Irwin Philip (Casey) Jones

Gone to be with the Lord on September 2, 2024 at 89 years of age.

Loving husband of Rita for 66 years. Cherished father to Chris (Helen), Keith (Laurie), Brian (Julie), Tim (Kim) and Terry (Sheila). Loving grandfather to Ashley (Eric), Ryan (Melissa), TJ (Meg), Christopher (Jenn), Lucas, Brayden, Morgan, Hayley, Melina, Evie, Elise and great-grandfather to Hazel, Matthew, Jeremy, James, Kelly, Peyton, Penelope, Levi, Isabella and McKenzie. Son of the late Forrest and Sarah Jones. Dear brother of Doris Robak (late Frank), Ken (Freda), Patricia Colwell (Tom), Alvin (Florence), Richard (Marylin), Larry (Linda), John (Tracey) and the late Ron (Mary Rose). Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Irwin travelled to Calgary at the age of 18 to join the Canadian Forces. He became a member of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (RCAC) and was stationed in Germany for two years peacekeeping post Korean War. Retired from Ford Motor Company in 1995 with 30 years of service. Over the years, Casey involved himself in the LaSalle community including the Turtle Club baseball, Slo-Pitch in both LaSalle and Windsor-Essex, Sandwich West Hockey, LaSalle Parks and Recreation Board, and Boy Scouts Canada. Member of Parkwood Gospel Church, being involved in various leadership roles and expressions of ministry. Irwin and Rita cherished the healthy years spending time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He lived life to the fullest with determination and courage. To say that he will be missed is an understatement.

Special thanks to the PSW’s, Nurses and team at Extendicare Southwood Lakes, and all those caregivers who came to the family home over the many years before Irwin entered long term care.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer Society of Windsor-Essex County or the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County would be appreciated.

Visitation on Friday, September 6, 2024 from 3-5 & 7-9 p.m. and Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 10 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 11 a.m. at Families First, 3260 Dougall Avenue, South Windsor (519-969-5841). Interment Heavenly Rest Cemetery.

Day of Remembrance – August 17th, 2024

Day of Remembrance August 17th 2024

WECSSO would like to express our sincere gratitude to the many volunteers who made our Day of Remembrance such a special event.

To the families, although we miss our former members, we remember them fondly and thank you for sharing a part of them with us. 

A special thank you to Bob Parent for his many years of service to this day of celebration. Bob has graciously passed the torch onto John Rudak, who did a wonderful job on this revered day.

Next years’ service will take place on August 16th, 2025. If you were unable to attend please enjoy the pictures. 

 

James Wilfred Brownell

James (“Moose”) Wilfred Brownell
January 12th, 1931 — August 4th, 2024

Passed away peacefully and reunited with his beloved wife, Jennie (2011). Dad will always be remembered for his loyalty and honesty. He was a dedicated employee at BASF (formerly INMONT) for 40 years and was a true inspiration for his hard work and strength. Upon early retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, as well as being active in Senior Slo-Pitch and recreational hockey. Gardening with his dear wife, Jennie, was also a true passion; although family was number one. Jim will be truly missed by his daughter, Lisa (Dave) Droski, and was a proud “Gramps” of his grandchildren, Adam (Jessica), and Ava (Brett). He most recently became a great-grandfather to Wesley, and to a soon-to-be great-granddaughter. Dad was also a devoted stepfather to Mary Stone, Robert (Halina) O’Brien, Margaret Denison, and the late Caroll (Jeff) Thachuk (2022), as well as many step-grandchildren. He is survived by his brothers Carl and Earl Brownell, and predeceased by Winston, Bud, Bob, Jack, and sisters Grace, Audrey, Carol, Shirley, Elsie, Joyce, and Gladys. Visitation to take place on Thursday August 8th 2024 from 10:00am until 11:00am at Victoria Greenlawn Funeral Home 1525 Hwy 3, Old Castle ON. Funeral service at 11:00am with interment to follow at Victoria Memorial Gardens.
Being as my dad was very charitable, in lieu of flowers our family is requesting donations be made to the cancer or Alzheimer’s society.

Gary Soumis

Gary Soumis passed away suddenly at the age of 73 on July 10, 2024. Cherished father of Amy Soumis-Crowell (Kevin) and James Soumis (Sherri). Proud Papa of Alexandra and Kamryn Crowell, Sylar and Slater Soumis. Proud dog dad to late Riley. Brother of Linda Soumis. Dear Uncle of Corrie (Tom), Carrie (Tim), and Kellie (Jay). Predeceased by his parents Harry and Doris Soumis. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, especially Vickie, Ron, Mr. Mike, Dan and Chuck.

Gary retired after 30 years of service with the City of Windsor. He enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, baseball, volleyball, cards, and especially bowling.

Visitation will take place at WINDSOR CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME – Banwell Chapel, 11677 Tecumseh Rd. E. (519-253-7235) on Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 11:00 am until time of Funeral Service at 1:00 pm in the Chapel. Cremation to follow.

Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at https://windsorchapel.com

 

Mike Vorkapich

It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our loving father at age 94 on June 4, 2024 after a short illness. Survived by his loving wife Angela with whom he celebrated 62 years of marriage. Loving father of Steve (Mary), Patricia Makaric (Brian), Millicent Hill (Jim), Nada Orshinsky (Dave), and Mike (Michele). Beloved Deda to Tyler, Brock (Arielle), and Brianna Makaric; James, Steven, and Meghan Hill; Nicholas, Alexander, and Matthew Orshinsky; and Michael, Edward, and Angelina Vorkapich. Born November 19, 1929 to Vujo and Petra Vorkapich. Predeceased by his brother Steve, sister-in-law Millie, brother-in-law Gojko Daich, and sister-in-law Ljubica. Stric to Daniella, Lisa, Sonia, Mimi, Mark and their families. Ujak to Boro, Pero, Angie and their families. Will be missed by his beloved Kumovi Dragich family. A special thank you to his niece Daniella (Vorkapich) Dickens who spent his last hours with him in the hospital. Thank you to family friend, Gary Ternovan, whose daily visits to solve the problems of the world put a big smile on our dad’s face. A heartfelt thank you to all of the devoted caregivers at home and Met Hospital.

Mike was so proud of his Serbian heritage, and Canadian citizenship. His Drouillard Road roots connecting with so many other Eastern European families were his foundation of realizing the importance of education and community involvement. He enjoyed a 39 year teaching career at Wallaceburg and Leamington High Schools. Authoring several agriculture and environmental science textbooks was a most rewarding experience that he cherished….almost as much as the yearly field trips for his students to the Royal Winter Fair, Growers’ Convention, and local dairy / livestock farms. He volunteered for several years with the Leamington Kiwanis and KEY Clubs, Federation of Agriculture, MADD, 4-H Club, Serbian National Federation, Cancer Society, and coaching teams at school and in the community.

Mike was a proud graduate of Michigan State University where he was a member of the baseball team. He was easily recognized by his daily Spartan wardrobe. His proudest moments were watching his five children and many grandchildren earn their post-secondary degrees.

Former students, classmates, teammates, colleagues, neighbours, and buddies were given the most important title from Mike: FRIEND. Once Mike crossed paths with you, you were a friend for life.

Some of Mike and Angela’s fondest memories in life were attending their kids’ sporting events. This was only surpassed in later years by watching their grandchildren’s games.

Donations in Mike’s memory may be made to The Windsor Regional Cancer Centre or Grachanica Serbian Orthodox Church.

Visitation will be held at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home – Banwell Chapel (11677 Tecumseh Rd E.) 519-253-7235 on Friday, June 7th, 2024 from 2-5pm and 7-9pm. Prayers will be held at 8pm. Saturday, June 8th, 2024 a funeral service will be held at Grachanica Serbian Orthodox Church (1960 Meldrum Road) at 10am. Interment to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. To express condolences and share cherished memories, please refer to the online guest book.

Geoffrey McKay

Passed away peacefully on April 26, 2024 at 85 years of age, went home to be with his Lord and Saviour. Husband of Janet. Loving father of Sharyl Marcella (Peter), Elizabeth McKay- Hayward (Bruce), Geoffrey McKay jr., Douglas McKay (Kellie). Dear grandfather of Colin (Amy), Ali (Brent), Brett (Ali), Taylor (Teanna), Jadyn, Hailey. Precious great grandfather of 8. Dear brother of identical twin James McKay. Predeceased by his siblings Douglas and William. Will be missed by Michelle Dorrell (Jeff) and their children, Emma and Ethan.

Geoff was a great father, husband and entrepreneur. Geoff and his brother Bill were the former owners of Krazy Kellys, they were true pioneers in there day.

If you desire memorial donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Visitation to take place on Sunday April 28, 2024 from 5-8 pm at Families First 3260 Dougall Ave. South Windsor, 519-969-5841.

On Monday April 30, 2024 visitation will continue at the Banwell Community Church, 2400 Banwell Road from 10 am until time of funeral service at 11 am.

Interment to follow at Windsor Memorial.

Douglas “Doug” Towers

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Doug at the age of 91. He is reunited with his beloved wives Evelyn (1968) and Sandra (2022). Loving father to Doug (2004), Pam Campobasso (Mike), Joseph (Heidi), Susan Timmie, Kerri Thomas (Paul, 2017) and Tom (2004) and their respective families. Cherished grandpa and great grandpa to many. He is predeceased by his parents Jessie and Fred and brother Fred and sister Fern. He is survived by his brother Bob. He will be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

Doug dedicated over 35 years to teaching, coaching and refereeing in the Windsor, Essex community. He enjoyed spending his winters in Arizona. Doug was an avid sports fan and competitive player in many sports. 

If so desired, donation can be made to the Canadian Cancer society. 

As per Doug’s wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of Doug’s life will take place on Friday June 28, 2024 at Victoria Greenlawn Funeral Home (1525 Hwy #3 Oldcastle, ON N0R1L0 226-799-5045) from 10am until time of chapel service at 11am.

Michael Robert Thomson

It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Michael Robert Thomson ( September 05, 1945) has left our world. Mike passed peacefully in his sleep, March 23, 2024. Mike was the loving supportive husband to Cheryl,(Sherry Brode) proud doting father to son Christopher, (Kristy Hastings Thomson) and Daughter Kathryn(Katy) and dedicated fun loving Grandpa to Jonah, Grayson, Janosch, Lucia, and Edda. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Bob and Joyce (Toots) Thomson. Surviving in sadness is his dear sister Patricia and brother in law Ed Lumley. Pat was the protective big sister even though Mike towered over her. Mike so loved her attentive phone calls and encouragement and support. Pat and Ed made Mike a proud first time Uncle. Their five children began the parade of nieces and nephews and now “grands” that total several dozens. Sherry’s family gave Mike a very extended family, close endearing in laws, Donna and Dr. Frank DeMarco, Janice and Andrew McClelland, Kevin Brode and Nancy Lauzon, the youngest sister Karen Brode is deceased. And beloved mother in law Patricia Brode, Matriarch of the Brode family. Mike enjoyed close bonds with inherited Aunts and Uncles, and again several dozen cousins, nieces and nephews. Mike had many gifts and talents. Intelligence, patience and a sense of humour served him well in his chosen profession as an educator. He was proud of his headship in Physical Education, and being one of the pioneers teaching Dramatic Arts in Secondary Schools. His love of theatre particularly Broadway musicals lead to numerous school performances under his direction. He enjoyed many years associated with Windsor Light(Opera) Music Theatre. He met his wife there, and continued to perform on stage, behind the scenes, and served on the Board of Directors and also held office of President for Windsor Light. Another passion was sports. In his teaching career he coached teams in basketball, baseball, football, wrestling, gymnastics, track and field. Extracurricular activities included sports as a spectator, participant, coach, referee, and official. He was a member of Windsor Curling Club, Kingsville Golf Course, and Windsor Referees Association. Mike played volleyball, and baseball with WECSSO until recently. As he aged out of playing some sports, he had more free time to enjoy challenging bridge games and reading in his recliner, and on the porch. He loved printed books, and newspapers, tending to shun electronics. Mike and Sherry loved to travel. When the family was young they enjoyed camping on cross country trips throughout Canada and USA. Retirement brought more grand and exotic travel with adventures to Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America. For the past several years Mike lived the good life on Cocoa Beach, at Royale Towers for a couple of months each winter, where he and Sherry developed a new circle of wonderful friends. Mike played many roles in life. Character roles on stage, different roles on fields, arenas, and stadiums, but no doubt his favorite role was family man. Profoundly dedicated to his wife and children, grandchildren and extended family. Extended family included close friends who are like family, especially the Poker Family. Mike was given the best Christmas ever last December when Katy travelled with her children to be with us for the holiday. The entire family with Chris, Kristy and their boys ushered in the New Year with a few days skiing together and staying together in northern Michigan. (Thank you Brett/Terry) Mike was elated to be at the table surrounded by his family all together. Mike’s activities, achievements and accolades are too numerous to mention. He will be remembered for his great big smile, a great big presence in any room, and a great big heart, open to everyone and anyone. We have been blessed by his presence in our lives. We will mend our broken hearts with happy memories and in homage to Mike and his example, live a life of commitment, compassion, congeniality and a kind of care free joie de vivre. Cremation has taken place. We will celebrate this good guy, and his really good life, Tuesday April 23. Family will greet visitors at the Legion 594, 5030 Howard, 2-4 also from 5-6. Service with Fr. Larry Brunet at 6:00, followed by camaraderie and fellowship, at Legion 594.
If desired memorial donations may be made to Heart and Stroke, Windsor Light Music Theatre, Hospice Windsor Essex County.
Eternal rest grant onto him oh Lord, and let perpetual Light shine upon him. ❤️

Dan Gelinas

76 years, passed away suddenly on Monday, October 2, 2023, at Erie Shores Health Care.
Beloved husband of Beth Mills. Loving father of Kim (Gary), Nichole, Brad (Lyne), Bruce (Amber), Lonny (Andrea), Chris (Laurel), Locky (Kim), Keith (Anna) and Dan (Brittany). Cherished grandfather of 26 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Predeceased by his parents, Alvin and Helen (nee Renaud) Gelinas and father-in-law, Grant Hodgson and survived by mother-in-law, Mae Hodgson. Dear brother of Tom (Doreen), Brian (Holly), Ken (Patti), Mark (Donita), Mary (A.J.) and Tim (Darla). Brother-in-law of John (Bonnie) and the late Richard Hodgson (surviving wife, Judy). Dan will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews and friends. Dan loved his family, sports and a good political conversation.
Visitation to be held Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Kendrick Funeral Home – Wheatley Celebration Centre, 17 Little Street South, Wheatley, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. until commencement of the Celebration of Dan’s Life at 8:00 p.m. Donations in memory of Dan to the Erie Shores Hospice would be appreciated.
In honor of Dan’s love of sports, please feel free to wear your favorite sporting apparel.
Facebook Live link: https://fb.me/e/3yItXYe8l

Carl James Isaac

Carl was born in Forest ON in 1935, son of Harvey & Gertrude Isaac of Forest ON,.  He leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Patricia Isaac, (nee Griffin) along with daughter’s Kim Teeple (Carl) Susan Frankfurth (Dale) & Carla Reaume, along with 9 grandchildren, Amy, Isaac, Kristen, Jennifer, Nicole, Cody, Jeff, Kayla & Kristy and 16 great grandchildren. Others in his life, include step-father George Haley, sister Erma Petroski (deceased), brothers Jerry & Bob Haley.
Many will remember Carl as the owner of the Isaac Foodtown in Comber, for 30 + years, having learned the business in his early days in Sarnia. Those close to him will reflect on his unwavering love and commitment to Pat during her health
struggles over the years. Family will remember his generosity, humility and availability. He served as a volunteer firefighter in the village of Comber. For many years, he and the family enjoyed the Hillsborough cottage on Lake Huron he built as a young man.
Carl’s life had a significant transformation as a young husband and father in his late 20’s, as he came to faith in Christ and started to grow in this new journey. He served faithfully in various churches over the years and never wavered in his
faith. That relationship shaped him into the generous, loving, giving person he was, which was most evident in his care for Pat. His impact and life will be missed by many.