JOHNSTON, Tom

JOHNSTON, TOM H. April 25, 1931 – February 19, 2023 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tom H. Johnston of Don Mills, Ontario, on February 19, 2023, at the age of 91. Predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Louise Johnston (née Bradford). He is survived by his brother, Harry (Sue); his sons, Tommy (Bernie) and David (Belinda); and his grandchildren, Heather, Ryan and Taryn. Raised in Owen Sound, Tom moved to Kingston where he graduated from Queens University with a degree in Engineering. Following graduation, he and Louise moved to Don Mills, Ontario, and he began working for Metro Roads and Traffic, where he eventually became the Director of Operations. Tom built and maintained many of the roads you drive on. Tom and Louise had a beautiful life together and loved to travel. Together, they built a cottage where they enjoyed spending their summers and in the winter months, they spent their time skiing and travelling in their motorhome. Tom also enjoyed building radio-controlled airplanes and golfing with his colleagues from Metro Roads. Tom lived his life to the fullest, skiing in British Columbia until the age of 89, only to be stopped by travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. He will be remembered by many for saving the City of Buffalo from the blizzard of ’77, and for inventing Unshrinkable Fill. His family, however, will remember him for his honesty and witty charm. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Jubilee United Church, 40 Underhill Dr., Toronto. The Johnston family would like to thank all of the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff at Sunnybrook Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook.

Published by Toronto Star on Feb. 25, 2023.

WALKER, Joanne

WALKER, DOROTHY “JOANNE” (nee MORRIS) October 27, 1925 – January 1, 2023 Joanne, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away in her 98th year, with family and companions by her side. Joanne was born to Ivan and Dorothy Morris and was older sister to brother, John. She grew up in Toronto and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force two days after her 18th birthday. Upon her discharge, she was a valuable employee at Imperial Oil. Joanne married Samuel Walker in 1949 and raised four children in their home in North York where they lived for 45 years. Joanne lived a long, wonderful life and will be missed dearly by those who knew her well. She will be remembered for the way she deeply loved and cared for her family, friends and neighbours. With an exquisite combination of nurturing, determination, thoughtfulness, and feistiness, she was the anchor in her family who made sure everyone had what they needed. She had an exceptional ability to connect with others through sharing stories, experiences and laughter. Joanne enjoyed family visits and parties, being with friends, playing golf and bridge, going to the theatre, participating in aquafit and travelling. Joanne was predeceased by her loving husband, Samuel Walker, with whom she was married for 72 years. She is survived by her children: David (Lynne), Dianne (Phil), Cathy (David), and Peter (Lilly); grandchildren, Lisa, Scott (Meaghan), Eric (Lindsay), Andrea, Lindsey (Brent), Chris, Reed, and Matthew; and great-grandchildren: Alex, Gavin and Ethan, Leah and Charlie. Family are sincerely grateful to the three companions who provided support for Joanne with love and compassion. Family would also like to thank Dr. Deering and the wonderful nursing, social work, and recreation staff at the Veterans Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital for the care and support provided over the past 3 and 1/2 years. A Celebration of Life for Sam and Joanne will be held Friday, January 13th, starting at 1 p.m., at Pine Hills Funeral Centre, 625 Birchmount Rd., Reception to follow. The Service will be Livestreamed from www.etouch.ca under Samuel and Joanne Walker. Should you wish to make a donation in honour of Joanne, please consider a donation to www.legion.ca/donations.

HUNTER, Marion

HUNTER, Marion Elaine (nee MANN) Passed away peacefully, on December 13, 2022, at the age of 86, after a 22 year battle with Multiple Myeloma. Marion is survived by her husband of over 64 years, Donald; son, Gord (Beth); daughter, Barb Cridland (Jeff); and 3 grandchildren, Alex Cridland (Eline Vring), Heather Cridland (Grég Desroches), and Shanna Hunter; sister, Carolyn Dunlop (John deceased); and brother, Doug Mann; sister-in-law, Beryl Hunter; brother-in-law, Rev. Neil Hunter (Bonnie); sister-in-law, Lynn Morrison (Gerald); along with many wonderful nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Marion’s family wishes to thank Dr. Rena Buckstein and her team at the Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre for their many years of caring for Marion as well as the team at the Sunnybrook Palliative Care Unit for their compassionate care during her last few weeks of life. An open house celebration of Marion’s life will be held on December 28, 2022, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Jubilee United Church, 40 Underhill Drive, Toronto, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation, the Girl Guides of Canada, or a Charity of Your Choice. To leave an online condolence message, please visit www.ogdenfuneralhome.com

Published by Toronto Star on Dec. 17, 2022.

BREMNER, Jack

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John “Jack” Bremner on Friday, November 4, 2022 at the Palliative Care Unit, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Beloved husband to the late Joyce for 68 years. Loving father to Karen and Lori and father-in-law to Michael.

A service will take place at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville) on Saturday, November 26th at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

MAGEE, Marion

It is with deep sorrow that we announce Marion’s passing on Friday, August 12, 2022, at Scarborough General Hospital after a courageous battle with vascular disease. The family celebrates 94 years of a life well lived & one to be proud of! Lovingly remembered by sons Grant David, Graham John & Rosemarie and daughter, Laura Anne. Proud grandmother of David & Michael Magee, Danielle and Christian Alexander; great grandmother of Oscar and Henry; loving Aunt of Brent & Vicky Rombough, Garth & Julie Rombough, and Lynn & Michael Evans. Marion was predeceased by her husband, Ernie, with whom she enjoyed 67 wonderful years of marriage.

Born on July 17, 1928, Marion grew up and went to school in Winnipeg graduating from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics in 1949. She was on the student council as well as a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority. She spent a year as a Home Economist with Manitoba Hydro & in 1951 moved to Toronto as a Food Editor of Chatelaine Magazine for 3 years.

Marion met John Ernest (Ernie) Magee in her University days and on September 12, 1953, they were married in their hometown in Winnipeg. In their first year of marriage, Ernie was transferred to Moose Jaw where Marion then took on the challenge of social work with the wards of the government for two years. They had another transfer back to Winnipeg before finally moving to Toronto where they purchased a home in the O’Connor Hills area of Toronto, raised their three children, and lived happily ever since. In those days, Marion & Ernie loved to entertain & attend popular live theatre productions.

Both Marion & Ernie grew up enjoying their respective family cottages, so in 1963, when the children were still young, they bought a small cottage in Haliburton. For over 60 years, they loved cottage life with their summers at the lake, swimming, boating & waterskiing. They entertained their cottage friends as well as city friends who came for the weekend.

As travelling was a big part of their lives, she and Ernie planned a trip to another part of the world each year. The Taj Mahal in India was the shining star for them. Marion wrote articles about their trips for the Canadian magazine called “Travel Scoop” for over 20 years. She was a Charter member of Donminster United, later to be Jubilee United. She was an active member of the University Canada West, her beloved Bridge Club and the Milne House Garden Club for nearly 30 years.

Marion’s special hobby was designing hasty notes and place cards with her pressed flowers. If you have been fortunate to receive one as a thank-you or in recognition of a special occasion, you will treasure it as a keepsake from this fine lady who always showed a genuine interest in all of her family and friends and their activities. Marion cared for them deeply and always thought the best of people. She was a special lady who loved life and was always there for others. She touched the lives of all she knew; She will be greatly missed by many.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations to the Jubilee United Church (jublieeunited.ca) would be appreciated. Online condolences may be offered at https://www.jerrettlife.com/

WARD, Bettyann

BETTYANN (ELIZABETH) WARD It is with sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of Bettyann Ward at her residence on July 29, 2022, rejoining her loving husband, Bob, in a very special place. Bettyann was in the company of her caring daughter, Susan, and in the thoughts of all the family. Born December 8, 1932, to Bill and Dorothy Bagshaw in Haileybury, Ontario, nurturing fond childhood memories. Bettyann cared deeply for the family and friends that brought so much joy to her life. Bettyann will be forever missed but fondly remembered by her cherished big brother, Bill (Boo) of Key Biscayne; daughter, Susan and husband, Bob; son, John and wife, Carol; along with her three grandchildren and their partners, Josh and Mercedes, Blake and Jess, Kacie and Logan and great-grandson, Myles. Bettyann graduated with a nursing degree from Sick Children’s Hospital in 1954 that provided a long fulfilling career. She was also actively involved with Jubilee United Church in Don Mills for decades, both created long lasting friendships. Through many adventures with her loving husband, Bob, Bettyann filled her life with traveling, curling, playing bridge, hiking, photography outings, gardening, cottage life and especially enjoyed time with family and friends. Thank you to everyone who helped make Bettyann’s journey through life such a full and happy 90 years. A celebration of life is contemplated for the fall. Donations may be made to Sick Kids Hospital, Toronto. Condolences may be left at www.smithfh.com.

BRUNDAGE, Kay

It is with sadness that the family announce the peaceful passing of their mother Kay (Kathleen) on Thursday, May 5, 2022 in her 99th year. She was predeceased by Don, her loving husband of 66 years. She leaves to mourn her children and grandchildren Mark and Denise Brundage (Cole), Michael and Kristy Brundage (Harry, Carter  (Caitlin Farquharson), Anna and Emmett), Anne and Terry Pruner (Lauren (Oscar  Alba), Brendan, and Cameron).

Kay grew up in Alberta, and while still in her teens achieved the Toronto Conservatory A.R.T.C. in piano performance.  She later acquired double degrees from the University of Alberta, and in mid-life, the Business Administration degree at Ryerson College.  For 50 years she was an active member of the United Church Women, PEO Chapter B, and the University Women’s Club of North York.

While at the University of Alberta she was privileged to be the first accompanist of the newly-formed University of Alberta Mixed Chorus, where she met Don. They returned many times for anniversaries, along with three life-long friends (also “originals” from the Chorus).  Kay attended the 73rd annual concert in 2016.  She and Don treasured the more than 60 years they sang together in church choirs in Calgary and Don Mills.

Kay was an enthusiastic swimmer and skater, writer of letters and emails and a voracious reader of books and newspapers. She enjoyed a lively discussion, as well as using her musical talents playing for soloists and various choirs. She enjoyed camping and travel, and sharing her home and cottage with family and friends, always with warmth and laughter. She was a cottager on Skootamatta Lake since 1979 and was a resident of the lake for the last 18 months of her life at Skootaway the home of Mark, Denise and Cole.

Heartfelt thanks to the compassionate doctors and nurses at the Lennox and Addington Country General Hospital Palliative Care Unit for their excellent care in Kay’s final days.

A small family celebration will take place at a later date in her beloved Land O’ Lakes area.

If you would like to make a donation in Kay’s memory please consider the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Lennox & Addington County General Hospital Foundation – Inpatient Services.

Thanks Mom for everything.  You will never be forgotten.

Kay’s love of family and her sense of greater good will live on.

BOYD, Robert

BOYD, ROBERT DAVID January 29, 1933 – April 7, 2022 Passed away peacefully, at Mon Sheong Stouffville Long Term Care Centre, at the age of 89 years. Predeceased by his loving wife, Ruth; son, David; brother, Douglas; and parents, David Wilfred and Phyllis Marie (Lamont) Boyd. Will be sadly missed by children, Catherine (David) Tubb and Douglas (Vera Leung). Cherished grandfather to Carolyn (Nathan), Jennifer (Adam) and Frederick. Beloved great-grandfather to Braden, Amy, Clara, Brooke and Cole. Robert was born in Galt, Ontario, and grew up in Smiths Falls, Ontario. He graduated from Queen’s University (1955) with a Bachelor of Science. Robert worked at Crown Life Insurance Company for 27 years in Data Management. He was a resident of Don Mills for 63 years. Robert was an avid bridge player, patron of the Stratford Festival, Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Canadian Opera Company, Kiwanis member, and was a longtime member of the Jubilee United Church. A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at Jubilee United Church (40 Underhill Dr., Toronto), on Monday, April 18th, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will take place 1 hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jubilee United Church or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

MANCHUL, Marion

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Marion Tylee Manchul, peacefully on February 20, 2022 at the age of 94, at the Avalon Retirement Lodge in Orangeville. She was born in Virden, Manitoba in 1927, daughter of the owner of the local hardware store. While attending the University of Manitoba, she met engineering student Edward Manchul, the love of her life, and beloved husband of 68 years. Marion has lived in many cities across the country but always called Toronto home. Marion enjoyed bridge, curling, sewing, knitting and tailoring, and spending winters in Florida. She will be remembered fondly for her fabulous shortbread cookies, her famous back ribs and chili con carne. She is cherished by her two daughters, Lee Ann Manchul and Lynn Manchul-Davey. Her two grandchildren, Megan Devlin and Edward Davey will always remember her as their advocate and friend and she loved them to the moon and back. Marion will be fondly remembered by her nieces Nancy, Tylee, and Mardi, nephews Dick and Bill, son-in-law Michael Devlin, and many grand nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the staff at the Avalon Retirement Lodge, Comfort Keepers, the palliative care team, Kristine and Dr. Bhamber. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto. In lieu of flowers, a gift to the charity of your choice in her honour is appreciated. We will miss you, mom. We will miss you Nana. You were our inspiration!

SMEATON, Donald

It is with great sadness that the family of Donald (Don) Smeaton announce his passing on January 20, 2022 at the age of 82. He will be deeply missed by Linda, his loving wife of 31 years, his son Drew, daughter Lara, and stepson Jared. Don was a proud grandpa and “Poppi” to Claire, Haley, Emerald, Stephan, Calla and Isabella. He is survived by his brothers Bill and Wally, and will be missed by his many nieces and nephews in Kamloops, BC, where he was born. Don was a gift, a kind and loving man, with a love of life, and family.