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.

Ronald Tousignant

Ronald TousignantWe 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

David CHAPMANIt is with great sadness we announce the passing of David Chapman on November 29, 2022. Beloved husband to Shirley of 53 years. Loving father to Derek (Brenda) and Trevor (Elaine). Caring grandpa to August, Dakota, Lauren, and Tara. Survived by his sister, Brenda Palanacki. Predeceased by sister Diane and brother Garry. David will also be missed by many more family and friends. Funeral arrangements entrusted in Victoria Greenlawn Funeral Home. As per David’s wishes cremation has taken place, a memorial service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Goodfellows would be greatly appreciated by the family.

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.