Mary Cecelia LeFave, 89, a retired registered nurse, died July 12, 2004 at Brockville General Hospital after a brief illness.
She was born September 15, 1914 in Escott to Thomas Joseph Reid and the former Rose Ann Murray. She was raised and educated in Escott and attended high school in Mallorytown.
She came to Brockville in 1931 to attend St. Vincent de Paul Hospital School of Nursing and graduated as a registered nurse in September 1934. After a long nursing career, she retired in 1973.
She married John "Jack" Allen LeFave on September 16, 1940 in Rockport.
Her life centred on caring for her family and friends. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Church and its Catholic Women's League. She also belonged to the St. Vincent de Paul Hospital auxiliary and the registered nurses association.
She enjoyed gardening, sewing and knitting. She and her husband Jack enjoyed many winters in Florida.
Mrs. LeFave is survived by her son John B. LeFave and wife Dorothy of Brockville and two daughters, Judy Higginbotham of Dartmouth, N.S., and Rose Marie Mooney and husband Alan of Port Elgin, Ont., as well as five grandchildren, Kevin Higginbotham, Kerry Coady, Paula Heeley, Scott Mooney and Amy Laurin.
Also surviving are her sister Noreen Donaghue of Brockville and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, brothers Murray, Paul and Bernard Reid, sisters-in-law Edna Reid and Elsie Reid, brother-in-law Frank Donaghue and son-in-law Alf Higginbotham.
Friends called July 14 at the Irvine Funeral Home and Chapel, Brockville, where the Catholic Women's League held a recitation of the Rosary in the afternoon.
The funeral took place at St. Francis Xavier Church on July 15, with Father Brian Price officiating. Burial followed at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Kevin Higginbotham, Scott Mooney, Tom Donaghue, Steve LeFave, Mike LeFave and Kevin Perkins. Her nursing colleagues formed an honour guard. Memorial donations were directed to the Hospice of Providence Palliative Care and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Shirley Morris, 83
Shirley Jean Morris, 83, died July 25, 2004 at St. Lawrence Lodge. She had had Parkinson's disease for many years.
She was born July 23, 1921 in Brockville, the daughter of Edmund "Brandy" Guilboard and the former Muriel Seaton. Raised in Brockville, she attended Victoria Public School and Brockville Collegiate Institute and Vocational School.
On July 12, 1951, she married Donald Stewart Morris in St. Paul's Anglican Church, Brockville. She became a housewife and mother whose family was very important to her.
An active member of St. Paul's Anglican Church, she belonged to the Anglican Church Women group, was a member of the Chancel Guild and taught Sunday school. She was also a 4-H leader for some time.
Mrs. Morris enjoyed sewing, was an avid rug-hooker and had been given a life membership in the Thousand Islanders branch of the Ontario Rug Hooking Guild.
She lived on Stewart Boulevard for many years before moving to St. Lawrence Lodge in 2002.
She is survived by her husband, Stewart Morris, and two children, Eric Allan Morris of Toronto and Mary Jean Morris of Brockville, as well as a grandson, Christopher Morris.
Also surviving are two brothers, Douglas "Duke" Guilboard of Brockville and Bruce Guilboard, and three sisters, Elva Jobson and husband Jim of Rockport, Eleanor Beatson and husband Thomas of Cardinal and Janice Leduc of Shawville, Que., as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, brothers Ford, Allan "Red" and George Guilboard, sister Alice Haggart and her husband George, and a niece Elva Beatson and nephew Teddy Haggart.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Irvine Funeral Home, Brockville. A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations to the Parkinson's Society of Canada and the Mary Jane Hawkins Fund at St. Lawrence Lodge will be gratefully acknowledged by the family.
Georgie McConnell, 94
ATHENS -- Former Athens resident Alice Georgina McConnell, known as Georgie, died July 31, 2004 at Carveth Care Centre, in Gananoque, at the age of 94.
A registered nurse, she was administrator of the Maple View Lodge nursing home at Athens from 1962 until her retirement in 1975.
She was born October 25, 1909 in Ellisville, Ont., to Harry Willoughby and the former Mary Godkin. She grew up in Ellisville and attended Lyndhurst High School. She then studied nursing at Kingston General Hospital and graduated as a registered nurse in 1932.
In May 1937 she married Daniel McConnell in St. Luke's Church, Lyndhurst.
Mrs. McConnell worked as a nurse for many years. Her husband was administrator of Maple View Lodge from 1946 until his death in June 1962, at which time she took over and became administrator.
She was a member of Christ Church, Athens, and belonged to the Anglican Church Women group there. She was also a member of Vimy Ridge Chapter 129 of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She was predeceased by a brother, Stuart Willoughby (who lived at Seeleys Bay) but is survived by her sister-in-law Elsie Willoughby of Seeleys Bay, a niece Terri Wood and husband Bill of Lyndhurst, and two nephews, Jack Willoughby and wife Barbara of Lansdowne and Grant Tye and wife Joan of Lyndhurst.
Friends called at the Judson Funeral Home in Athens, where on August 3 the funeral was held, with Rev. Reg Gilbert officiating. Burial followed at Leeds Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Don Layng, Dave Johnson, Ron Godkin, Tom Chant, Bob Earl and Ray Craig.
Memorial donations were directed to Maple View Lodge and Christ Church.
Roy Griffin, 64
LANSDOWNE -- Roy Basil Griffin, 64, died August 2, 2004 at Kingston General Hospital after a 10-month illness with cancer.
He was born August 19, 1939 in Lansdowne to John Griffin and the former Cora Whitmore. He grew up in Sandbay where he went to public school. He went to high school in Lansdowne.
Mr. Griffin worked as a fishing guide and was employed by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario as a member of the forestry crew and as a snowplow operator. He also worked on maintenance on the Thousand Islands International Bridge, retiring 10 years ago.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting and being in the outdoors. He liked making maple syrup, frying bullheads and having coffee at Rapid Valley.
He never married but is survived by two sisters, Hilda Nuttall and husband Ben of Gananoque and Hazel Reynolds of Brockville, and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, sister Lorna and his twin sister Rae, and brother-in-law Dave Reynolds.
A memorial service was held August 6 in the Barclay Funeral Home, Lansdowne, with Rev. Ken Van Allan officiating. Burial followed at Sandbay Cemetery.
Memorial donations were directed to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Howard 'Towd' Greenham, 78
LANSDOWNE -- Towd Greenham, 78, war veteran, athlete and retired manager of an LCBO outlet, died July 29, 2004 at his Mallorytown residence.
He was born Howard James Greenham on February 16, 1926 in Athens, where he was raised and educated. His parents were Charles Raymond Greenham and Emma Retta Girden.
He joined the infantry in September 1944, during the Second World War, and was sent overseas in January 1945. After VE Day he transferred to the Royal Canadian Army, Service Corps, and returned home in September 1946. He was discharged in October 1946.
Before he went overseas he married Phyllis Marilyn Gray on January 4, 1945 at her family home in Athens.
He owned and operated his own milk delivery service as well as a bread delivery service. Then he worked as a transport driver for Charlton's, Tompkin Construction and Taggart's. He also worked in mines in the Sudbury area. After working at various Liquor Control Board of Ontario liquor stores, he became manager of the LCBO in the Brockville Shopping Centre (Zellers plaza) and retired in the early 1990s.
Mr. Greenham was a past president of the Leeds and Grenville Conservative party. He was also a past president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 484, Mallorytown.
He played hockey for the Athens Flyers, played baseball for years and coached baseball for the Mallorytown Softball League.
He is survived by five sons, Robert and wife Nola of Alberta, Rickie and friend Bev of Brockville, Rodney and friend Heather of Spencerville, Randy and friend Dawn of Brockville and Rocky and friend Becky of Mallorytown; four daughters, Bonita and husband Jack Daubney of Mallorytown, Darlene and friend Rick, Sherry Paquin and friend John of British Columbia, and Connie and friend John of North Augusta; 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are two brothers, Raymond Greenham of Addison and William "Bill" Greenham and wife Dawn of Athens; two sisters, Phyllis Scott and husband Ron of Athens and Doris Turner of Cornwall; and three step-sisters, Bernice Fitzpatrick, Eileen Windsor and Marie Lawson.
Others who survive him are daughters-in-law Eva and Marilyn, brothers-in-law Rocky Gray, Ron Scott and Tim Quesnel, and sisters-in-law Elizabeth Gray and Isabelle Greenham.
Mr. Greenham was predeceased by his wife Marilyn in 2000; three children, Babe, Roger in 1992 and Ronald in 1998; grandson Joshua Daubney; two brothers, Joe Greenham in 1997 and Don Greenham in 1990; and his mother in 1940, father in 1987 and stepmother Laura Covey.
Friends called at the Barclay Funeral Home, Lansdowne, where on August 1 the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 484 held a memorial service. The funeral was held August 2 in the Barclay chapel, with Rev. Paul Gordon officiating and daughter Bonnie giving a eulogy. Burial followed at Escott Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Gerry and Grant Moore, Dave Dixie, Steve Johnson, Lonnie Kelly and Brian Salmon. Honorary pallbearers were Dick Rider, George Moore, Joan Muffatt and Bill Robertson.
Memorial donations were directed to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Alzheimer Society.
Garth Galway, 64
ELGIN -- Garth Baxter Galway, 64, of Spring Valley (RR 4, Brockville) died suddenly July 30, 2004 of a massive coronary attack at Wilson's Campsite, Lyndhurst.
He was born May 16, 1940, in Lyndhurst to Walter Galway and the former Bessie Baxter. He grew up in the Lyndhurst-Chantry area, attending public schools there and then Lyndhurst High School.
He came to Brockville in 1965 and married Catherine Donovan on July 16, 1966, in St. Francis Xavier Church, Brockville. Thirty years ago he moved to Spring Valley.
Mr. Galway worked for the Department of Highways, Kingston, then at Hartley's Mill in Seeleys Bay and finally at Brockville Psychiatric Hospital, from which he retired seven years ago, after 32 years service.
He was a member of the board of the Spring Valley Community Hall, which he helped build and and maintain over 25 years. During the Ice Storm of 1998 he was very active as a hall board member in helping the community through the disaster and later received plaques from the premier of Ontario and the township of Elizabethtown.
He was also a member of the Athens and District Snowmobile Club, the Elizabethtown Snowmobile Club and the Wildlife Federation.
He loved his family and friends, camping, fishing, snowmobiling, teaching his grandson and working on small engines. He enjoyed people and helping others.
He is survived by his wife Catherine Galway, daughter Tracey of Graham Lake and grandson Jarrod Galway, as well as special friends Randy and Amber Sauve.
Also surviving are three brothers, Lynne Galway and wife Alice and Rodger Galway and wife Donna, all of Kitchener, and Barry Galway and wife Veronica, of Frankville; two sisters, Vrene Hartley and husband Charlie of Seeleys Bay and Donna Botham of Smiths Falls, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Other survivors include his mother-in-law Patricia Donovan of Elgin; two brothers-in-law, Joe Donovan and wife Janet of Elgin and Jim Donovan and wife Debbie of Brockville; and sisters-in-law Margret Sullivan of Halifax and Theresa Bannerman of Alberta.
He was predeceased by his parents, father-in-law Phonse Donovan, and brothers-in-law Ray Botham, Doug Sullivan and Les Bannerman.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Scotland Funeral Home, Elgin. A graveside service was held August 6 at Lyndhurst Cemetery, with Rev. Harry Seeley, of Elgin United Church, officiating and more than 200 people attending.
Elaine Watson, 60
ELGIN -- Elaine Watson, 60, of Lyndhurst, died of cancer July 30, 2004 in Lyndhurst with her family at her side. She had been ill only since June 8.
Born Patricia Elaine Byford on June 13, 1944 in Kingston, she was the eldest of 15 children of Arthur Byford and the former Anne Dorey. She grew up in Gananoque and attended St. John's and St. Joseph's schools and Gananoque High School.
On October 25, 1969 she married Glen Watson in Gananoque and they had one son.
She worked as an operator/inspector at Collins and Aikman plastic company in Gananoque for 36 years, retiring two years ago. Then she raised her grandson, now 19 months old.
Although deaf she didn't let that keep her from enjoying life to the fullest. She identified with St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Elgin, loved fishing and hunting, enjoyed sewing, did several types of crafts and had a great love for books.
She is survived by her husband Greg, son Danny, grandson Brody, and all her siblings, eight sisters and six brothers. Her sisters are Anita Dickson and husband Ernie, Linda Beaupre and husband Alfie, Joanne Charbonneau and husband Brian, and Tammy Berry and husband Keith, all of Gananoque; Fay Dennis of Kingston, Susan Condy and husband Joe of Newburgh, Donna Gibbs of Napanee and Kathryn Byford and husband Rob of Harrowsmith.
Her brothers are Jim Byford and wife Tina, Joseph Byford, David Byford and wife Barb and Tim Byford and wife Angie, all of Gananoque; Jack Byford and wife Shirley of Westbrook, and Donnie Byford and wife Elizabeth of Brewers Mills.
Also surviving are 26 nieces/nephews and 14 great-nieces/nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents.
Friends called at the Scotland Funeral Home, Elgin, where the rosary was said by Rev. Father Pat Cardy.
The Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Rev. Cardy and Father Raymond Vickers, was held at St. Columbanus Church, Elgin, on August 2. The pall bearers were brothers Joseph and Tim Byford, brothers-in-law Alfie Beaupre and Ernie Dickson, and nephews Jeff Dickson and Kent Watson.
Cremation followed the service and burial took place August 6 at Olivet Cemetery, Seeleys Bay.
Memorial donations were directed to the Canadian Cancer Society and charities of the donors' choice.
Peter Nicol
KEMPTVILLE -- A North Grenville councillor and former journalist died yesterday (Aug. 25, 2004).
Peter Nicol died in the morning at the Kemptville District Hospital as a result of diabetes-related complications.
Deputy Mayor Ken Finnerty said Nicol had been sick for about a month and in hospital for about 10 days.
"The last month, he hasn't been very well, but we weren't expecting him to pass away," Finnerty said.
Nicol was elected to council for the first time last November. Previously, he had been news editor for the Advance, a North Grenville community newspaper.
He held that job for 12 years before retiring in 2001.
Nicol was born and raised in Ottawa and spent much of his adult life there. Occupations he held in Ottawa include being a school teacher, managing a chain of music stores, and doing freelance journalism for the Ottawa Journal and CBC Radio and Television.
Nicol moved to the Kemptville area in the late 1970s. He joined the Advance in 1986, starting out in the paper's advertising department.
The councillor has been an active community member in North Grenville in more ways than just being a politician and journalist. He was a longtime player of old-timers hockey. As well, he frequently entertained at local venues and events as a folk-music guitarist and singer.
Finnerty said after knowing Nicol for many years as a politician or a journalist, he was impressed how he kept an easy-going demeanour all the time with such high-pressure jobs.
"I can't say I ever heard him raise his voice," Finnerty said. "He was calm, cool and collected at meetings ... He wasn't one to get upset, fly off the handle. He was a real gentleman."
Joe Morin, managing editor of the Advance, worked with Nicol for about half a decade and said it was a positive experience.
"He was very quiet, very experienced, very ethical, very gentle," he said.
Finnerty said he expects Mayor Bill Gooch to declare Nicol's seat vacant at the next council session on September 13, and a byelection to replace him would happen about two months after that.
Nicol's areas of responsibility on council included police services, the library board, emergency services, recreation, culture and youth.
He is survived by his wife Beth, daughter Christy and grandson Liam.
Finnerty said information on funeral arrangements would provided soon.
Matthew Ashby
MAYNARD -- Matthew Ashby, 17, was on a tractor heading toward the Blue Church to do some landscaping when he was involved in the collision Wednesday morning (Aug. 25, 2004) that would ultimately end his life.
Ashby would have entered Grade 12 at South Grenville District High School this September for his graduating year.
He had about four hours of community service left to do as part of the 40 hours required before graduation, and he was using that time to help out at this popular landmark.
The tractor he was using to get there, travelling south on Blue Church Road from his family's Prescott-area farm, had a front-end loader on it that he could use for things like lifting fences.
But when Ashby got to the intersection of County Road 26, he collided with a grey Oldsmobile driven by Joshua Dufresne, 22, also from the Prescott area.
Benita Ashby, the deceased teenager's step-grandmother, described him as a "hard-working young man" who was interested in attending college next year to study mechanics. He had not yet decided what school to attend.
"He had no idea," she said. "You know boys at that age. They change like their underwear."
Fiddling with engines was one of Ashby's hobbies.
"He was always tinkering around here, like with an old lawnmower he made as a four-wheeler," said Benita, the second wife of Ashby's grandfather Wilfred.
Ashby comes from a long line of farmers. His father John Ashby is well known by those in the agricultural community and is the secretary for the Brockville Co-operative Association.
It was unclear whether the deceased youth would have eventually continued the family tradition of farming or gone into mechanics as a full-time occupation.
"We weren't sure," Benita said. "It was off-again, on-again. He always used to say he wanted to be a farmer."
She said he helped out on the farm ever since the time he was a "little tiny boy," but his involvement lessened recently as he became more focused on his mechanical interests.
Ashby did not not hang out with a big crowd, his step-grandmother said, but the friendships he held were close ones.
Lori Warren, owner of Trillium Hall Private School in Brockville, said she started the school six years ago because of Ashby, who she had been tutoring and he became the school's first student.
"(He was) a very bright young man, (but) he struggled with reading and writing. ... He also struggled with attention-deficit order," she said.
Warren said Ashby was able to excel when provided with learning techniques geared to his needs, and he went on to accomplish academic success in high school.
Warren described Ashby as "kind" and "generous," with these qualities showing through even in his preteen years.
"Because he was my first student, he felt Trillium Hall was his school, and it was," she said. "When we would get new kids, he would say: 'It's OK Mrs. Warren. I'll show them the ropes.' He would take new kids under his wing.
"He was mature beyond his years in some ways."
Warren said Ashby never required discipline in the three years he attended her school.
The deceased teenager leaves behind an immediate family of father John, mother Lorraine, sister Michelle and brother Nicholas. Both siblings are in their early 20s.
Dufresne, the driver of the Oldsmobile in Wednesday accident who suffered minor injuries, was travelling east on County Road 26 at the time of the accident, which would not have required him to stop at the Blue Church Road intersection. The stop signs there apply to north-south traffic only. Police have said no charges are pending in this case.
Ashby died Wednesday evening at the Ottawa Hospital's Civic campus, which deals with most severe-trauma cases in this region. This accident happened that morning at about 8:30 a.m. He was quickly flown to Ottawa after employees from Brockville Tractor-Trailer Maintenance got the tractor he was driving off of him.
Visitation for Ashby will be held on Sunday at 1-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Chris Slater Funeral Home at 416 Dibble Street West in Prescott. The funeral is Monday, 11 a.m. at St. John's Anglican Church at the corner of James Street West and Centre Street, also in Prescott.
