Obituaries

Celebration of Life for James (Jimmy) Ellis Will be held on February 4, 2023  from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. It will be located at Toronto Celtic Supporters Club – Scarborough Chapter, 2220 Midland Ave, Unit 27 Scarborough, ON M1P 3E6 Jimmy Ellis has passed away after a long battle with cancer. Our father was a very humble man.  As per his wishes, our family is holding a Celebration of Life ceremony instead of a traditional funeral. We invite you to join us at his favourite spot, the Toronto Celtic Supporters Club, where we’ll raise a glass to his life and legacy.  YNWA P.S. The family would like to offer you a drink in Jimmy’s memory, however, anything beyond that can be purchased at the Club’s “Cash Only” bar.

Raymond Thibodeau, beloved husband of the late Elaine O’Sullivan, left us on December 17, 2022. He was the cherished Dad of Toni (Kevin), Michael (Shelly), Amanda (Doug), Lucia (Rice), Jeremy (Rhonda), Matthew (Janice), and Cait (Jeff); Pépère of Dan, Emma (Andrew), Eleanor (Caelan), Nic, Brenna, Kaya, Lauren (Rob), Taren (Alyssa), Jack, Madeline, Tadhg, Olivia, and Ciaran; Grand-père of Owen, Ethan, Ezra, and Rowan. Dad never let us leave without a warm hug, a sloppy scratchy beard kiss, and an I love you. Raymond had a sense of adventure, and loved travel and new experiences. He could walk into a room of strangers and within an hour have everyone gathered around listening to his stories and slightly risqué jokes. Raymond possessed a zest for life and an energy that will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Sincere thanks to the staff of Med1 at the Oromocto Public Hospital for their care and compassion during this difficult time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. For those who wish, donations in memory of Raymond may be made to the CNIB Guide Dogs. https://obituaries.tj.news/obituary/raymond-thibodeau-1086836243/?fbclid=IwAR1v39opurLuhHEvTR108tT7CUfurerTgBnvwFa0Zs2l22_Ja9xaVa-L7kw

God called Luigi peacefully on December 6, 2022 at the age of 79. He will be forever missed by his loving wife, Maria. Cherished by his dear children, Daniela, and Matthew (Katie). Proud Nonno to Oliver, Zayne, and Mia Bella. Luigi will always be remembered by his siblings Antonietta, Anna (Frank) and Gianni (Francesca), and is reunited in Heaven with his parents and siblings. He will be held dear in the hearts of his family, relatives, and many friends. If so desired, donations in memory of Luigi may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Visitations will take place at the Vescio Funeral Home Woodbridge Chapel (8101 Weston Rd. 905-850-3332) on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. The Memorial Service will be held at Vescio Funeral Home (8101 Weston Rd., south of Langstaff Rd.) on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. The placement of Luigi’s ashes will take place at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery (on Hwy 27., south of Hwy 7.) on Tuesday, December 20th, 2022, after the Memorial Service. https://www.vesciofuneralhome.com/memorials/luigi–bacchin/5096295/index.php

On Wednesday November 16, 2022, Albino De Jesus passed away at the age of 84 years at the Toronto Western Hospital. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Palmira De Jesus; his son Bruno (wife Valerie) and daughter Nordence (husband Paulo). Albino will also be missed by his six grandchildren (Michael, Alexandra, David, Justin, Adrian and Max). https://www.cardinalfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/mr-albino-contreiras-de-jesus/

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Michele Macchiusi on November 14, 2022. Our strong, caring and devoted ‘Ultimate Warrior’ passed away peacefully, with his loving family by his side, at North York General Hospital, in his 88th year. He will be deeply missed by the love of his life and wife of 63 years Rosa, as well as his sons Michael (Lidia), and Carlo (Carolyn). He was a proud Nonno to Samantha, Victoria, Isabella, and Zoe. He adored spending time with each of his granddaughters and cherished watching them grow. He especially treasured his responsibility as babysitter, playmate, teacher, personal chauffeur, role model, best-friend and super-hero. Michele always wanted to keep his girls safe, and to ensure they felt his constant love and support. He did this in spades. Michele is joined in eternal rest by his parents Valentino and Anna, as well as his beautiful sisters Nina (Angelo), Giovanna (Francesco), Luigia (Luigi) and Filomena (Vittorio). He will always be in the heart of his loving brother Rocco (Matilda) as well as his countless nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours. Growing up with his parents and siblings on the farms of Pescosolido, Frosinone, Michele learned the importance of family, faith and hard-work. Michele’s first travels abroad began in April 1958 as he departed from Naples, Italy en route to Toronto Canada with dreams of a better life. It is here that he would marry his beloved wife Rosa and start his career and family. He would continue his travels across all the provinces of Canada and throughout the US. His international travels would take him back to his homeland of Italy and to the Holy Land where he faithfully recreated The Way of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa. Michele loved his career and was a proud member of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (Toronto Local 721) for 60 years. He joined the association in 1962 as an Ornamental welder/fitter and over the years has helped transform Toronto’s skyline. Some of his most beloved projects in Toronto include the CN Tower, Eaton Centre, the CIBC building, as well as numerous hospitals, schools and office buildings. He made it an annual tradition to proudly march with his family and his union brothers and sisters in the Toronto Labour Day Parade. Through his incredible passion, work ethic and attention to detail, Michele became a foreman and served as a mentor to countless young Iron Workers (including his sons during their summer jobs), empowering them with the knowledge, confidence, and tools for success. He worked diligently up until retirement 28 years ago but continued his passion for construction, building and tinkering. Michele was a prize winning gardener, vintner and chef. He loved his Saturday morning grocery shops culminating in his Sunday afternoon family feasts. Michele was also a huge wrestling fan and spent countless hours enjoying this passion. His favourite main event of all time was the Ultimate Warrior defeat Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI – a match he experienced live and in person at the SkyDome with Michael and Lidia. Michele was a strong fighter and his incredible tenacity had showed up in his strong will to live. He braved courageous and hard-fought battles with a number of health issues which endured in his final years. We would like to acknowledge and thank the Personal Support Workers and medical staff who attended to Michele for their care, compassion and companionship over this time. We will forever recall Michele’s infectious smile, generosity, unwavering faith, love of his family and incredible value for life that will be passed on as part of his legacy to all future generations. We will cherish the memories of Michele until we see him again in heaven. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in memory of Michele to The War Amps of Canada. Visitation will be held at Westminster Funeral & Reception Centre (5826 Bathurst St. between Finch and Steeles on the west side), located on the grounds of Westminster Cemetery (5830 Bathurst St.). After the long driveway, it is the first building on your left. The family will receive guests on Thursday, November 17, 2022, from 2-4 & 6-9pm and Friday November 18, 2022 from 10-11am. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church (75 Churchill Ave.) on Friday, November 18 at 12:00 p.m. with entombment to follow at Westminster Cemetery & Mausoleum. https://www.westminstercemetery.ca/obituaries/michele-macchiusi

Peacefully, on Monday, November 14, 2022, at Trillium Health Partners – Mississauga Hospital, at the age of 83. Loving husband of Laura Margarida. Beloved father of Nelson (Odalia), and Frank (Julie). Dear grandfather of Emily, Madeline, Mason, Ethan and Roman. Friends and family may pay their respects at the Turner & Porter “Peel” Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., Mississauga (Hwy 10 N. of Q.E.W) on Thursday from 2-4 & 6-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at Ss. Salvador Do Mundo Catholic Church, 1212 Melton Drive, Mississauga, on Friday, November 18, 2022 at 11 a.m. Entombment Assumption Mausoleum, 6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga. https://turnerporter.permavita.com/site/NunoSousa.html?s=40

VAN LEEUWEN, Casey Joseph of Angus, ON, passed away peacefully at his home, on Monday, November 14th 2022, in his 74th year. Beloved husband of Rosemarie. Loving father of Veronica and Stephanie. Cherished opa of Taylor, Nathan, Teya, Rowan, Blaze and Case. Dear brother of Bill (Norma), Jack (Gail), Thea, Nellie (Laura), Joe (Debbie) and Maria (Hideo). Loved brother-in-law of Bruce Kooch (Sally), John Balunda and Donna Van Leeuwen. Predeceased by his brothers John and Nick. Casey will always be remembered and sadly missed by his many nephews, nieces relatives and friends. At Casey’s and the family’s request, cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering to celebrate Casey’s life will take place on Sunday, November 20th 2022 from 1:00pm-4:00pm on the 2nd level of the Angus Recreation Centre 8529 County Road 10, Angus, ON Casey Van Leeuwen Obituary – Angus, ON | Steven R. Bridge Funeral Home

It’s with great sadness we announce the passing of Steven Edward Walker born March 15, 1958. Steven passed away peacefully on October 25, 2022 with his family by his side after fighting a long courageous battle with cancer. Steve was a proud and beloved husband to Kim walker, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother. Steve was a dedicated Iron worker since 1989. He had a great sense of humor and was looking forward to spending the winter months down in Mexico. Friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 10 a.m. till the Funeral Service at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at the Steckley – Gooderham Funeral Chapel, 30 Worsley Street., Barrie. A celebration of life will be held following the service at St. Louis Bar and Gill (494 Veterans Drive Unit 1, Barrie, Ontario L4N 9J5) https://www.steckleygooderham.com/obituaries/steven-walker

Rudolph, Ernest “Ernie”, Retired Ironworker, Proud member of Ironworkers Union Local 721 Passed away at Lakeridge Health Ajax on October 17th, 2022 at the age of 89. Survived by his wife Inge of 63 years. Loving Dad of Susan Lundrigan (John Couto) and Cindy Weir (Fred). Cherished Opi of David, Ryan and Darren Lundrigan and Jessica Weir. Great Grandfather of Ryann and Landon. Ernest will be fondly remembered by his extended family. Celebration of Life to be held on Sunday November 6th from 3:00-5:00 at Sauter’s Inn Restaurant – 109 Old Kingston Rd, Ajax, ON L1T 3A6 https://www.barnesmemorialfuneralhome.com/memorials/ernest-rudolph/5047613/#details

Of Barrie, ON, passed away peacefully at Grove Park Home in Barrie,  on Saturday, October 8th 2022 in his 84th year. Loving father of Willow-Sage Braden (Paul), Joseph Morris, James Morris (Claire), Christine Morris and daughter-in-law Lana Madden.  Cherished grandfather of Camelia-Marie, Will, Giovanni, Antonio, Jenna, Joseph, Brienna and Cameran.  Dear great-grandfather of Juliena, Hannah, Nate, Andrew, Paige, James, Jesse and Brooklyn.  Grand-daughter-in-law of Andrea Shaw. Frank will always be fondly remembered and missed by his brothers, sisters, relatives and friends. https://www.barrietoday.com/obituaries/morris-frank-5937232

Mark Merrin, of Hantsport, formerly of Toronto. It is with great sadness we announce Dads sudden passing, at home, on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at the age of 65. Born on August 4, 1957 in Toronto, ON, he was a son of Gwenda “Gwen” (Farrell), Hantsport and the late Dennis Merrin. Mark spent his career as an ironworker. He was thoroughly enjoying his retirement it was allowing him time to tinker in his garden and enjoy a cold beer. He also loved his shopping trips to Costco and walking around with his fur baby, Batman. Besides his mom, Gwen, he is survived by his sons, Mark Jr. (Amanda), David and Jonathon (Sara); grandchildren, Dominic, Cassidy, Deacon, Mackenzie, Alisha, Ella and Trent; brother, Robert; sister, Vickie (Kevin) Gallie; nieces, Amanda, Ashley and Julia; nephew, Dennis; as well as extended family and friends. https://demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca/tribute/details/918/Mark-Merrin-Sr/obituary.html

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Dave at Belleville General Hospital on Wednesday, September 21st 2022. David Begley of Belleville was in his 69th year. Son of the late Stanley & Alice Begley. Much loved husband of 46 years to Susan (nee Seames). Proud father of Todd, Kurt and Becky, and much loved grandfather to Russell. David is also survived by siblings Barb Labelle, Janet Top (John), Karen Begley, Dwight Begley, Ron Begley (Mary), Linda Chambers (Tom), his sisters-in-law Lynda Hultquist (late Bob) , Lynda Seames (late Dan) and will fondly be remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brothers-in-law Herb Seames (late Fran) and Larry Seames. Dave was a proud lifetime member of Ironworkers local 721, an advocate of the outdoors and never shy to tell a good story. Cheers to Dave! David Begley Obituary – Belleville, ON | John R. Bush Funeral Home (rushnellfamilyservices.com)

We are sad to announce that our dad, Laurier Leclerc passed away at the age of 85, on Saturday September 17, 2022. He was at Hospice Peterborough with family by his side. Laurier was born in 1936, in a small town called St Bernard in the province of Quebec. He left home at an early age and eventually settled in Scarborough Ontario where he lived most of his life. Later, he discovered Buckhorn and the Kawartha Lakes area where he built a cottage in the early 70’s. Loved and missed by his children Michelle Thornton (Billy), Daniel Leclerc (Jackie), Paul Leclerc (Julie), his 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren with an additional 2 on the way. He will also be missed by many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Dad will be remembered as a master “MacGyver” and known for making use of whatever was available to improve, repair or simply make something more efficient. Nothing was wasted. He had a wonderful sense of humour, and a love of the outdoors, music, travel, gardening, reading and tinkering around. He had many adventures and we enjoyed listening to his stories. Most of all, Dad loved his family. He always said if his family was happy, he was happy. Dad was a proud member of the Ironworkers union local 721 for 67 years. He started out as a rodman in 1955. As an ironworker, he worked on projects such as the CN Tower, Burlington Skyway and finished out his career at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station. Dad, we will miss you very much, and we will always remember your motto of “Never Give Up” https://memorials.ashburnhamfuneral.ca/laurier-leclerc/5023688/index.php?_ga=2.223461468.630565586.1665062693-862166677.1665062693#details

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Jean Paul Desjardins at the Nipissing Serenity Hospice in North Bay on August 28, 2022, with family by his side. He was seventy-five. Paul was a loving man who was known for his sharp wit and practical jokes. He was a loyal member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Hastings where he enjoyed spending time with his friends. He was the beloved husband of his late wife, Lee Ann Eno. Paul will be lovingly remembered by his son, Roy Desjardins (Shannon) and daughter, Sherree-Lynn Desjardins. He was predeceased by his daughter, baby Roxanne. All three children are from his first marriage to the late Suzanne Desjardins (nee Roy). Paul was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Rochelle (nee Roy). Dear brother of the late Lorraine Cheaney (former spouse of Gerry), Paulette Marquardt (Lorne), Doug Desjardins (late Barb), Frank Desjardins (Liliane) and Lee-Anna Tremblay (Corad). Loved by many nieces and nephews. He will be remembered by his former partner, Janet Dagnal, and her family. A special thanks to Lee-Anna and Corad for opening their home and caring for Paul throughout his illness. The family is forever grateful to Paul’s VON nurse, Natalie, his doctors Jinnah and Emack, the Sudbury and North Bay cancer clinics, and the amazing team at the Nipissing Serenity Hospice. A celebration of life will follow at a later date. https://martynfh.com/tribute/details/13018/Jean-Paul-Desjardins/obituary.html#tribute-start