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

David BrockbankDave passed away peacefully on March 9, 2023 after happily celebrating his 88th birthday on March 6. Dear husband of Patricia (Totten) for 50 years. One of Dave’s greatest joys was spending time with his blended family of whom he was so very proud. Father of Michael (Colleen) Brockbank, Susan (Brent) Ashton, Lisa Brockbank (Ron McGeough), Leslie (Mike) Byrne, Stephen (Karen) Fields, Chris (Angie) Fields and Ian (Nancy) Brockbank. Grandfather of Anthony, Patrick, Taylor, Carter, Flynn, Ellis, Madeline, Graham, Lauren, Evan, Jordan, Peyton, Taylor, Neve and Samuel. Great-grandfather of Charlotte and Melanie. Predeceased by parents Thomas and Beatrice Brockbank, siblings Harry, Marion, Joyce, Bobbie and Kendall. Survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Josie Brockbank, Bill and Ida Totten and Dennis and Suzanne Totten. Dave had many memories from his career in Labour Relations at Chrysler Canada, and enjoyed saying he “beat the system”, having been retired for 34 years. He loved his sports and continued to play volleyball and baseball well into his senior years. He enjoyed watching curling on TV with Pat and having a beer while watching football with his sons. He will be remembered by his words of wisdom and signature phrases, so often shared with his children and grandchildren. He was peaceful and content knowing he had lived a great life. Upon Dave’s wishes he has been cremated. A celebration of a life well lived will be held with the family at a later date. Thank you to Dr. Tremblay, Dr. Wasserman and the nurses on the 5th floor at Windsor Regional Ouellette Campus. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.simplechoicecremation.ca. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Dad’s favourites…Good Fellows, Salvation Army or Hiatus House.

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.

25th Day of Remembrance

We are having our 25th Memorial Day of Remembrance this coming Saturday, August 26th in Dieppe Park at the foot of Ouellette Avenue and Riverside Drive, at 10:00am (rain or shine).. We will be remembering 9 Ball Players in a memorial service and a dedication of their life by placing a stone (brick) in their honour.  Our Past President, Bob Parent chairs this event and over the past 27 years we have honoured over 100 members that have been part of our organization.  This is a beautiful ceremony and I would encourage you to attend, if possible, to support the families of your fellow slo-pitch players. 
 
 

Linda Decaire (nee Fairbrother)

We were saddened to hear of the loss of Linda Decaire, wife of Bernie Decaire, our First Aid Coordinator.

Linda DecaireDECAIRE, Linda (nee Fairbrother)
Born on June 15, 1945 and passed away peacefully on January 13, 2021 following a courageous battle with cancer with her loving husband, Bernie, by her side. Loving mother of Cara Weese. Dear grandmother to Nicola (Brett), Daniel, Kirsten and great-grandmother to Gage. Predeceased by parents Lawrence and Ruth Fairbrother. Linda will also be missed by best friends Shelley, Gerry and Kym Forster. Linda was a former employee of The Windsor Star and was an active volunteer with Alhambra (Algarva Caravan #168). Visiting will be held at Melady Funeral Home (572 Notre Dame St. Belle River 519-728-1500) on Friday, January 15, 2021 from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Please note that the Government of Ontario and the BAO mandates that reservations and masks or face coverings are required to attend the visitation. A private family service will be held. In kindness, memorial donations to Alhambra, Algarva Caravan #168 would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.meladyfuneral.ca

OCHS, Phil

Passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at the age of 75, surrounded by his loved ones. Beloved husband of Diane (nee McCready), loving father to daughters Julie Bastien (Jeff), Katherine Lessard (Brad). Cherished papa to granddaughter Taylor and step-grandchildren Jen (Mike) and Dion. Phil was the son of the late Katharina and Jakob Ochs, and dear brother to Jack (Mary Jane) and John, both of Windsor. Phil was also brother-in-law to Doug and Mary Lynn McCready of Richmond Hill. Phil was a loving and respected uncle of Shelley, Dave, Bryan, Mark, Trevor, Sterling and Heather. Many cousins mourn his loss in Canada, the United States and Germany. Phil was a proud member of First Lutheran Church Windsor, and was a founding member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Amherstburg, serving both congregations as president and in many other capacities, but most importantly, Phil was a member of the family of God. Phil influenced a great many young people during a 30-year career as a teacher, librarian and coach at Malden Central Public School and Colchester North Public School. His retirement was filled to overflowing with activities he loved – sports, volunteering, travelling, music, family and friends – both in Windsor and in Florida. Phil loved playing ball (both baseball and volleyball) and being a part of the WECSSO organization for 20 years. He was a dedicated WECSSO Executive member, having served on the Marketing Committee, Charity Committee and their Annual Remembrance Memorial Committee. He played in the Blue Division and served as a manager for a number of years. Phil was an avid photographer, and could always be found with a camera in hand – he was very talented. Phil also loved spending time volunteering at the Mission Thrift Store because he wanted to spread God’s love to everyone. Phil was a genuine, caring and sincere person whose friendship was treasured by many. The family would like to genuinely thank all those who helped care for Phil in his courageous fight with cancer – Paramed (especially Tanya Shaw), the LHIN, and the Windsor Regional Cancer Center. Visitation will be held at Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
895 Ouellette Avenue
on Friday, October 2, 2020 from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. MASKS ARE REQUIRED. RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE TO ATTEND VISITATION by calling 519-254-3223 between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A Private Service will be held at First Lutheran Church Windsor followed by the interment at Victoria Memorial Gardens. Donations can be made to the Canadian Lutheran World Relief Organization, Windsor Regional Cancer Center or The Mission Thrift Store. www.andersonfuneralhomewindsor.com