their parents knew each other and both attended Harriston United Church. Irene, the star catcher married the handsome Royal Banker and moved to Toronto. They were blessed with two loving daughters, Janess and husband Roger Landell (St.Thomas) and Heather and her husband David Stinson (Fordwich). After Gordon's retirement from the Royal Bank they retired in Palmerston and Irene excelled at growing beautiful flowers and kept the most beautiful swimming pool in town. She entertained in every town parade and enjoyed curling and visiting those in hospital and helping her neighbours. Knitting was her number one hobby and hundreds of feet have been blessed by her cozy slipper creations! (Even some pretty Oscar nominated feet.) Not to mention the blankets and coats and special sweaters and toques and mittens. Her farm neighbour Teeny, taught mom to knit as a young child and made her finish her very first green skating sweater. Irene was A One In A Million Grandmother of Maya Landell and Adam Hanley, Kris Stinson and Penny Shantz, Matthew Landell and Elise Lenser,and Michael Stinson. Being a Grandmother was a great joy but Being a Great Grandma or Big Grandma as Norah calls her topped that! She has greatly enjoyed her three Great Grand Girlies, Abby Mae and Ruby Ann Landell and Norah Grace Hanley. Mom was always athletic, riding horses bareback or jumping off Crows Bridge. Irene was also a top Homemaker and furniture refinisher, took in borders and babysat neighbourhood children, cleaned houses to buy us a piano and worked in the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Palmerston. She was known for being the Family Reporter, her Crazy Earring Collection, and her many Humorous Sayings like: "With all your faults I love you still"! We always say she should have been in Show Business because she was a natural Comedian, like her nephew Neil Aitchison! This last while as she has battled cancer she has had some strong sensations of Gord poking her and saying, "Come on Home"! May Mom rest in God's Peace that Passes All Understanding!
Funeral Service will be held at First United Church, 7 Curtis St., St. Thomas on Saturday March 5th at 1 p.m. Visitation will be held at the church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to First United Church. Burial in the Spring in Harriston Cemetery. Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin Street, St. Thomas entrusted with arrangements.
Swain, John Lester
Swain, John Lester of Port Stanley, passed away peacefully after a long, courageous battle, at the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital, on Wednesday, January 6th, 2016. Beloved husband of the late Annie (Giesbrecht) Swain (2005). Devoted and loving father of Kassidy Ann Swain and Landon Jonathan Swain. Beloved son of Carole Rastin (late George Widner) and John Swain. Dear brother of Danny Swain (Sandy), Becky Rastin, Jacki Robitaille (Mark) and Patti Holland. Dear friend of Cheri Rickwood. Dear nephew of Pam Bruhlman and daughters, LeAnne Moyer and Linda Air. Lovingly remembered by the Rastin Family, Rock Family, Giesbrecht Family and many other loving family members and caring friends. Predeceased by his uncle Sandy Bruhlman, nephew Cole Robitaille and sister–in-law Angie Dyck. John was born in Port Colborne. He fought a good fight and is now free of pain and suffering and is at peace.
Resting at Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin Street, St. Thomas where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 1:00pm. Interment to follow in Union Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from6:00-9:00pm. Memorial donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Centre.
Styles, Phyllis Alfreda “Frieda”
Styles, Phyllis Alfreda “Frieda” of St. Thomas, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, September 3rd, 2015, at the L.H.S.C., London, in her 74thyear. Dearly loved wife of Ronald L. Styles and much loved mother of Rick and his wife Carrie Styles of St. Thomas and Jeff and his wife Colleen Styles of Strathroy. Cherished grand mother of Kenny, Ryan, Melanie, Riley and Bryce. Sadly missed by number of brothers and sisters. Frieda was born in St. Thomas on January 23, 1942, the daughter of the late Stanley Ray and Margaret (Johnson) Martin. Family was always her most important priority in Freda’s life.
Resting at Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin St., St. Thomas where funeral service will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in Elmdale Cemetery. Visitation at the funeral home on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Remembrances may be made to the M.S. Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the charity of choice.
Lorch, Bonnie Lyn (Turnbull)
Lorch, Bonnie Lyn (Turnbull) of Valleyview Home, St. Thomas, passed away peacefully, with family by her side at her residence, on Monday, December 21st, 2015, in her 72nd year. Dearly loved wife and best friend of Bud Lorch and loved mother of Steven Charles Lorch (Amy) and William Robert Lorch (Jody). Cherished grandmother of Hayden and Jack Lorch. Bonnie was born in Belleville on August 11th, 1944, the daughter of the late Ralph and Kathleen (King) Turnbull. She worked for the City of St. Thomas at Valleyview Home for many years until her retirement December 2004. She was a member of St. John’s Anglican Church.
A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held at Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin St., St. Thomas on Monday, December 28th at 11:00 a.m. Visitation at the funeral home from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Cremation has taken place, with her ashes to be scattered in the Old St. Thomas Churchyard Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Elgin.
Grant, Ross Dares
Grant, Ross Dares of Port Stanley passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 13th, 2015, at the age of 79. Dearly loved husband of Anne Merry (Wilson) and loved father of Leane Grant of Whistler, B.C. and Mark Grant and his spouse Tammey of Toronto and Natalie Speirs and her spouse Nicole Pasheek of Toronto. Loved grandfather of Sam and Daniel. Dear brother of Lloyd Grant and his spouse Arlene of British Columbia. Ross was born in St. Claire, Quebec on July 4th, 1936, the son of the late Parker and Viola (Robertson) Grant. He was a co-owner of Canadian Cutting and Coring, Toronto.
A celebration of life will be announced. Cremation has taken place. Remembrances may be made to the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Foundation or the London Regional Cancer Centre. A sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers of the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital and the London Regional Cancer Centre for their excellent care and compassion. Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin St., St. Thomas.
Ingram, Christopher James “Chris”
August 16th, 1949 - September 21st, 2015.
The Ingram Family, with saddened hearts, mourns the loss of Chris whom passed away at home peacefully on Monday, September 21st, 2015, at the age of 66. Dearly loved husband of Deborah Lee (Knechtel) Ingram and loved father of Melissa Vantyghem (Richard) of Trenton, Angela Ndur of St. Thomas and Jeff Ingram (Diane) of Aylmer. Loved papa of Malachi, Akadia, Rianna, Owen and Cale. Dear brother of Becky McLachlin (Dr. Hugh) of Duntroon and dear nephew of Margie and Ralph Snowsell of St. Thomas. Dear brother-in-law of Ray Green (Kathy) of Nova Scotia. Son-in-law of the late Tom and Maxine Green. Chris was born in St. Thomas on August 16th, 1949 the son of the late Glen Ingram and Pauline (Morley) (Ingram) Batzold. He was an electrician and worked for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Chris was an avid hunter and a member of Camp Glory. He was avid in sports and played hockey, baseball, umpired and curled, as well as coached baseball and hockey. Chris was a charter member of the Union South Optimist Club. The family will receive friends at the Masonic Hall, 42703 Fruit Ridge Line, Union for visitation on Saturday from 2:00-4:00pm. A celebration of Chris’ life will follow on Saturday at 4:00pm. Cremation has taken place. Remembrances may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Sick Children or the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Foundation.
