Obituaries

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

Celebration of life for Tim D. Kerr will be held this Sunday July 17th at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 15 located at 80 Mary Street, Brampton, ON L6W 2R3, from 2pm to 5pm. Everyone is welcome.

James Patrick Nugent, January 29 1950 – June 29, 2022 A celebration of the life of Jim (Pat) Nugent took place Saturday July 16^th at the family farm in Elmvale. Jim lived a full and meaningful life as a community organizer, ironworker, farmer and baseball coach. Jim leaves Christine, his soulmate for 52 years; their three sons Denis, Brian and James; daughter-in-law Christina Chase-Nugent; and loving grandchildren. The farm was rich with vegetable and flower gardens, fields of yellow winter wheat, good food, relatives, friends, neighbours, and representatives of political organizations Jim and Christine actively supported: The Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist); the South Asian Women Rights Organization, the Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups; and the Simcoe County Honduras Rights Monitor. A beautiful day was enjoyed with speeches and warmth from all. The evening was topped off with a bonfire. We would like to thank all the workers involved in Jim’s healthcare. Jim (Pat) Nugent, you will be forever present.

Henry passed away peacefully, after a lengthy illness, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Friday, June 10, 2022 at the age of 79. Beloved husband of Carmel for 58 years. Loving father of the late Kelly-Anne (Terry) and Joseph (Terri). Cherished grandfather of Nicholas (Justine), Adam (Samantha), Krista (Ben), Isaac, Ben and Sam and great-grandfather of Savannah, Aaliyah and Tristan. Dear brother of Catherine (Philip). Predeceased by his siblings Mary and William. Henry will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Henry was an Ironworker for Local 721. After retirement, he enjoyed golfing, curling, spending time at the family cottage on Mazinaw Lake and time at his family home in Colliers, NL. Special thanks to the staff of Lakeridge Health Oshawa for their care and compassion. https://www.armstrongfh.ca/memorials/henry-walsh/4951400/

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sean David Anthony Van Rooyen. Sean died doing what he loved- working high in the sky. Be in peace now. Enjoy the eternal sunshine- know you will be deeply missed by all and that you will never be forgotten. Sean was a multi-layered being and will be remembered by many in different ways- A son, a brother, a co-parent for Texas the Taco Terrier, a loyal friend, an Ironworker and a fierce member and supporter of Ironworkers Local 721. His mission was to make the workplace safer for all. He had an adventuresome nature and had many challenges in his life. We will remember him by his funny antics (FFS), his passion for bike riding , his love of a broad spectrum of (loud) music and his enthusiastic support of the Toronto Maple Leafs and FC Bayern Munchen. Sean leaves behind his Father, Lt Col (Ret) Omar Van Rooyen and Stepmother, Jan of Matthews, NC, US; his mother, Denise Pike Van Rooyen of Winnipeg, MB, his beloved sister and confidant, Kristann Van Rooyen of Toronto, ON, his brother and best friend, Scott Van Rooyen of Winnipeg, MB, his stepbrother, Charles Miller and wife Stephanie of Charlotte, NC and many family members and friends across Canada and the United States. A celebration of Life will be held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at a future date. https://necrocanada.com/obituaries-2022/sean-van-rooyen-monday-may-23rd-2022/

Come help us celebrate the life of Sean Van Rooyen (April 11, 1970 – May 23, 2022) and share memories of him. He’d like the memory of him to be a happy one. Of happy times and laughing times of bright and sunny days. He’d like the tears of those that grieve to dry before the sun. Of happy times he leaves behind when life if done. Please RSVP by April 7, 2023 by invitation or email: vanrooyenk@gmail.com Finger foods, refreshments, and Krispy Kreme donuts will be served. Sat. Apr. 15  1:00pm – 4:00pm EDT German Canadian Club Hansa (Hansa Haus) 6650 Hurontario St Mississauga, ON L5W 1N3

Wayne Allan Hennebury, 45, passed away suddenly on, May 10^th, 2022 in Ottawa, Ontario. Allan was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland on December 9th, 1976. He is survived by, the light of his life, his daughter, Molly Hennebury-Benmore his sisters, Rhonda, Joanne and Sandra as well as his brothers he met later in life, Shane and Matthew. Allan was predeceased by his parents Elizabeth Power and Wayne Hennebury. Allan will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.