Category Archives: Proud Deceased Members
Ronald Tousignant
We are truly saddened to announce the passing of a wonderful grandfather, father and cherished husband on June 10, 2023 at the age of 79. Predeceased by his father Maurice Tousignant (2003), his mother Helen Stapinsky(1980), his brothers-in-law Joel Gould (1999), Gerry Bernatchez (2015), Roger Soulliere (2016) and sister-in-law Leslie Soulliere (2018). Survived by his loving wife Dianne of over 57 years, his son Maurice (Moe) Tousignant, daughter-in-law Deanna nee Pageau, his two granddaughters, Gwendolen and Genevieve, brothers-in-law Claude Soulliere (Nancy), Phill Soulliere, and sisters-in-law Lucille Gould (Bob) and Yvette Schaffner (Roger) as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, an aunt and an uncle.
Ron was very athletic and enjoyed many hobbies. In high school, he played basketball, was president of the Chess Club and the Photography Club. He was a member of the R.C.E.M.E, president of the C.Y.O. at Holy Name Church, and belonged to the Knights of Columbus, council 1453. Through the years, he played Fastball, Lob Ball and Slow-pitch. He was a philatelist, enjoyed his model trains and loved to play Bridge, Euchre, Cribbage, King Pedro and many more. He loved to bowl, watch the Canadiens, Vikings, Lions, Tigers, Blue Jays, Lakers, and Pistons. He was an early-adopter of many technologies, loved computers, founded the first local computer club (Apple S.P.I.C.E.), and spent many hours programming and playing games including MMOs. He was also an avid board gamer and passed that love onto his son.
Cremation will have taken place and a Memorial Service will be held Friday, June 16, 2023 from 1 – 6 p.m. at Families First, 1065 Lauzon Rd., East Windsor 519-969-5841. Knights of Columbus council prayers to conclude visitation.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County would be appreciated. Share memories, photos or make a donation at www.FamiliesFirst.ca
Gary Portt
PORTT, Gary
William John
June 1, 1934 –
December 14, 2022
Passed away peacefully on December 14, 2022 at 88 years of age. Beloved husband of Marilyn (Blain), father of Penelope Markou (Joe Mclean), Pamela Portt (Deb Kipfer) and Stephen (Alison Bloetjes) Portt. Grandfather of 5 girls – Lindsay, Lauren, Julia, Lane and Elle and great-grandfather to Adrianno. He leaves behind his sister Sandra (Richard) Brochert. He was his own man. In respect of his wishes a private family service has been held.
David Chapman
Frank Kotow
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Frank Kotow (Francis or Fran to his siblings!) on June 27, 2023. He will be missed by so many people whose lives he touched and who shared his brilliant smile and crazy humour.
On July 28, 1979, he turned his life around with the help of Fr. Paul Charbonneau, Andy Kotow, Norm Shanahan, and his Brentwood family as well as his AA groups and sponsors.
When he retired from Ford Motor Company, he began working the night shift at Brentwood. He was working until the day he went into the hospital wanting to help right to the end.
Like his dad, Andy, Fran had a beautiful cheerful disposition and was always ready to give a helping hand, encouraging words, and a listening ear as needed. His willingness to be available to help his fellow addicts, spread like the waves of the ocean to significant numbers of people. We feel blessed to call him son, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, friend, and coworker.
He is survived by his loving partner, Jeanne Fortier, his son Andrew (Loretta Monforton), his daughter Theresa (Clay Morgan), his mother Elizabeth (Betty), his sisters Crystal (John Sullivan) and Cathy, his brother Joe (Sandy). He will be missed by his beautiful grandchildren and his great granddaughter as well as many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his son, Joey (2007), his dad, Andy (2005), and his sister, Mary Beth (2018).
We are so grateful to the Met campus ICU staff, especially Dr. Masri. The care you gave Frank was exceptional. Many thanks to you all.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Brentwood Recovery Home in his name.
Thomas Edward Awad
It is with saddened hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Thomas Edward Awad on June 24, 2023 at the age of 81. Cherished husband of 53 years to Carol (Eagen). Devoted father to Dorian and Darren Grey, Aaron Awad and Tara Embrey, Jessica and Jim Law and Emily Awad and David Marcotte. Loving and proud Grandpa to Regan, Spencer, Nathan, TJ, Ethan, Avery, Jonas, Frances, Elliott and Adelaide. Predeceased by parents Emerald and Evelyn (Carey) Awad and in-laws, Raymond and Bertha (Goetz) Eagen. Dearest brother to Gary (2006) and Pat Awad, Carol and Emile (2017) Theriault, Richard and Mary Awad, Roger and Moonie Awad, Margaret and Roland Fisher, Dorothy and George (2021) McMahon, Norma and Danny Iannicello and Bruce and Valerie Awad. Dearest brother-in-law to Robert (2021) and Carol Eagen, Dennis Eagen, and Nino Marion. He will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews.
It was on March 13, 1942 – Friday the 13th – that Tom made his worldly debut. His life was destined to be full. Growing up he had the usual interests but like his siblings, sports of all kinds were his love – football, baseball, basketball, hockey – you name it, he played it. He was Class “D” Mic Mac League AKO Team Batting Champion with a .386 average (1959/60), W.D. Lowe First Team All City Quarterback and Second Team All City Basketball (1959/60), Mic Mac Class “D” AKO Team League Champions (1959/60), Mic Mac Class “E” Civitan Club Team League Champions (1958/59), and AKO Junior Men’s Provincial Basketball Championship Finalist (1961/62). He studied engineering technology at the Western Ontario Institute of Technology and spent close to 30 years working at General Motors.
Tom met and fell in love with Carol Eagen at a dance in 1968 and they married two years later. They had four beautiful children and 10 amazing grandchildren. Tom and Carol also owned a picture framing business called Noonday Graphics.
A man of few words, with deep thoughts and big ideas, Tom was a dedicated volunteer. He spent eight years as a youth group leader at St. Vincent de Paul Church, coordinating many of the fundraisers. He also served as a volunteer board member at Trillium Gift of Life, as well as Autism Society Ontario with his brother Bruce.
After his health began to fail, Tom was given a second chance at life with a liver transplant in 2002. Tom was so grateful to his donor family, and dedicated his new life to promoting organ and tissue donation in Windsor-Essex County through his creation of the non-profit Sport Fest Windsor with his brother, Roger. In 2008, Tom was met with another setback, a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, which he battled for the rest of his life with the steadfast support of Carol and his family.
Tom loved to laugh and was always the last to leave a party. He enjoyed many hours watching his grandkids play sports. Tom loved his family dearly.
Oh, and he loved ice cream!
We will all miss him very much. Rest in peace, Tom…you lived the “dash” to the fullest.
Special thank you to Dr. Charlene Johnston for 20 plus years of exceptional care. She went above and beyond and we are so very grateful to her. In addition, we are grateful to all of Tom’s caregivers, especially Ana from the Alzheimer’s Society, and Marcus from St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Thanks also go out to Dr. Masri and the Windsor Regional Hospital Met Campus staff in the Emergency and ICU departments.
If you so desire, donations to the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario, Alzheimer’s Society of Windsor & Essex County, or Autism Services Incorporated would be appreciated by the family.
David Brockbank
Dick Wilhelm
It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Dick on July 27, 2022 at the age of 80 with loving family by his side. Cherished husband to Francie for 49 years. Devoted Dad to April (Dave) Brown, R.J. (Jill) and Eric (the late Diane). Proud Grandpa to November, Haley and Alyssa. Survived by his sister Irene (Chuck) Kett and predeceased by Edith (Jim) Savage and Bob (RuthAnn) Wilhelm. Brother-in-law to Denise (Jack) Morneau and he will be missed by many nieces and nephews. Dick enjoyed spending time on the golf course and the ball diamond with his buddies. In lieu of flowers or monetary donation, the family kindly asks that a random act of kindness be done in Dick’s memory.
William Eric Evans
It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear dad Bill, who died peacefully with his brother and best friend at his side on September 22, 2022. As per Bill’s instructions, cremation has already taken place, and there will be no visitation or service. Beloved husband of Helena (April 19, 2021, nee Young) for 63 years. Son of the late George and Emma (Schjodt) Evans. Loving dad and friend to Roslyn (Rick) Hayes, Kenneth (Nicole) and Gwenlyn. Proud grandpa to Mackensie and Alec, and great- grandpa to his namesake Evan William Sich. Survived by his brother Alan (the late Gloria), predeceased by siblings Gertrude (Harry Kuruliak), Joyce, Oline (Hugh Jennings) and Larry (survived by Pauline). He will be sadly missed and remembered by many nieces and nephews. Bill was very proud of his Prairie and Norwegian roots, and in particular his hometown of Lintlaw, Saskatchewan. He was also proud of his long work history with Chrysler. In retirement, Bill and Helena found fulfillment in travel (New Zealand, Hawaii, Europe, Great Britain, and many RV trips across North America). Bill was a terrific athlete, and was known to be a “triple threat” on the baseball field, competing in senior slow pitch softball leagues in Windsor, Florida, and California well into his 80s. Bill loved good food, cold beer, all kinds of music, and family gatherings. He had a kind heart and a generous spirit, and touched many lives without fully recognizing his impact. He will be missed to an extent that would probably surprise him. If you would like to do something in memory of Bill, please share a moment of generosity and kindness with someone who needs it. Street Help, Hiatus House, and The Downtown Mission were some of the causes Bill supported. Never one for long, emotional goodbyes, Bill would have kept it short and sweet. And so, for one final time from Bill, as only he could say it: “So Long”!
William “Bill” Fleming
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dad Bill Fleming, on October 3 2022. Predeceased by his parents Alexander and Anne Fleming. Loving dad to Anthony and Len (Rose), and Papa to Delvin. Dear brother to Carol and the late Sandy. Bill belonged to the Windsor Light Opera from the 60’s to the late 80’s. He was also a long-time member of the WECSSO (Windsor-Essex County Senior Sports Organization), for the past 20 years. Bill always lit up every room he entered and will be missed by everyone who met him. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. As per Bill’s wishes cremation has taken place.