Obituaries

  • Real DeschenesLifetime - Ironworker
    Passed Away On
    February 13, 2024
    Born On
    June 18, 1941
    Joined
    August 1, 1966
    It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Real Deschenes.
  • Charles R. BettsLifetime - Ironworker
    Passed Away On
    January 29, 2024
    Born On
    August 19, 1944
    Joined
    August 1, 1964
    Peacefully at Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, on Monday, January 29, 2024 at the age of 79 years Charlie went to be with his beloved wife Dorothy (nee Doucette). Charlie Betts, of Verner, Ontario, originally of Prince Edward Island, dear father of Katherine Burch (Stephen) of Sutton, Karon O’Shell (Kevin) of Keswick, Tania Gale (Mat) of Keswick, James Betts (Cassandra) of Melville, Saskatchewan, and Keysha Sanford of Squamish, BC. Loving Grandfather of Joseph (Courtney), Matthew, Kate, Kara, and Joshua. Great Grandfather of Ava, and Emme, predeceased by his great grandson Noah. Dear brother of Beverly (Terry) of PEI. Predeceased by his brother James Betts. Fondly remembered by his extended family and friends. Charlie was a private pilot who loved to fly his Aeronca Chief. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends for years. Charlie was an iron worker and a member of Local 721 for 60 years and built many large structures in the City of Toronto. Cremation has taken place. A private celebration will be held at a later date.

    Obituary Charles Betts

     
  • Jose CalquinhasLifetime - Rodman
    Passed Away On
    January 20, 2024
    Born On
    February 19, 1935
    Joined
    November 1, 1965
    Jose peacefully passed away at Southlake Residential Care Village, Newmarket on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 88 years of age. Beloved husband of late Maria Jose. Loving father of Joe and his wife Cindy. Avô will be fondly remembered with much love by his grandchildren Bryan (Filomena) and Daniel (Nina). Proud Visavô of Arianna. Dear brother of Odette (Adelino). Jose will also be sadly missed by his nieces, nephews and many friends. Visitation will be held at Skwarchuk Funeral Home, 30 Simcoe Road, Bradford on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Holy Martyrs Cemetery, Bradford.

    Jose Calquinhas Obituary

     
  • Franco FornasieroLifetime - Ironworker
    Passed Away On
    January 12, 2024
    Born On
    August 5, 1940
    Joined
    October 1, 1963
    It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Franco Fornasiero.
  • Cesare ParisLifetime - Structural Ironworker
    Passed Away On
    January 10, 2024
    Born On
    February 13, 1939
    Joined
    June 1, 1965
    The heavens have gained a beautiful angel. Our beloved Cesare passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at the age of 83. Cesare will be forever cherished by his beautiful wife Esthela. He was a loving father. He will be deeply missed by his family, relatives and friends. 

    Obituary - Cesare Paris

  • Myrle Mc RaeLifetime - Ironworker
    Passed Away On
    January 5, 2024
    Born On
    March 7, 1930
    Joined
    November 1, 1949
    It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our potential 75-year pin recipient, Myrle McRae on Jan 5, 2024. He joined Local 721 on November 1st, 1949, in the same year of the Charter of Local 721 granted by the International on July 21, 1949. He was only one of 4 members at local 721 with the oldest book/member number. He was an incredible Ironworker and will be sadly missed. The family had a private ceremony and cremation service and will advise if there will be a celebration of life ceremony.
  • Domenico ColantonioLifetime - Ironworker
    Passed Away On
    January 4, 2024
    Born On
    October 9, 2024
    Joined
    September 1, 1964
    It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Domenico Colantonio on January 4th, 2024 at Etobicoke General Hospital surronded by his family. Domenico survived by his cherished wife Adriana. Loving father of Sabrina (John), Dario (Pauline), Daniele (Annetta). Proud Nonno of Maxine, Samantha, Payton, Julian, Jessica and Julia. Brother of Walter (late wife Doris). Uncle to Alisa. Family and Friends will be received at the Glendale Funeral Home, 1810 Albion Rod, Etobicoke on Thursday, January 11th from 5:00 - 9:00pm. A funeral service will be held in the chapel on Friday, January 12th at 12:00pm. The family would like to thank you for your support during this difficult time.

    Obituaries - Domenico Colantonio

  • Herbert “Herbie” MacDonaldLifetime - Ironworker
    Passed Away On
    December 30, 2023
    Born On
    September 14, 1942
    Joined
    March 1, 1963
    Herbie’s life was marked by hard work, compassion and a gift for storytelling. Born on September 14, 1944, he was the son of the late Malcolm and Cassie MacDonald. At the young age of 17, he left Mabou, Nova Scotia and headed to Toronto, Ontario. It was there he managed to convince someone that he was old enough to become an Ironworker, a career where he not only made a living but also many lifelong friends. Raising his family in Ontario, they never missed a summer on the East Coast and his home was always open to family and friends traveling to Toronto. He had a large community of friends with whom he enjoyed many a sing-along at a kitchen party, a “down east dance” and may also have been spotted at the harness races a few times. Later in life, after a significant injury on the job, he navigated a career shift and became a tireless advocate, representing fellow workers in their Workers Compensation claims, first for the Ironworkers and then for the United Food and Commercial Workers. Herbie's legacy is carried forward by those he held dearest. He is survived by his wife, Gina MacDonald, and will be eternally proud of his children Mia and Brett Huntington, Herb (Max) MacDonald and Anna Shipside, and his beloved grandsons, Kyle and Owen Huntington. The enduring bonds of family extend to his first wife, Sheila MacDonald with whom he navigated the many joys and challenges of life. He formed a special bond and will be missed by Gina’s children, Bradley and Tera Broeckel and Amy and Garry Mulder. Herbie's family tree is rooted in a rich Cape Breton history, as he was the baby of ten siblings who formed a close-knit and vibrant clan. Herbie cherished his brothers, sisters, and their families. He is survived by Pat and Marie MacDonald, Leo and Cassie MacDonald, Jenny and Jack MacDonald, Christena MacDonald along with his many nieces and nephews that will miss him dearly. Herbie is preceded in death by his siblings, Finlay Roddie and Maureen MacDonald, Catherine Theresa (Tiddy) and Alex MacNeil, Allister and Lee MacDonald, Betty and Dak Kennedy, Annie Mae and Donald Francis MacDonnell as well as his nephew Bernie and nieces Cathy, Karen and Jackie. His genuine kindness towards everyone he met created a lasting impact on those that knew him. As we bid farewell, may our many shared memories be a source of strength and bring comfort to all who will miss him. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home-Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph (519-821-5077). A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer of 2024 at which time he will be laid to rest with his parents in Mabou, Nova Scotia. 

    Obituary - Herbert MacDonald

  • Luis RodriguesLifetime - Ironworker
    Passed Away On
    December 27, 2023
    Born On
    October 25, 1951
    Joined
    September 1, 1977
    God called Luis peacefully on December 27, 2023 at the age of 72. He will be forever missed by his loving wife, Maria dos Anjos. Cherished by his dear children, Katrina (Aidan), Gaspar, and Alicia (James). Proud Avô to Evelyn and Connor. Luis will always be remembered by his siblings, José (Conceiçâo), Neusa-predeceased (Antonio), Custodia (José), Nazaré-predeceased (Manuel), Laurinda-predeceased (Michel), and Manuel (Rosaria). He will be held dear in the hearts of his family, relatives, and many friends.  

    Luis Lopes Rodrigues Obituary

  • Marcello TomasiLifetime - Finisher
    Passed Away On
    December 25, 2023
    Born On
    February 19, 1935
    Joined
    January 1, 1976
    It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marcello Tomasi, age 88, on December 25th, 2023. Marcello passes peacefully with his loving family by his  side. Marcello is survived by his wife of 65 years Nina, his daughter Anna (John) and son Joey. Cherished nonno to Julia (Nicholas), Jessica (Daniel), Daniella (Kayne) and Rebecca (Drew). A beloved neighbour and friend, Marcello left no driveway unshoveled or bike unrepaired. To Marcello, every day was worth celebrating especially those spend with his family, his grandchildren, who were his greatest joy, and his many friends.

    Obituary - Marcello Tomasi

  • Ernest ChristieLifetime - Finisher
    Passed Away On
    December 21, 2023
    Born On
    January 17, 1932
    Joined
    February 1, 1957
    Christie, Ernest - Passed away peacefully at St. Mary's Hospital on December 21, 2023 at the age of 91. Predeceased by his wife Jennie (2015). Will be forever remembered by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. Ernest lived life to the fullest, and his actions always reflected that through his infectious smile, his love of life, and his passion for music. When we lose someone we love, we gain an angel. Rest in Peace Dad. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 Ottawa St. S. Kitchener on Friday January 26, 2024 at 11:00 am. 

    Ernest Christie - Obituary

  • Edmund RileyJourneyman - Welder
    Passed Away On
    December 20, 2023
    Born On
    July 2, 1947
    Joined
    February 1, 1982

    It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of member Edmund Riley.

    Memorial Service:

    Saturday January 27, 2024 - 3:30pm to 4pm at St. John's Dixie Cemetery & Crematorium (Sandalwood Room) 737 Dundas Street East, Mississauga

  • Franco (Frank) MantegariLifetime - Welder
    Passed Away On
    December 5, 2023
    Born On
    July 27, 1942
    Joined
    November 1, 1968
    With heavy, and saddened hearts we announce the passing of Franco Mantegari at the age of 81. Franco will be sorrowfully missed by his loving wife, Loretta. Warm and loving father to, Linda (Luca), Monica (Galileo), Sarah (Patrizio). Adoring grandfather to Alessio, Lorenzo, Matteo, Jada and Massimo. He will be lovingly remembered by his siblings, Anna Maria (Berto) and Carlo. Reunited with his parents Giuseppe and Ida and sister Stefania. 

    Franco Mantegari - Obituary

  • David TrokeJourneyman - Structural Ironworker
    Passed Away On
    November 24, 2023
    Born On
    April 30, 1956
    Joined
    July 1, 1987
    David Troke, passed away suddenly at Kingston Health Science Centre on November 24, 2023 at the age of 67 years. Beloved husband of Joy Troke (nee Roach) for 37 years. Loving father to Andrew (Lisa) Troke and Chris (Hannah) Troke. Cherished grandfather of Annika, Sebastian and Katerina Troke. Loving brother to Randy (Jill) Troke, Julie (Michael) Morey, Shelley Troke and Carl Troke. David will be greatly missed by his nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Ronald and Ruby and brother Danny Troke. 

    Obituary - David Troke

  • Ross MasonLifetime - Ironworker
    Passed Away On
    November 22, 2023
    Born On
    October 28, 1934
    Joined
    May 1, 1954
    Ross Cedric Mason passed away at Centenary Hospital Scarborough on Wednesday November 22nd, 2023 at the age of 89. Predeceased by his wife Vera and his son Rick. Loving Dad of Nancy Hyde, Ken Mason (Candy Merten) and Ron Mason and his wife Lynne Lapensee. Grandfather of Jamie, Justin, Brandon, Shenelle, Zoe, Tyler and Danielle. Father in law of Carolyn. Great Grandfather of Jack and Theo. Predeceased by his brothers and sisters. Visitation at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home 5295 Thickson Rd. N Whitby on Thursday November 30th from 12:00 Noon until time of service in the Barnes Chapel Thursday at 1:00 pm Ross will be laid to rest beside his wife Vera at Groveside Cemetery.

    Ross Mason - Obituary

     
  • Michael HrynJourneyman - Ironworker
    Passed Away On
    November 17, 2023
    Born On
    March 13, 1998
    Joined
    January 1, 2017
    God called Michael home on November 17, 2023 at the age of 25. Cherished by his dear parents, Zdzislawa and Slawomir. Michael will be remembered by his sister Natalia and brother-in-law Michael. Dear uncle to Nathan and Ayden. He will be held dear in the hearts of his family, relatives, and many friends. Visitations will take place at the Vescio Funeral Home Maple Chapel (211 McNaughton Road East 905-303-0770) on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. at St. David’s Roman Catholic Church (2601 Major Mackenzie Dr., east of Jane St.). A Reception will be held following the funeral mass at Vescio Funeral Home Maple Chapel from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Private cremation to occur at a later time.

    Michael Hryn - Obituary

  • John EllisLifetime - Ironworker
    Passed Away On
    November 10, 2023
    Born On
    June 2, 1958
    Joined
    November 1, 1977
    It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Ellis
  • James BlueLifetime - Welder
    Passed Away On
    November 9, 2023
    Born On
    January 18, 1928
    Joined
    January 1, 1967
    It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Blue. 
  • Eugene CavanaghLifetime - Ironworker
    Passed Away On
    October 29, 2023
    Born On
    March 4, 1930
    Joined
    May 1, 1954
    Cavanagh, Joseph Charles (Eugène) passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at the age of 93. Eugène’s strength and courage carried him through, right to the end. Eugène was born in St. Siméon, Québec, the youngest of fourteen children of Pierre Cavanagh and Thérèse Bourdages. Eugène leaves behind his precious children: Roger, Jackie (Dave), Joanne (Don) and Stéphane (Christine). Cherished Papa to: David, Matthew (Melissa), Samantha, Christopher, Amanda (Tyson), Tiffany (Ray), Jacob (Deanna), Jessica, Oliver and Violet. He is remembered fondly by many sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nephews, nieces and friends. Reunited with his wife of 64 years (2020) and his eldest son Martin (1974) along with all of his brothers and sisters. The family would like to thank Sunnybrook Hospital for their excellent care and compassion. The family will receive friends at the PAUL O'CONNOR FUNERAL HOME at 1939 Lawrence Ave E. in Scarborough on Friday, November 3, 2023 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 10 am with the Funeral Service to follow in the chapel at 11 a.m. For those who are unable to attend, the livestream will begin at 10:45 am by clicking the following link https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/81486 For optimum viewing, please use Google Chrome. In lieu of flowers, donations in dad’s name to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated.

    Eugene Cavanagh Obituary

  • Zhang Tang JiangJourneyman - Ironworker
    Passed Away On
    October 26, 2023
    Born On
    September 18, 1961
    Joined
    November 15, 1999
    My father lost his battle with leukemia, his passing was very sudden with everything happening in a span of a few months. He would’ve turned 63 on October 27, 2023 (Sept 18th lunar calendar). He was a healthy and strong man. He walked 10,000 steps every day this year (until the day he was bedridden by his illness). He ate healthily and exercised often. He did everything you would need to do for a long life. My dad will be leaving behind my mother (63) who can no longer work due to a chronic illness and major surgery done in 2003. She relied heavily on my dad to survive in this society and economic environment. All money raised will be put towards the following expenses: gofund.me - Zhang Tang Jiang Funeral costs (Service, cremation, burial, land, etc). My mom has no income, she is chronically ill and can not work. All collected funds outside of funeral services will go toward helping my mom financially with food, mortgage, bills, and misc living expenses. What happened... It started with a chronic nose infection that took the doctors too long to address, and eventually through all the weeks of checkups and tests. We found out that his platelet counts were dangerously low, but even then the doctors didn't seem too concerned or there was no sense of urgency whether in the ER or at our family doctor. We kept getting bounced back and forth between our family doctor telling us to go to the hospital and the hospital telling us to go back to our family doctor. As my dad's condition got progressively worse, he took all the medical reports, did his own research, and compared the data. He came to the conclusion that it's what we feared, some likely form of blood cancer. He went to the family doctor and demanded a referral letter to be admitted into St. Michael's Hospital. That's when they confirmed in his too many blood tests to even count, that there were an abnormal amount of blast cells, which is an indication of Leukemia. My dad fought hard every day physically and mentally. He advocated for his own care until the end. After diagnosis and 2 months of battling this disease in extreme pain and suffering, on October 26, 2023 15:44, he was able to finally rest. This is how my dad has always been his whole life. He was very smart no matter what the topic of discussion was, if he didn't know he would be attentive, actively listen, and learn. Family was always first, he would drop everything in an instant to help his family and friends. If you knew my dad, he was dependable, he was charismatic, he was gentle and kind, and you would always feel safe in his presence. My dad taught me to always keep learning, it's okay if you don't want to do something but you should at least know HOW to do it. My dad lived a very successful life, growing up in China. He came from a family in poverty that did not have much but family. He had five sisters and two brothers. He was the second youngest. At 16 years old, he vowed to leave his life of poverty and build a better life for himself, his family, and his future. He left his hometown leaving his family back at home. He and his older brother started a metal fabrication plant. He traveled the country being his own business salesman getting clients from far and wide. He didn't speak any Mandarin and didn't know the language at all, the first few years he would turn on the radio and listen to it to sleep. He would negotiate contracts through pencil and paper because he could not communicate verbally. But he still got it done. Eventually, he learned the language and was fluent enough with it, and then began his success. With the industrial boom, his metal fabrication plant was a huge success. They became the wealthiest family in his hometown and he was the first in his town to own a motorcycle, car, and everything you can imagine. Then he met my mom, he met my mom through one of his closest friends. It was his sister, they eventually got along and started dating. They traveled the country on road trips, and he took her everywhere. My dad promised my mom that when he retired they would live the same life, and travel around Canada/China for the rest of their days. My mom immigrated to Canada through my grandparents in 1989, and my dad followed the love of his life and left everything behind. He left the company solely to his older brother and made sure his family was taken care of at home. He came to Canada following my mom with only $3,000 and then began his journey to success from 0 again. He did not speak any English and did not know anyone, for the next decade, he worked multiple jobs doing rigorous labour work and putting his body to the limits. Eventually, he found a job that he had a background in and he is forever grateful for being able to find this opportunity. At Pengelly Ironworks Ltd. my dad started off as an apprentice but he would always strive to be better, to learn from the more experienced, and to apply his own knowledge and methodologies. My dad had the attitude that there was nothing that he could not do if he put his dedication and mind to it. My dad was a very successful man, and he did a lot of work in Southern Ontario. He did everything from staircases, hand railings, glass installation, elevator frames, and more. And you have all likely seen his work, odds are if you walk or work around the downtown core. My dad's work is everywhere, from hospitals, office buildings, malls, tourist attractions, theatres, designer stores, and more. His work and imprint on Toronto will be felt forever. He left his wealthy life back home to come to a foreign country taking nothing with him and he built a happy and full life for me, my sister, and my mom again. My dad is truly amazing, he's the best at everything he does, and there's so much more we have yet to learn from him.

    Zhang Tang Jiang Obituary

  • Jeremy GilesJourneyman - Overhead Door & Dock
    Passed Away On
    October 20, 2023
    Born On
    February 6, 1982
    Joined
    November 20, 2020
    It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jeremy Giles.
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