February 23, 1933-December 13, 2024

We mourn the loss of one our WECSSO founding members, Jack Westlake. Our Condolences go out to the Westlake Family and friends.

Morrie Gallagher died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on January 13, 2025.

He was beloved husband to Joan, and loving father to Colleen of Windsor, Beth (James) of Waterloo, Matt (Cornelia) of Toronto and John (Effy), of Halifax. He was the proud grandfather to Liam, Elizabeth, Sophie, Miranda, William, Isabella and Audrey.

He attended Corpus Christi High School, now F.J. Brennan Catholic School, where he would return to teach and coach in 1965. His years coaching football and track and field at Brennan alongside his dear friends, the late Jim Hoffman and Al McNamara were among his fondest professional memories. It is a comfort to know – win or lose – that Morrie will be with “Jay Hoff” and Al.

After 34 years of teaching in Windsor, which included time at Assumption Catholic High School, Morrie retired in 1993 to help grow Loyola Academy in Detroit. His dedication to the new school went well beyond coaching, with Morrie earning his school bus licence to drive Loyola’s teams to tournaments. In his “retirement” he continued coaching other high school teams and supporting former students, who themselves had become coaches, with scouting reports, game tips but most of all advice on how to bring out the best in every player.

More information can be found by clicking on the link below.

https://windsorchapel.com/tribute/details/13419/Morgan-Gallagher/obituary.html

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.

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 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.

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.

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.